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Review of ‘CATS’ (2026, Regent’s Open Air Theatre): “Impurrfect production passes by a whisker”
Let’s be honest — this musical has never been a masterpiece. If you think my claws are showing, I will clarify that I do think there’s an element of genius to it. But that doesn’t make it flawless. Or great. Yet, there is a reason why Andrew Lloyd Webber’s feline-driven folly became the cultural phenomenon…
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Tyrone Huntley talks West End revival of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’: “I never think of Judas as the villain of the story”
Following the original Regent’s Park’s Open Theatre run and its subsequent Barbican transfer, the actor returns to his role as Judas for the first time in seven years, joining the production’s first incursion into the West End. Guillermo Nazara chats with the performer about his take on the role, as he asks ‘what’s the buzz?’…
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Review of ‘I’m Every Woman’: “Chaka Khan musical bio’s got the love, but it doesn’t put a spell on anyone”
Her life is nearly as iconic as her artistic legacy. But if there’s something recent jukebox musicals have taught us, it is that good dramaturgy is no longer relevant — no matter how painfully boring the recount may become. It is baffling, to put it mildly. How can such a dramatically promising premise devolve into…
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Review of ‘Trainspotting, The Musical’: “H-themed show appropriately scores below an F”
Ignore the negativity. It’s probably sugarcoated. Nothing you have heard or read can prepare you for this show’s deplorable quality. And that concerns every single aspect of it. If you value your time and, most importantly, your well-being, I must urge you not to watch it. It is that bad. You won’t be touched —…
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Luke Baker talks 20th-anniversary production of ‘Jersey Boys’: “I’m sure a few actors have blown out their voices playing Frankie Valli”
One of the most awarded jukebox musicals of all time returns to the UK in an extensive tour honouring the original production, which will be running for all four seasons until August next year. Guillermo Nazara chats with the show’s star to learn more about his portrayal and what a night audiences are likely to…
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Review of ‘Shanay Holmes In Concert’: “Heartfelt performance is remarkably pulsating”
She knows how to shine. And for the most part, that’s all she did. There are many things to praise about Shanay Holmes’s last week’s solo performance at the Cadogan Hall, whose hit-studded repertoire and overall excellent execution were received with a well-deserved standing ovation. From hopeful Disney Princess solos to swanky Bob Marley anthems,…
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Review of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ (2026, West End): “London Palladium is blessed with a heavenly production, but Sam Ryder is far from divine”
We’ve come a long way since Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s third collaboration became the cultural phenomenon that took the 70s by storm and almost single-handedly defined a whole generation. Its progressive rock score and unfiltered lyrics perfectly encapsulated the essence of the era — a time that advocated for change, nonconformism, and the…
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Review of ‘The Ballad of Johnny & June”: “Jukebox bio flashes the Great Cash, but it’s flatter than a Tennessee top box”
If you enjoyed the world-renowned musical biography about the rise and fall of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, I suggest you stick to it and avoid this one at all costs. Regardless of its “from the director of” slogan, which I’m sure will put a few extra bums on the seats, this isn’t even…
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Melissa Errico talks upcoming London concert: “I hope I’ll never be done growing and changing with Michel Legrand”
Following her performances at Crazy Coqs and the Cadogan Hall, the Broadway actress returns to London’s cabaret scene with a debut concert at Ronnie Scott’s, which will honour the oeuvre of the renowned composer and long-time collaborator, Michel Legrand. Guillermo Nazara chats with the artist to learn more about this unique event and why every…
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Review of Fantasia Orchestra’s ‘From Mahler to Manhattan’: “Tribute to golden classics shines with its own gilt”
It’s hard to describe beauty when it transcends words. And that’s the ongoing struggle that, as a critic, I often face when reviewing a classical music concert — especially when there’s so much brilliance in it. As my second encounter with the young but fast-growing Fantasia Orchestra, my expectations for high quality were reasonably cemented.…
