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Artistic Director Sharon Willems talks premature closure of Arches Lane Theatre: “Culture and community can’t just be marketing talking points”
Despite last year’s takeover and its intent to breathe new life into the venue, the Arches Lane Theatre- formerly known as The Turbine -will go permanently dark at the end of the month following a unilateral termination by the development company. Guillermo Nazara chats with the woman behind the space’s latest iteration about the local…
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Writers and performers Jordan Li-Smith and Ayesha Patel talk upcoming musical comedy ‘Rope Drop’: “As adults, we don’t always give ourselves permission to play, be silly or get excited about things”
The happiest place on earth travels to the London stage through this musical tribute celebrating its attractions, shows, and the memories that have turned millions of guests into lifelong fans. Guillermo Nazara chats with the creative team about the piece’s development and the ride it will take audiences on. How does it feel to be…
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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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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 ‘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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Review of ‘Redcliffe’: “Promising gay romance caves in to shallow execution”
These are the words of someone who had his whole childhood and adolescence ruined by overwhelming homophobia. And yet, I’m grateful. For the fact that, despite the progress that still needs to be made, I can live truthfully and away from the pain others inflicted on me. It’s not been easy. It never is. And…
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Review of ‘Dark of the Moon’: “Wizard-themed musical is far from bewitching”
It doesn’t matter if the protagonist has magical powers. This show simply doesn’t do the trick. There’s nothing charming about it. And there’s not enough sorcery in this world to erase the boredom, disappointment, and ultimate despair audiences are put through in Dark of the Moon, a new musical based on the 1940s play by…
