Tuesday, 16 June 2026
Operation Mincemeat UK Tour Review: The Five Star Musical That Is Every Bit as Brilliant Beyond the West End
A joyous, hilarious and heartfelt triumph
Operation Mincemeat (Tour) | Woking Theatre | ★★★★★
Some shows become hits because they're spectacular. Others become hits because they have one unforgettable song or a big star attached to them. Then there's Operation Mincemeat, a show that has become one of the UK's biggest success stories simply because it's brilliantly written, wonderfully performed, and absolutely bursting with heart.
Having previously fallen in love with it in the West End, I was curious to see whether its magic would translate to a touring production. After all, some shows are so intrinsically linked to their original theatre that they lose something when they move elsewhere. I'm delighted to say that isn't the case here at all. If anything, Operation Mincemeat proves just how strong it is as a piece of theatre because it works absolutely anywhere.
Based on the astonishing true story of one of Britain's most audacious wartime missions, the musical follows a group of intelligence officers during World War II who hatch an extraordinary plan to deceive Hitler and change the course of history. Their idea is simple in theory but wildly bizarre in execution. Create an entirely fictional identity for a dead man and convince the enemy that the Allies intend to invade Greece rather than Sicily.
It sounds ridiculous because, frankly, it is. That's exactly what makes it so entertaining. The beauty of Operation Mincemeat is that it never forgets how absurd the story itself is, allowing the audience to laugh alongside the characters rather than simply learning a history lesson. Yet equally, it never makes light of the real stakes involved. That balance between humour and sincerity is where the show truly excels. One moment you're crying with laughter, and the next you're unexpectedly emotional. Very few musicals can pivot between those two extremes without creating tonal whiplash, but this one does it effortlessly.
The touring cast is phenomenal. Every performer has an enormous job to do, playing multiple roles and switching characters in the blink of an eye. Christian Andrews, Seán Carey, Charlotte Hanna-Williams, Holly Sumpton, and Jamie-Rose Monk are all exceptional, throwing themselves into every scene with incredible energy, commitment and precision. The chemistry between the company is infectious and that sense of camaraderie radiates throughout the theatre. You never feel like you're watching actors simply perform a show. You feel like you're watching a team of people having enormous fun telling a story they genuinely adore. That enthusiasm is impossible not to catch.
The staging is another reminder that theatre doesn't need huge moving sets or endless technical wizardry to make an impact. There is exactly the right amount of everything. The set (Ben Stones) pieces are simple but clever, allowing locations to transform effortlessly while keeping the focus firmly on the story. The costumes are equally ingenious, with tiny additions that instantly create entirely new characters, and the lighting (Mark Henderson) brilliantly supports every moment. The performances never compete with the design, the design never competes with the music, and the music never overwhelms the emotion.
Everything exists in perfect harmony.
The songs themselves are fantastic. Sharp, witty and endlessly inventive, they're packed with clever lyrics and genuine earworms, but they also know exactly when to pull back and let emotion take centre stage. It's impossible not to appreciate just how meticulously crafted every aspect of the show is. Even if you already know the true story, the pacing keeps you fully invested. If you don't know the outcome, it's even more thrilling.
Perhaps what I love most about Operation Mincemeat, though, is that underneath all of the jokes, quick changes and catchy songs, there's a huge amount of heart. It's a show about teamwork. About creativity. About ordinary people doing extraordinary things. About finding unconventional solutions when all hope feels lost. At a time when the world can often feel heavy, there's something incredibly uplifting about that message.
There's also something rather wonderful about the journey this musical itself has been on. From its small beginnings to becoming an Olivier Award-winning sensation, Broadway export and now a hugely successful tour, Operation Mincemeat has become one of British theatre's greatest modern success stories. And it deserves every second of it.
Joyous, witty, energetic, clever and completely unique, this is one of those productions that reminds you exactly why live theatre is so special. Some musicals entertain you for an evening. Operation Mincemeat stays with you long after you've left the theatre. Five stars simply isn't enough.
Tuesday, 28 April 2026
Mean Girls The Musical Tour Review: A Fetch, Funny and Fierce Touring Triumph
A Fantastically Fetch Touring Production
Mean Girls (Tour) | Woking Theatre | ★★★★
Ever since Mean Girls made the leap from screen to stage, it has felt like a musical destined to evolve. From its Broadway beginnings at the August Wilson Theatre to its glossy West End run at the Savoy Theatre, the show has constantly refined itself. Now out on tour, it proves that North Shore High travels extremely well.
Touring productions sometimes feel like scaled-down versions of the real thing, but Mean Girls makes the transition feel surprisingly natural. The changes introduced since the original Broadway production remain firmly in place and continue to work brilliantly. The storytelling feels tighter, the comedy sharper, and the pacing keeps everything moving at exactly the right speed. While this version is slightly less glitzy than the West End production, with fewer big dance breaks and a little less visual sparkle, it never feels lacking. Instead, it leans into character and ensemble storytelling, which turns out to be one of its greatest strengths.
It is often the smallest details that make this production shine. One of my favourite running touches is the way members of the ensemble slowly begin adopting Karen’s signature style throughout the show. It is subtle, silly, and completely in keeping with the world of the musical. There are also constant interactions happening across the stage, little reactions, shared looks, and background moments that make the school feel alive rather than staged. You get the sense that every performer has built a fully realised student at North Shore.
The ensemble deserves huge praise. They bring relentless energy from start to finish and commit fully to every number. Even transitional scenes feel vibrant because the company never lets the momentum drop. Their enthusiasm is infectious and gives the show a joyful heartbeat.
Not every joke lands perfectly. There are still a handful of lines that make you cringe slightly, but honestly, that awkwardness feels very Mean Girls. The humour has always lived somewhere between clever satire and teenage chaos, and those occasional groan-worthy jokes somehow add to the charm rather than detract from it. The show knows exactly what it is, and it embraces that with confidence.
At the heart of this story is Emily Lane as Cady Heron, guiding the show fantastically with a performance full of warmth and sincerity. She brings a wonderfully bubbly infectiousness to Cady, making her journey feel genuinely heartfelt rather than naive. Her vocals are beautifully clear and assured, anchoring the production emotionally while matching the show’s high-energy comedy beat for beat. Across the entire company, the vocal standard is astonishing. This really is a 10/10 cast who serve some of the most outstandingly effortless, consistent and healthy belting you could hope to hear, creating a sound that feels powerful yet completely sustainable night after night.
Leading The Plastics is Vivian Panka as Regina George, and she is phenomenal. Her effortless belt is astonishing to witness live, soaring through the theatre with ease. What really impresses, though, is her control. She glides around the stage with quiet authority, conveying Regina’s icy judgment through the smallest facial expressions. A glance or slight curl of the lip says more than any line ever could.
Fresh from playing Andie Sacks in The Devil Wears Prada, Georgie Buckland steps into Janis like it was written especially for her. Her vocals are faultless, but it is her character work that really stands out. She balances humour with vulnerability beautifully, giving us a Janis who is funny, bitter, insecure, fiercely loyal and completely human. It is a layered and deeply engaging performance.
As Damian, Max Gill radiates joy. They use every second of stage time to its fullest potential, adding warmth and playful energy that lifts every scene they're in. Their presence brings lightness to the show and creates some of its biggest laughs.
Rounding out The Plastics, Kiara Dario is utterly charming as Gretchen, capturing both her desperation to belong and her comic panic perfectly, and Sophie Pourret delivers a Karen who is as adorably clueless as you could possibly hope for. She is sweet, dozy, and completely lovable. Duh.
It is remarkable to think how the original Mean Girls has grown into a stage musical with its own identity and legacy. What began as a cult teen comedy has become a theatrical comfort show for many audiences, constantly adapting while keeping its sharp humour intact.
This touring version might not have quite the same level of sparkle as the West End production, but it captures the heart of Mean Girls beautifully. It is funny, energetic, occasionally chaotic, and full of personality.
It is definitely a marmite show. Some people will never quite click with its heightened style or unapologetic teen humour. Personally, I am firmly on the loving side. This production is fetch, funny, and packed with talent, and I would absolutely recommend grabbing a seat at North Shore High while you can!
Tuesday, 21 April 2026
A Slice of Comfort: Why Waitress on Tour Still Feels Like Coming Home
A Sweet, Emotional and Vocally Stunning ReturnWaitress (Tour) | Woking Theatre | ★★★★
A Sweet, Emotional and Vocally Stunning Return
Ten years after first opening up, Waitress remains one of the most quietly revolutionary musicals of the modern era. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the current UK tour (currently playing at Working Theatre before continuing across the country) proves that this show hasn’t simply endured; it has deepened, matured, and somehow become even more nourishing.
Seeing Waitress again feels less like revisiting a hit musical and more like returning to a favourite café where the staff remember your order and the pie is always warm.
Based on the film of the same name, Waitress tells the story of Jenna Hunterson, a gifted pie maker trapped in an unhappy marriage and an unexpected pregnancy. Dreaming of escape, she pours her emotions into baking, crafting pies that become emotional diary entries disguised as desserts.
The musical, featuring music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, walks a delicate line between romantic comedy, small-town drama, and personal awakening. Yes, there are questionable ethical choices along the way- particularly Jenna’s complicated relationship with her doctor- but and the show never pretends that decisions are simple or entirely admirable. That moral messiness is part of what makes Waitress resonate. Life isn’t tidy. Healing rarely arrives wrapped in perfect decisions. Beneath the imperfect choices lies a deeply human story about reclaiming agency, rediscovering self-worth, and learning that kindness, especially toward yourself, can be revolutionary. Ultimately, it’s a heartwarming tale. One that earns its emotional payoff honestly.
At the centre of the production is Carrie Hope Fletcher as Jenna, delivering a performance that beautifully balances personality, humour, and raw vulnerability. Jenna lives in contradiction, moving between warmth and emotional detachment and Fletcher leans fully into those complexities. One of the most exciting aspects of Waitress is seeing how different performers interpret Jenna, and Fletcher’s portrayal stands out for the way she approaches Jenna’s pregnancy. Rather than playing immediate maternal sentimentality, her Jenna begins from a place of emotional indifference, even quiet resentment. It’s a bold and refreshingly honest choice that makes the character’s journey feel incredibly impactful. As Jenna slowly reconnects with hope and agency, the emotional shift lands with genuine weight. Fletcher allows us to watch a woman rediscover herself in real time, and the result is deeply moving without ever becoming overly sentimental.
Returning to the role of Dawn, Evelyn Hoskins is sheer delight. Her performance is packed with charm, precision comedy, and heartfelt awkwardness. Dawn’s social anxieties and earnest optimism are played with affectionate detail, never reducing her to caricature. Opposite her, Mark Anderson as Ogie proves comedic gold. Together, the pair achieve impeccable timing; their scenes erupt with laughter while remaining irresistibly sincere. Their relationship becomes one of the musical’s purest sources of joy. Eccentric, wholesome, and utterly lovable.
As Becky, Sandra Marvin delivers powerhouse presence. She grounds the show with warmth, wit, and emotional honesty, bringing both humour and lived experience to the role. Becky’s resilience and no-nonsense compassion shine through every interaction, making her both hilarious and quietly profound.
Dan Partridge captures Dr Pomatter’s sincerity and endearing bumbliness perfectly. His portrayal avoids cliché, instead presenting a man who is awkward, emotionally open, and entirely believable. Crucially, Partridge shares an effortless, natural chemistry with Fletcher’s Jenna. Their scenes feel spontaneous and human, which helps the show navigate its ethically complicated romance with empathy rather than judgement.
On the darker end of Jenna’s world, Mark Willshire gives a chilling performance as Earl. Rather than leaning into overt villainy, Willshire builds the character through unsettling subtleties- small physical movements, twitchy gestures, and shifts in tone that reveal Earl’s manipulative nature. His portrayal captures the reality of emotional abuse with uncomfortable accuracy, making Jenna’s longing for escape all the more urgent.
Meanwhile, Dan O'Brien shines as Cal, bringing surprising depth to a role that could easily become one-note. His gruff exterior slowly gives way to warmth and humour, adding another layer of humanity to the diner’s ecosystem.
The diner trio -Jenna, Becky, and Dawn- provide some of the evening’s most grounding emotional moments. Their camaraderie embodies the show’s wholesome core: women supporting one another not through grand speeches or theatrical declarations, but through everyday loyalty, teasing humour, and shared survival.
There is an ease between Fletcher, Marvin, and Hoskins that makes their friendship feel entirely authentic. You believe these women have worked side by side for years, carrying each other through heartbreaks, bad shifts, and small victories. Their scenes offer comfort as much as comedy, reminding us that sometimes community is the real love story.
Even beyond the central characters, the production excels in its attention to ensemble storytelling. Every secondary role feels thoughtfully realised, from fleeting diner customers to background interactions that quietly enrich the world of the show. No performer feels incidental; each contributes to a town that feels specific, affectionate, and recognisably human.
It’s this collective commitment that makes the touring production so effective. Rather than relying solely on star power, the company builds a living, breathing community; one that audiences are invited into from the moment the lights rise.
Every time I see Waitress, I’m struck anew by how Jenna’s emotional world is physically expressed onstage. Through clever stagecraft, her environment subtly grows larger or smaller depending on who she’s with. Moments of confinement tighten the space around her, while scenes of possibility quite literally open the world up. The attention to detail extends everywhere: the comforting glow of the diner, the tactile realism of the kitchen, and the seamless transitions that keep the story moving like a perfectly timed recipe. The staging never overwhelms the narrative; instead, it quietly mirrors Jenna’s inner life.
Bareilles’ score remains one of contemporary musical theatre’s finest achievements. Songs unfold like conversations rather than showstoppers, allowing audiences to slip into Jenna’s thoughts rather than watch them from afar. Numbers arrive exactly when emotions can no longer stay unspoken.
The 10th anniversary tour reminds us why Waitress became such a beloved phenomenon in the first place. It’s funny without cruelty, romantic without fantasy, hopeful without denying hardship and as sweet as pie in all the best ways.
Yes, the story contains morally complicated relationships. Yes, its characters make imperfect choices. But beneath everything lies a message that continues to resonate: people deserve second chances, especially the chance to choose themselves.
In an era of spectacle-driven musicals, Waitress remains disarmingly sincere. It doesn’t shout for attention; it invites you in, offers you something warm, and leaves you feeling just a little more hopeful than when you arrived.
Friday, 14 November 2025
Wicked Book Club 2025 Guide: Every New Wicked Book Release and Gift Idea for Oz Fans
All the Book Releases to Dive into Alongside Wicked: For Good
Wicked- Special 30th Anniversary Edition by Gregory Maguire
Elphie: A Wicked Childhood (2025)
Wicked: The Ultimate Pop‑Up Book
Wicked: The Faces & Places of Oz
Wicked: The Complete Screenplay
Paper Magic: Wicked – 160 Tear‑Off Pages for Writing, Crafting, and Sharing
Mary Man-Kong’s Wicked Children’s Books
Quotes of Grandiosity
Wicked For Good: The Illustrated Lyrics
A stunning full colour book that brings the lyrics of the film to life through new illustrations inspired by Oz. This edition is ideal for musical lovers who want a beautiful keepsake for their shelves.Wicked: The Illustrated Lyrics – Defying Gravity and For Good
A companion edition that focuses exclusively on two of the most beloved songs in musical theatre history. With lush artwork and annotated lyrics, this slim volume makes a perfect stocking filler or gift for fans who hold these songs close to their hearts.Wicked Tarot Deck and Guidebook
Wicked: For Good – Illustrated Lyrics Edition
Wicked: Deluxe Paper Dolls
Full Cast Announced for 2026 UK Tour of 2:22 A Ghost Story
Full Cast Announced for the 2026 UK Tour of 2:22 A Ghost Story
A Modern Thriller That Continues to Grow
Wednesday, 12 November 2025
Keala Settle to Lead Re Imagined Mrs. President at Charing Cross Theatre
Keala Settle to Star in Mrs. President at Charing Cross Theatre
A Re Imagined Vision for a New Era
Tuesday, 11 November 2025
Sharon Sexton and Rob Fowler Announce New Album “Then Our Eyes Met”
West End Duo Sharon Sexton and Rob Fowler Announce New Album “Then Our Eyes Met”
A Love Story Told Through Song
“This album really captures the essence of our journey – both as artists and as a couple,” said Sexton. “These songs were penned in dressing rooms, on the beach, and everywhere in between.” Fowler added, “It’s deeply personal, but music is universal. We hope listeners find their own stories in these songs.”
Official London Theatre New Year Sale 2026- West End Tickets from £10
Official London Theatre Launches 2026 New Year Sale
Huge Range of Musicals and Plays on Offer
Rosie the Musical to Premiere at the Adelphi Theatre- Lucy Thomas Stars in West End Debut
Rosie- A New Musical to Premiere in London’s West End
A Story of Dreams, Scandal and Determination
Monday, 10 November 2025
Theatre Ninja Launches App to Find Best West End Theatre Tickets
Theatre Ninja Expands with Innovative Ticketing App
Find the Best West End Seats for Less
"We're a new company built by people who are aware of the current cost of living crisis and perceptions that there are no affordable tickets. We designed our website to help users easily find top shows at the right prices."
The app has two main features:
Beautiful Little Fool 2026: David Hunter Leads World Premiere Musical
Exploring the Lives of Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald
“David brings such heart, warmth and musical intelligence to everything he does, and he’s a wonderful fit for the role of F. Scott. As the concept album continues to find new listeners around the world, we can’t wait to bring this extraordinary story to life on stage in January.”
Gravity UK Tour 2026: Kerry Ellis, Louise Dearman, and Rachel Tucker Live
West End Legends Kerry Ellis, Louise Dearman, and Rachel Tucker Bring Gravity to UK Stages
A Celebration of Iconic Musical Theatre Talent
"This show is just epic. One of the first proper things I did in my career was the ensemble of The Wizard of Oz where I played so many different roles. I think that's where I realised how much I enjoy being part of a team and that's exactly what I love about Gravity."
"Being with Kerry and Rachel is honestly wonderful because there's no competition. We've always supported one another and we're constantly cheering each other on. I’ve never felt more comfortable on stage than I do when I’m with my friends."
"Gravity is a collection of songs that have genuinely shaped us - past, present and hopefully future. We’ve chosen music that inspires us and that we truly love performing together."
Tour Dates:
Friday, 7 November 2025
David Tennant and Caissie Levy Lead New National Theatre at Home Season
A Powerful Lineup Streaming Worldwide
Sam Ryder to Lead Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium in 2026
A New Superstar Shines Over the West End
Sam Ryder’s West End Debut
“I’m so excited to be part of one of the biggest institutions in musical theatre the world’s ever known, at The London Palladium in the West End! I'm honoured to take on this responsibility as I follow in the footsteps of rock vocal titans like Ian Gillan and John Farnham. I can't wait to immerse myself in the world of Jesus Christ Superstar in 2026.”
“It is thrilling to be bringing this astounding creative team from the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre production back together, and I am excited to see them create Jesus Christ Superstar specially for The London Palladium. In Sam we have a true superstar to play the iconic title role.”
A Legendary Musical Reborn
Jersey Boys 20th Anniversary UK & Ireland Tour Announced | The Hit Musical Returns
The Boys Are Back on Tour
A Musical Legacy That Changed Theatre
“We are thrilled for JERSEY BOYS to return to the road across the United Kingdom and Ireland. When the show first opened on Broadway 20 years ago, little did we know the story of these four blue-collar kids from the wrong side of the tracks would resonate across the UK. We are so grateful to work our way back to you and celebrate 20 years of, as Frankie says, chasing the music, trying to get home.”
Thursday, 6 November 2025
Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man Returns for a UK Tour in 2026 | New Adventures
A New Adventures Classic Returns to the Stage
A Dance Thriller That Redefined British Theatre
“I never dreamed when we created this show at the beginning of the new millennium that it would still be around, thrilling audiences, 25 years later! Inspired by vintage movie film noir classics, it holds a unique and special place in the New Adventures repertory as the only piece based on an opera and possibly the first ballet to feature a bi-sexual anti-hero! I’m particularly happy that we are taking the show ‘on the road’ again after more than 10 years and I can’t wait to re-visit the hot and steamy town of Harmony USA – the best place to be next Summer!”
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