Posts with the label concerts
Showing posts with label concerts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label concerts. Show all posts
Friday, 17 October 2025
Jo- The Little Women Musical in Concert to Premiere at Theatre Royal Drury Lane
A beloved literary classic is heading to the West End. Jo- The Little Women Musical in Concert will receive its world premiere at London’s historic Theatre Royal Drury Lane, promising a spellbinding evening that celebrates sisterhood, ambition, and the enduring power of storytelling.
Inspired by Louisa May Alcott’s timeless novel Little Women, this semi-staged concert brings Jo March and her family to life through an emotional and beautifully orchestrated new musical score. With music by Dan Redfeld and book and lyrics by Christina Harding and John Gabriel Koladziej, the production is directed and choreographed by JoAnn M. Hunter, whose extensive Broadway credits include Bad Cinderella and School of Rock.
The initial casting announcement has theatre fans buzzing. Grammy nominee Christine Allado (Hamilton) will star as Jo March, joined by two-time Tony Award winner Christine Ebersole (42nd Street) as Aunt March. West End favourite Kelly Mathieson (The Phantom of the Opera) joins as Meg, with Sophie Pollono, Eleanor Grant and Tobias Turley completing the March family ensemble.
The musical follows the release of the critically acclaimed studio album, recorded at Abbey Road Studios and produced by Nigel Wright and Dan Redfeld. Redfeld said:
“Following the amazing response to the album, we’re thrilled to finally bring this magical musical to life in London.”
Theatre Royal Drury Lane, lovingly restored by Andrew Lloyd Webber, provides the perfect home for this new West End concert event. Fans can expect an unforgettable night of soaring vocals, emotional storytelling and a celebration of one of literature’s most cherished heroines.
Wednesday, 8 October 2025
Les Misérables Arena Concert Spectacular Announces New 2026 Dates in Dublin, Birmingham, London & New York
As the iconic London production of Les Misérables celebrates its 40th Anniversary tonight with a special Gala Performance at the Sondheim Theatre, producer Cameron Mackintosh, in association with Nick Grace Management, has announced exciting new tour dates for Boublil and Schönberg’s Les Misérables- The Arena Concert Spectacular.
Following a record-breaking global run, the Les Misérables Arena Tour will play at some of the world’s most prestigious venues in 2026, including:
3Arena, Dublin: Friday 29 May to Saturday 6 June 2026
Utilita Arena, Birmingham: Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 June 2026
Royal Albert Hall, London: Thursday 18 to Sunday 21 June 2026
Radio City Music Hall, New York: Thursday 23 July to Sunday 2 August 2026
Fans can sign up now at worldtour.lesmis.com for exclusive presale access starting Monday 20 October 2025.
Since the world tour opened in Belfast in September 2024, Les Misérables Arena Tour has sold over one million tickets worldwide, captivating audiences across 30 cities and 25 countries. These newly announced performances will mark the culmination of Les Misérables’ 40th Anniversary celebrations, honouring the world’s longest-running musical.
The London production has just entered its 41st year at the Sondheim Theatre, while Les Misérables was last seen on Broadway in 2016. Full casting announcements for the 2026 tour dates will be revealed soon.
Producer Cameron Mackintosh shared:
The Arena Concert Spectacular, which I put together as a World Tour to celebrate the incredible 40th year of Les Mis continuously running in London, has been a success beyond my wildest dreams, attracting capacity crowds around the world since it opened over a year ago - even in countries where the full stage production has never yet played.The Arena Tour has already sold over a million tickets, and the rapturous reception has been the same for over 300 performances in 30 cities across 25 countries around the globe wherever MIZ ROCKS is playing. Continuing what will have been an almost two-year record-breaking run, I am thrilled to announce that in 2026 we will be bringing home this iconic event to Dublin and Birmingham before it plays two of the World’s most iconic music venues – the Royal Albert Hall in London in June and Radio City Music Hall in New York in July.We haven’t played the Royal Albert Hall since the show’s legendary 10th Anniversary Concert (which has just been remastered and released on vinyl for the first time) and in New York, Les Misérables has not been seen for almost a decade since we closed our third triumphant run on Broadway. Even our return to Dublin, to the 3Arena (formerly the legendary Point), is full of Les Mis resonance as it is the place where our original Irish star, the great Colm Wilkinson, came home to play Jean Valjean – we hope to have another great Irish star to make the upcoming Dublin engagement equally memorable. We are putting together an incredible array of Les Mis alumni for these engagements and look forward to announcing our cast later in the year.I am especially excited about bringing this Arena production to New York as America is the only major English-speaking country in the world where I have not yet produced the concert. So, I was personally delighted that we were invited to do so by Radio City Music Hall where American audiences can see this spectacular event for the first time.To quote The Times, “Only Les Mis can generate an atmosphere between a rock concert and a football match – a hypnotic and virtuoso production”.Looking forward to seeing you roll up to MIZ ROCKS…. But hurry to avoid having to storm the barricades for a ticket!
With breathtaking staging, state-of-the-art lighting, and a world-class cast and orchestra, Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production delivers Les Misérables on a scale never before seen- an electrifying celebration of one of the greatest musicals of all time.
Photo Credit: Danny Kaan
Keywords: Les Misérables Arena Tour 2026, Les Misérables 40th Anniversary, Cameron Mackintosh, Boublil and Schönberg, Les Misérables Royal Albert Hall, Les Misérables Radio City Music Hall, Les Misérables Dublin 3Arena, Les Misérables Birmingham Utilita Arena, Les Misérables New York 2026, Les Misérables tickets, Les Misérables world tour, Les Misérables concert spectacular, MIZ ROCKS, Les Misérables musical London, Les Misérables tour dates, Les Misérables presale, Les Misérables arena concert
Tuesday, 7 October 2025
Lulu and Wayne Brady Lead To Sir, With Love Musical in the West End
Producers have confirmed the complete cast for the West End premiere of To Sir, With Love- A New Musical, based on E.R. Braithwaite’s acclaimed memoir and the beloved 1967 film starring Sidney Poitier.
The story follows teacher Rick Braithwaite, a Cambridge-educated engineer and former RAF pilot, as he navigates the challenges of race, respect, and resilience in an underprivileged London school.
Making her triumphant return to the title song that made her an international star, Lulu will play Dale Evans, joined by five-time Emmy Award winner and Grammy nominee Wayne Brady in his West End musical debut as Rick Braithwaite.
The cast also features Jess Folley, George Maguire, Chelsea Halfpenny, Kara Lane, Michael Vinsen, and newcomer Elijah Millar, alongside a talented youth company from Italia Conti.
Directed by Sheldon Epps, the production features a score by John Farrar and Kara DioGuardi, choreography by Edgar Godineaux, and orchestrations by Joseph Joubert.
To Sir, With Love will play two concert performances at the Gillian Lynne Theatre on 24 November 2025.
Monday, 6 October 2025
Rachel Zegler London Palladium Review: A Luminous 5-Star Concert
Rachel Zegler
London Palladium
I honestly don’t even know where to begin with this review because yesterday’s concert at the London Palladium was nothing short of magical. If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know that my love for Rachel Zegler goes way back, right to 2017, when I stumbled across her cover of Anyway by Kerrigan and Lowdermilk. (I even featured her in a website post at the time.) Since then, I’ve been following her outrageously amazing career from YouTube videos in her bedroom to, well… global stardom. It’s somewhat depressing how little I’ve achieved in that same time while Rachel has basically achieved world domination… but hey, we won’t harp on that hahaha.
What I will harp on about is how utterly luminous she was on that Palladium stage during her debut solo concert. And luminous really is the word.
We all knew Rachel’s voice was spectacular; her run in Evita was proof enough of that (I’m still mourning the show's closing). But this concert felt like a complete vocal masterclass. Her tone is crystal clear, her breath control flawless, and the strength and health of her voice is something to marvel at. Every note rang out like it was the easiest thing in the world, yet full of emotion and nuance. Rachel’s voice doesn’t just sound beautiful, it feels like it’s telling you a story, every single time.
The setlist was an absolute dream. We got theatrical classics like Jason Robert Brown’s I Can Do Better Than That, a stunning duet from Sunday in the Park with George with none other than Ramin Karimloo (Phantom fans rise up), and a heartfelt tribute to her Taylor Swift YouTube cover days with You’re On Your Own, Kid.
She also gifted us with a gorgeous Amy Winehouse/Ariana Grande mashup (Just Friends/we can’t be friends) which was an inspired blend of styles. On top of all that, she introduced two original songs, both of which were glorious, beautifully written, and made it so clear that Rachel isn’t just an interpreter of music, she’s a creator too.
I truly loved all the choices, with tributes to key parts of Rachel’s career and life so far. There were nods to The Hunger Games, to her being a literal Disney princess, to her Broadway debut in Romeo and Juliet, and to the musical theatre legends who have shaped her artistry. It was like watching her personal and professional journey unfold in song. A reminder of just how much she’s done, and how much she loves what she does.
As dazzling as her voice is, what made this concert unforgettable was Rachel herself. Her banter, her humour and her vulnerability; she was so open, joyful, and clearly utterly in love with theatre and music. As long as I've followed and chatted to Rachel, she has always been so incredibly kind and giving, and that same spirit filled the Palladium. You didn’t just see a star performing; you saw a human being sharing herself with the audience, and it was beautiful.
Rachel joked at one point that Javert is a role she’d never get to play but honestly, having watched how she’s manifested the rest of her career, I wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest if it happens someday. She’s unstoppable.
This concert was a testament to everything Rachel Zegler is: luminous, powerful, generous, and truly unique. She is a once-in-a-generation talent, and I have no doubt she will continue to soar and shine (hopefully back on a West End stage in the not too distant future). Until then, I’ll keep cheering her on, as I always have, from that first Anyway cover in 2017 to now. Here's to continued Rachel Zegler world domination!
★★★★★
Reviewed on Sunday 5th October 2025 by Olivia
Photo Credit: Danny Kaan
Monday, 7 July 2025
Sabrina Carpenter at BST Hyde Park Night Two: Pure Pop Joy and Five-Star Fun
Sabrina Carpenter
BST Hyde Park
Sometimes a concert doesn’t just entertain you, it transports you. That’s exactly how it felt watching Sabrina Carpenter at BST Hyde Park (night two). In the best possible way, I was thrown back to a Year 6 disco: glittering pop anthems, dancing with friends, and that carefree joy of singing along at the top of your lungs. It was nostalgic, youthful, and utterly irresistible.; especially after a characteristic British summer thunderstorm tried to thwart and dampen the day!
Sabrina Carpenter has blossomed into a world-class entertainer, and this show proved it beyond doubt. Her vocals were pitch-perfect, her stage presence magnetic, and her ability to connect with the crowd effortless. She knows how to make a massive outdoor stage feel intimate, talking to fans with warmth and humour between songs, before flipping seamlessly back into high-energy performance mode.
The production itself deserves a shoutout. Beyond the slick staging, lights, and choreography, the clever skit videos threaded throughout the night gave the concert a unique theatrical flair. They were playful, funny, and made the whole experience feel more immersive, almost like we were stepping into Sabrina’s glittering pop universe.
What struck me most, though, was the vibe of the whole evening. Hyde Park was buzzing with positive energy, with fans of all ages singing along to songs like "Espresso" and "Feather". There was a real sense of community joy, the kind that only happens when thousands of people come together to share in music that makes them feel good.
By the end of the night, it was clear why Sabrina Carpenter has quickly risen to become one of pop’s most exciting stars. She delivered a show that was polished, heartfelt, and brimming with personality. A five-foot-five-star performance!
★★★★★
Reviewed on Sunday 6th July by Olivia
Photo Credit: Jordan Hughes
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
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Saturday, 5 July 2025
Finneas at BST Hyde Park: Intimate, Effortless, and Full of Heart | Review
Finneas & The Favors
BST Hyde Park
On a festival bill filled with big production and spectacle, Finneas at BST Hyde Park stood out for his quiet confidence and stripped-back artistry. His set was a reminder that sometimes all you need is a guitar, a piano, and a voice to hold a massive crowd in the palm of your hand.
The setlist was a thoughtful mix of songs from his solo work and tracks he’s best known for co-writing. Highlights included "For Cryin' Out Loud" and "The Kids Are All Dying", which showcased his sharp, reflective lyricism, and "Break My Heart Again", performed with aching vulnerability. He also sprinkled in fan favourites like "Till Forever Falls Apart" and "I Lost a Friend", each delivered with a natural ease that made it feel like we were watching a friend play songs for us in his living room, albeit on one of the biggest stages in London.
One of the evening’s most special moments came when Ashe joined him on stage to debut their brand-new collaboration The Favours. The chemistry between the two was effortless, and the crowd knew instantly they were witnessing something unique. It was the kind of surprise that turns a good set into a truly memorable one.
What makes Finneas so compelling as a performer is how relaxed and natural he is on stage. He doesn’t try to overwhelm with spectacle; instead, he wins you over with warmth, wit, and honesty. His vocals were rich and expressive, while his musicianship, moving seamlessly between guitar and piano, gave the set a layered texture without ever feeling overproduced.
In a festival setting where bigger often feels better, Finneas proved that intimacy can be just as powerful. His Hyde Park performance was understated brilliance, a reminder of why he’s not just a Grammy-winning producer and Billie Eilish’s collaborator, but a formidable artist in his own right.
★★★★★
Reviewed on Friday 4th July 2025 by Olivia
Photo Credit: Virginie Viche
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Keywords: Finneas BST Hyde Park review, Finneas live London 2025, Finneas concert setlist 2025, Finneas Ashe The Favours debut, Finneas Break My Heart Again Hyde Park, Finneas UK live review.
Noah Kahan at BST Hyde Park Review: A Heartfelt, Joyous Evening of Music and Community
Noah Kahan
BST Hyde Park
There are some concerts that feel bigger than music- they feel like a gathering of hearts. Noah Kahan at BST Hyde Park was one of those nights. From the moment he stepped on stage, guitar in hand, to the final singalong under the London sky, it was less of a gig and more of a shared celebration.
Performing outdoors suited Noah Kahan’s earthy music perfectly. His blend of heartfelt storytelling, folk-infused melodies, and soaring choruses carried beautifully across the park. Songs like "Stick Season" and "Dial Drunk" weren’t just performed, they were felt, sung back by thousands of voices in a wave of communal energy. There was a palpable sense of connection, as though everyone present had lived through the same heartbreaks and joys woven into his lyrics. His vocals were nothing short of remarkable- clear, emotive, and strong enough to fill the huge outdoor space without losing intimacy. I've seen Noah live performing this album several times now and every one has felt new and powerful.
The evening was full of surprises, none more special than the appearance of Lewis Capaldi as a guest. The roar of the crowd when he walked on stage was deafening, and the chemistry between him and Kahan was genuine and joyful. It was a reminder of the power of music to bring artists and audiences together in unforgettable moments.
The support acts added even more magic to the night. Finneas set the tone with his thoughtful, polished set, joined by Ashe to debut their brand-new collaboration The Favors. It felt like being part of a moment of music history, hearing a song live for the very first time. Gracie Abrams followed with her signature mix of tender vulnerability and lyrical honesty, winning over the crowd with ease. By the time Noah Kahan walked on, the atmosphere was already charged with warmth and anticipation.
What stood out most was the sense of community. People weren’t just watching; they were connecting. Strangers danced together, whole sections of the park swayed in unison, and voices blended on choruses like an impromptu choir. There was a joy and openness that made Hyde Park feel smaller, more intimate, despite the scale of the event.
The staging and sound were excellent too. The production kept things simple, letting Noah’s music take centre stage, while the big screens ensured even those at the very back felt part of the action. As the sun set and the stage lights came to life, it all came together to create a truly magical atmosphere.
In the end, this was a reminder of why live music matters. Noah Kahan at BST Hyde Park was uplifting, emotional, and filled with moments that will stay with the audience. With his heartfelt songs, powerful voice, and the gift of making a massive park feel like a fireside gathering, Noah proved he’s not just one of the most exciting artists of his generation, he’s one of the most unifying too.
★★★★★
Reviewed on Friday 4th July by Olivia
Photo Credit: Virginie Viche
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Keywords: Noah Kahan BST Hyde Park review, Noah Kahan live London 2025, Lewis Capaldi Noah Kahan Hyde Park, Finneas and Ashe The Favours live debut, Gracie Abrams BST Hyde Park support, Noah Kahan concert review, outdoor live music London 2025, Stick Season live Noah Kahan.
Monday, 30 June 2025
Zach Bryan Shines at BST Hyde Park: An Unforgettable Night of Soul, Song & Surprises
Zach Bryan
BST Hyde Park
★★★★★
On a golden summer evening in London, Zach Bryan delivered an absolutely unforgettable performance at BST Hyde Park 2025, one that was hugely enjoyed by fans and newcomers like myself. From the moment he walked onto the Great Oak Stage, a raw electricity charged the air, setting the tone for a night that was as emotionally powerful as it was musically flawless.
The atmosphere was nothing short of magical. Thousands gathered under the open sky, swaying beneath the trees, wrapped in the warm glow of twilight and anticipation. As the first notes of Open the Gate rang out, the crowd erupted, and a sense of shared connection filled the park , something only few artists can truly conjure.
His voice -gritty, soulful, and hauntingly honest- cut through the London evening with a depth that felt both intimate and vast. Tracks like Something in the Orange and Burn, Burn, Burn sent shivers through the audience, while newer songs like Pink Skies were met with awed silence and then thunderous applause. Every lyric hit home, every note felt lived-in and true.
Just when the night seemed it couldn’t get any better, Dermot Kennedy, who had already captivated the crowd as a stellar support act with his powerhouse vocals and heartfelt delivery, returned to the stage. The two joined forces for a surprise duet of Hey Driver, and the result was pure magic, two voices, distinct yet perfectly matched, soaring into the London night.
From the cheers and singing to the quiet moments when you could hear a pin drop, Zach Bryan's BST Hyde Park set was a masterclass in live music. An emotional rollercoaster of poetic storytelling and unfiltered Americana. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a communal experience of joy, nostalgia, and catharsis.
This show proved that Zach Bryan is a generational voice in country music, and Hyde Park was lucky to bear witness.
Reviewed on Saturday 28th June by Olivia
Photo Credit: Getty Images
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Keywords: Zach Bryan BST Hyde Park 2025 review, Zach Bryan live London, Dermot Kennedy Hey Driver duet, Zach Bryan concert atmosphere, best BST Hyde Park performances, Zach Bryan tour UK 2025, Zach Bryan live review July 2025, unforgettable Zach Bryan performance
Saturday, 28 June 2025
Review: Olivia Rodrigo at BST Hyde Park review: A True Pop Star
Olivia Rodrigo
BST Hyde Park
Seeing Olivia Rodrigo headline BST Hyde Park was a full-circle moment for me. I first saw her at the Hammersmith Apollo during the Sour tour when she was a young star with undeniable talent, still finding her footing as a live performer. Then I caught her again at the O2 on the GUTS tour, where she proved she could own a massive arena with confidence and charisma. But this Hyde Park show? This was the glow-up fully realised.
Performing outdoors in front of tens of thousands, Olivia was nothing short of phenomenal. Her vocals (which we all know are strong on record) soared in the open air, raw and powerful yet full of nuance. She didn’t have backing dancers this time, which meant the spotlight was squarely on her voice and stage presence. And she delivered in spades. From the venomous bite of "Vampire" to the cathartic scream-alongs of "Good 4 U", every song landed as if it were a greatest hit, which, at this point, most of them are.
Hearing some of the GUTS Spilled deep cuts like "So American" in this setting was particularly special. Plus, tracks like "Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl" and "All-American Bitch" carried a wild, anthemic energy under the summer sky, while "Traitor" and "Drivers License" offered quiet, spine-tingling moments of vulnerability.
A surprise appearance from Ed Sheeran added an extra layer of magic, the kind of left-field collaboration that festivals like BST thrive on. It was joyous, unexpected, and gave the night a unique stamp that no other show could replicate.
What struck me most was how Olivia has grown not just as a singer, but as a storyteller and performer. She commands the stage with ease, speaking to the crowd like old friends, then pouring every ounce of herself into each lyric. She’s funny, emotional, fierce, and unafraid. A true pop star for this generation.
Leaving Hyde Park, it was impossible not to feel excited for what’s next. Olivia Rodrigo is no longer just a breakout artist, she’s one of the defining voices of her time. I can’t wait for her next album, her next tour, and the next chapter in a career that’s already shaping up to be iconic.
★★★★★
Reviewed on Friday 27th June 2025 by Olivia
Photo Credit: sophiajcarey
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Keywords: Olivia Rodrigo BST Hyde Park review, Olivia Rodrigo GUTS live, Olivia Rodrigo Sour tour Hammersmith Apollo, Olivia Rodrigo O2 Arena review, Olivia Rodrigo live London 2025, Olivia Rodrigo Ed Sheeran Hyde Park, Olivia Rodrigo Vampire live, Olivia Rodrigo Good 4 U live.
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