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Wednesday 23 October 2024

Full Cast Announced for The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical London Premiere


The highly anticipated London premiere of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is fast approaching, and Bill Kenwright Ltd and Paul Taylor-Mills are excited to announce the full cast for this thrilling production. Fans of Rick Riordan’s bestselling book series are in for a treat, as a stellar cast brings the beloved characters to life on stage this November.

As previously announced, the lead role of Percy Jackson will be played by Max Harwood (Stranger Things: The First Shadow), joined by a talented ensemble. Scott Folan takes on the role of Grover, Jessica Lee plays Annabeth, and Paisley Billings will be Sally Jackson. Greg Barnett steps into multiple roles as Mr. Brunner/Poseidon/Hades, while Joe Allen portrays Mr. D/Gabe. Samantha Mbolekwa brings Clarisse to life, and Joaquin Pedro Valdes takes on the roles of Luke/Ares.

Ensemble members include Philip Catchpole, Morgan Gregory, Charlotte O’Rourke, and Alex Waxman, who makes her professional stage debut.

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is based on Rick Riordan’s beloved book series, which has sold over 180 million copies worldwide. Fans of the story have already seen Percy Jackson’s world adapted into films and a hit TV series for Disney+, and now it’s time for London audiences to experience the magic of the musical.

First premiering off-Broadway in 2014, the musical has gone on to tour the US and had a limited Broadway run in 2019. Now, Londoners will get their first chance to be transported into the world of Percy Jackson and the Greek gods.

When New York City teenager Percy Jackson learns he’s the half-blood son of Poseidon, his life changes forever. Plunged into a world of mythical monsters and godly powers, Percy must navigate a destiny he never asked for while discovering what it truly means to be a hero. With heart-pounding adventures and thrilling stakes, The Lightning Thief musical will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

This dynamic musical is brought to life by an outstanding creative team. The book is written by Joe Tracz (Be More Chill), with music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki (Monstersongs). The production is directed and choreographed by Lizzi Gee (Groundhog Day). Set and costume design is by Ryan Dawson Laight, lighting by Charlie Morgan Jones, and sound by Dominic Bilkey. The team also includes video designer Duncan McLean, illusions director Richard Pinner, fight director Lisa Connell, and puppet director Laura Cubitt.

London’s premiere of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical promises an unforgettable experience for fans and newcomers alike. Be prepared to embark on an epic journey with Percy and his friends in this electrifying musical event.

Monday 20 February 2023

Bag Yourself a Bargain This London Theatre Week | ad


*this post contains sponsored content*

There's one thing better than the theatre, and that's the theatre at an affordable price. Well thanks to London Theatre week, you can snap up an absolute bargain. From the 20th February to the 5th March, tickets are on offer for £15, £25, £35 or £45 which means there's something for many budgets. 

What's great about these offers is that you can see something which might otherwise but out of budget. Hugely popular shows such as Matilda, Book of Mormon, The Lion King and Wicked are available at these discounted prices, so it's the perfect time to check them off your list. London Box Office aim to include all West End shows so there's certain to be one for you, or even better, this is the ideal time to buy a gift for someone else without breaking the bank!

The shows available include: 
Back to the Future: The Musical, Wicked, Disney's The Lion King, Disney's Frozen the Musical, TINA - The Tina Turner Musical, Dirty Dancing, Pretty Woman: The Musical, Newsies, OKLAHOMA!, Mamma Mia!, Crazy For You, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Mousetrap, Matilda the Musical, Grease The Musical, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Book of Mormon, The Great British Bake Off, Groundhog Day, Peaky Blinders: The Rise, Only Fools and Horses The Musical, Sylvia, Jersey Boys, We Will Rock You, Bat Out of Hell, Witness for the Prosecution, The SpongeBob Musical, George Takei's Allegiance, The Choir of Man, Bonnie & Clyde, Heathers The Musical, Cinderella in-the-round, 42nd Street, Symphony of Sorrowful Songs - English National Opera, The Dead City - English National Opera, The Rocky Horror Show, The Walworth Farce, Windfall, Titus Andronicus, Brilliant Jerks and more...

So Honey Whatcha Waiting For? Get searching and grab yourself a ticket for your favourite (or soon to be favourite) show. With tickets for over 60 shows with London Theatre Week, available for a limited time only, there really isn't a better time to book! Happy stagey days!



Friday 4 February 2022

Cast Announced For Anything Goes


New star casting has been announced for ANYTHING GOES, the smash hit ‘show of the year’ which is sailing back to the Barbican for a return residency following its sold out run in summer 2021. The new cast includes: WhatOnStage Award Winner Kerry Ellis (Wicked/We Will Rock You) as Reno Sweeney and Olivier Award Winner Denis Lawson (Bleak House/New Tricks) as Moonface Martin. Joining them on board is Olivier Award Winner Simon Callow (Four Weddings & a Funeral/Amadeus) as Elisha Whitney and Musical Theatre Royalty Bonnie Langford (EastEnders/9 to 5) as Evangeline Harcourt. As well as its triumphant return to the Barbican, this glorious musical will also be visiting theatres in Bristol, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Canterbury and Manchester.

Last year ANYTHING GOES smashed multiple Box Office records at the Barbican Theatre including the single highest grossing performance week for a musical in the Barbican’s 39-year history and the highest sales across a weekend for a musical, as audiences flooded through the doors for the 15-week sold out season!

It was therefore no surprise that last year’s summer season of ANYTHING GOES saw audiences on their feet night after night, giving this multi–Tony Award winning show multiple standing ovations. This spectacular show has been described as the “musical equivalent of sipping one glass of champagne after another” (The Times) and “delightful, delicious, and as buoyant as helium” (Evening Standard).

Kerry Ellis said: “I am so excited to be taking on the role of Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes this summer. This glorious show is classic musical theatre at its very best. Reno is an iconic character in musical theatre. I can’t wait to get my tap shoes on and share this fabulous musical with audiences up and down the country.”

Denis Lawson said: “I’m delighted to be joining the cast of this great classic musical. Anything Goes is uplifting, energetic, and hilarious – with an unforgettable Cole Porter score. Audiences are in for a real treat.”

Simon Callow said: “Like everyone who saw Anything Goes last summer, I was swept away by it. The sheer joy of sharing its exuberance, wit and style with my fellow theatregoers - the perfect antidote to Covid and all its miseries. I couldn't be happier to be joining the show as we spread the joy around the country and back to the Barbican.”

Bonnie Langford said: “I simply adore this show. It’s vibrant, fun and bursting with a feel-good energy that is contagious both on and off stage. It really is musical theatre at its finest.”

Reprising their co-starring roles in this year’s UK tour and Barbican season are Samuel Edwards (Les Misérables / Wicked) as Billy Crocker, Carly Mercedes Dyer (A Chorus Line/The Color Purple) as Erma (a role in which she is nominated for a WhatsOnStage Award this year), Nicole-Lily Baisden (The Book of Mormon / Let’s Face The Music) as Hope Harcourt, Haydn Oakley (A Christmas Carol / An American in Paris) as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Further casting will be announced soon.

From spring 2022, the hilarious sold-out musical sensation returns giving audiences across the country the chance to enjoy the truly spectacular, multi-Tony Award winning, “show of the year!” (★★★★★ Daily Telegraph), as the S.S American will be heading to theatres in Bristol, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Canterbury on its way to the Barbican!

Producer Sir Howard Panter said: “We are delighted to be back with the glorious Anything Goes musical on tour this spring and at the Barbican this summer. I’m thrilled that this energetic and uplifting show will be led by Kerry Ellis, Denis Lawson, Bonnie Langford and Simon Callow, with an ensemble of the finest there is to offer, including tap dancing sailors, and a full-sized live orchestra. We are delighted to take this majestic show to audiences across the UK for the first time, so they can enjoy the glorious set design, breathtaking choreography and stage direction, and of course the wonderful score!”

ANYTHING GOES has music and lyrics by Cole Porter, an original book by P.G. Wodehouse & Guy Bolton with Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse and a new book by Timothy Crouse and John Weidman. This production is directed and choreographed by three time Tony Award Winner Kathleen Marshall.

When the S.S. American heads out to sea, etiquette and convention head out the portholes as two unlikely pairs set off on the course to true love... proving that sometimes destiny needs a little help from a crew of singing sailors, a comical disguise and some good old-fashioned blackmail. This hilarious musical romp across the Atlantic featuring a collection of some of theatre’s most memorable songs - including ‘I Get A Kick Out of You’, ‘Anything Goes’, ‘You’re the Top’, ‘Blow, Gabriel, Blow’, ‘It’s De-Lovely’, ‘Friendship’ and ‘Buddie Beware’ - will take you back to the Golden Age of high society on the seas.

Heralded as “The antidote to everything” (The Guardian) and “The Spectacle of the Year” (The Times) ANYTHING GOES is set to sail away with audiences all over again and is destined to be the definitive feel good production of 2022.

Friday 21 July 2017

In Conversation With... Tyrone Huntley | Jesus Christ Superstar | Interview


Tyrone Huntley has the voice of an angel and supreme acting skills. He's just finished starring as CC in Dreamgirls and is currently in rehearsals to reprise the role of Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar at the Regent's Park Open Air theatre later this summer. He's already a star but he deserves even more praise for his outstanding performances and I can't wait to see what more he does!


For anyone that doesn’t know, can you explain a little about your career and highlights so far?

I graduated from Mountview in 2011 and got my first job in the U.K. Tour of Sister Act. My West End debut came straight after that in The Book of Mormon and since then I've been fortunate enough to work on other incredible shows including the Original London Casts of Memphis and Dreamgirls.


I read that you studied law and completed a degree in it whilst you were starring in The Book of Mormon and Memphis, how was it juggling the two?

It was difficult and extremely time consuming but ever so rewarding. I learned a lot and when I graduated I felt such a sense of pride and achievement. 


Do you have any other hidden passions that you’d like to pursue?

I'd love to learn to play the piano proficiently and I really want to learn a language but a real aspiration of mine is to hone my writing skills. I write songs but I'm in awe of playwrights and novelists and those who have the imagination to create entire worlds out of nothing.


You’ve just finished playing CC in the epic, Dreamgirls. Is CC anything like you?

CC has some really enviable qualities that don't sit naturally with me. Where CC is optimistic and positive thinking, I generally think the worst and I'm not surprised when things don't necessarily go my way!! That said, I like to think I can relate to his ambitiousness, his caring nature and desire to make people happy.


Have you had any funny onstage or offstage mishaps whilst you’ve been in the show? Or any other shows?

I did Porgy and Bess at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre a couple of years ago which meant, like Jesus Christ Superstar, we were obviously performing outside. In the show I had a little featured singing bit - my big moment. One evening I was just about to sing my part but as I breathed in I inhaled a massive fly so instead of singing my one little solo song, I had a beautifully underscored coughing fit! 


It’s so exciting that you’ll be returning to play Judas again at the open air theatre. What are the hardest and most exciting parts about playing the iconic role?

I'm very excited. It's a great role in a great show and I get to perform at Regent's Park again! The music is amazing and I'm looking forward to sinking my teeth back into it. That said, it's very challenging vocally which means, more than usual, I have to look after myself and make sure I stay as fit and healthy as possible which means my already limited social life will have to take even more of a back seat!!


Besides yourself, who else would you like to see tackle the character of Judas?

I'd love to see my old mate Matt Cardle do it, he'd be perfect. Or thinking outside of the box maybe Eva Noblezada... she'd sound amazing. 


What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage?

I have to go through all of my lines for the next scene. I trust my short term memory way more than my long term memory and it puts me at ease just to check the lines are still there! 

Tyrone and the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar
You have a five minute break in rehearsals, what are you doing?

Eating. 


Is there a musical or play you’ve seen recently that you loved? 

I saw Hamlet at the Harold Pinter a few weeks ago with Andrew Scott and Juliet Stevenson. I was completely blown away by everything about the production! 


What’s a fun fact that people might not know about you?

It's certainly not very fun but it's extremely important to me. I HATE coriander. It's poison!


What’s your best piece of advice for an aspiring performer?

Hard work doesn't always pay off but if you put in the work, no one can ever take that away from you and you can always rest in the knowledge that you did everything you could. Be open - every experience, whether negative or positive, is an opportunity to learn.



A huge thank you to Tyrone for taking the time to do this interview. Make sure you book to see Jesus Christ Superstar at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre this summer.

Keep up with Tyrone via his twitter

Interview by Olivia Mitchell, Editor

Thursday 17 March 2022

The Witches of Eastwick to have Concert Performance Starring Giles Terera


Producer Jack Maple, by arrangement with Cameron Mackintosh Ltd, is delighted to announce a special one-off concert of The Witches of Eastwick at the Sondheim Theatre on Monday 20 June 2022.

The Witches of Eastwick has a book and lyrics by John Dempsey and music by Dana P. Rowe, based on the novel by John Updike and the Warner Brothers motion picture. Maria Friedman will direct with musical staging by Stephen Mear. Olivier Award-winning actor Giles Terera will star as Darryl Van Horne. This will be the first time the musical has been seen in London since it originally played at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in 2000, transferring to the Prince of Wales Theatre in 2001. Tickets are on sale from 10am on Thursday 17 March.
 
Further all-star casting is to be announced.
 
The Witches of Eastwick tells the tale of the people of the little town of Eastwick. It is a town where everyone knows everything about everyone else, and it is presided over by the indomitable Felicia Gabriel. Bored with their small town lives, three women - Alexandra (Alex), Sukie, and Jane--share a desire for “all manner of man in one man” to provide excitement and variety. That man arrives, literally in a flash, in the devil-like form of Darryl Van Horne. Darryl seduces the women and teaches them powers, which they never knew they had. 
 
Cameron Mackintosh said “I’m really thrilled that Jack Maple is conjuring up the wickedly funny Witches of Eastwick again, for one night only in concert with a glorious cast at the Sondheim Theatre.  It has always been one of my favourite scores, which I’m very much looking forward to hearing in its full splendour.”
Maria Friedman said “I’m so incredibly excited to be revisiting Eastwick after all these years. To be reunited with the fantastic Stephen Mear and to have the opportunity to bring this beloved musical back to London, and at the simply stunning Sondheim Theatre, for one night only is an absolute thrill and I can’t wait to get started.” 

Giles Terera MBE is an award-winning actor, musician and writer. He is best known for originating the role of Aaron Burr in the London production of the award-winning musical Hamilton, for which he won the 2018 Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical. Giles’s other work on stage includes RosmersholmThe Tempest, Avenue Q, The Book of Mormon, 125th Street, Rent (West End); Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Hamlet, Death and the King’s Horseman, The Hour We Knew Nothing of Each Other, Troilus and Cressida, Candide, Honk! (National Theatre); The Merchant of Venice (Shakespeare’s Globe/international tour); The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Donmar Warehouse); Pure Imagination – The Songs of Lesley Bricusse (St. James’s); King John (Shakespeare’s Globe/UK tour);  The Ratpack (West End/international tour); Jailhouse Rock (Theatre Royal Plymouth/West End); The Tempest (RSC) and Generations of the Dead (Young Vic). As a writer, his theatre work includes The Meaning of Zong (Bristol Old Vic), The Ballad of Soho Jones (St. James’) and Black Matter (Crazy Coqs). Giles was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2020 New Year Honours for services to theatre.

The winner of three Olivier Awards and an Evening Standard Award, Maria Friedman is one of Britain’s most successful and acclaimed Musical Theatre actresses. Maria starred in the original West End production of The Witches of Eastwick as Sukie alongside Lucie Arnaz as Alex and Joanna Riding as Jane. Her many other West End acting credits include PassionRagtimeMerrily We Roll Along, Blues in the Night, ChicagoThe Woman in White and, most recently, she played Golde in the Olivier Award-winning Trevor Nunn production of Fiddler on the Roof at the Playhouse Theatre. Maria won over a whole new audience when she joined the cast of long-running soap EastEnders, playing Elaine Peacock.  In 2013, Maria made her directorial debut at the Menier Chocolate Factory with a production of Stephen Sondheim's musical Merrily We Roll Along.  After a series of 5-star reviews, the Critics’ Circle Award for Best Musical and a sell-out extended run, it transferred to the West End and played Boston.  In 2014, it won the Olivier for Best Musical Revival. It was recently announced that Maria will stage Old Friends, a celebration of the work of Stephen Sondheim at the Sondheim Theatre, with Matthew Bourne in May, as well as an Off-Broadway production of Merrily We Roll Along starring Daniel Radcliffe as part of New York Theatre Workshop’s 2022/23 season.

The multi award-winning Stephen Mear, is one of the world’s most celebrated choreographers, with two Olivier Awards, an LA Drama Critics Circle Award, and a Helpmann Award. His theatre work includes Mary Poppins with co-choreographer Matthew Bourne (Prince Edward Theatre 2004 & 2019); Funny Girl and Guys and Dolls, as director/choreographer (Marigny Theatre); Guys and Dolls Concert, as director/choreographer (Royal Albert Hall); Chess (ENO); Sunset Boulevard (ENO and Broadway); On the Town (ENO and Théâtre du Châtelet); 42nd Street as director/choreographer (Théâtre du Châtelet); Singin’ In The Rain (Grand Palais);  City of AngelsThe Vote and The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Donmar); White Christmas (Dominion Theatre and Curve, Leicester);  Mack and MabelThe Pajama GameShe Loves Me as director/choreographer, Amadeus, The Music Man, Funny Girl, How to Succeed In Business, Putting it Together and The Grapes of Wrath (Chichester Festival Theatre);  Die Fledermaus (The Metropolitan Opera, New York) and The Little Mermaid (Broadway). Stephen will be choreographing Old Friends at the Sondheim Theatre this May.

John Dempsey wrote both the book and lyrics for Zombie Prom (Off Broadway & Germany), The Fix directed by Sam Mendes at the Donmar Warehouse (Olivier Award & Helen Hayes Award nominations) and lyrics for The Reluctant Dragon, A Country Christmas Carol, and the Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus. Plays include; One Miracle in a Lifetime (Ohio Arts Council Award), The World Today and The Greater Goode.

Dana P. Rowe wrote the music for Zombie Prom (Off Broadway & Germany) and The Fix, directed by Sam Mendes at the Donmar Warehouse (Olivier Award & Helen Hayes Award nominations). He also  prepared the score for The Ballad of Bonnie & Clyde which premiered at the 2005 New York Musical Theater Festival as a featured production.

Thursday 21 November 2019

&Juliet, Shaftesbury Theatre | Review


&Juliet
Shaftesbury Theatre 
Reviewed on Wednesday 20th November 2019
★★★

What if Juliet didn't die? And what if the story of reclaiming her life was told through the music of Max Martin, aka the writer and producer of some of the most iconic pop music of the last two decades. Well that's &Juliet, a wild, sparkling, energetic piece of musical theatre which has burst onto the scene at the Shaftesbury Theatre.

When the cast come in with 'Larger Than Life' and 'I Want It That Way', there's certainly a moment of unsettled bafflement, but soon the numbers become part of the story and you forget Shakespeare wasn't really bopping along to 90s pop songs whilst writing his iconic tragedies. That being said, there are times where the songs feel added in for the sake of being added and don't flow particularly well but most of the time it doesn't matter because they are performed with a vigour that engages. 

David West Read's book is smartly self-aware and knows exactly when to hold back and acknowledge the pop-culture craziness that's occurring. The meta-theatrical plot works well, with us first meeting William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway as they bicker about the ending of Will's latest play, Romeo and Juliet.  Anne persuades her husband to let her do a rewrite and from here we are taken to Verona where Juliet begins her journey of self discovery and goes on an adventure to Paris with her besties. Full of puns, panto lines and pageantry, the show does teeter on the edge of being too childish at times but David's book and Max's songs marry up well with Luke Sheppard's direction to create a musical which doesn't take itself or its content too seriously. 

As the leading lady Miriam-Teak Lee brings sass in spades. Her vocals are mostly strong and she really does embody the confidence that this reimagined Juliet is full of; but whether due to the lack of character writing or limited acting in the pop-concert atmosphere, Juliet is just a bit distant. I personally didn't warm to her as a character and whilst I appreciate all this modern lady stands for, there is a distinct lack of sincerity in how she's written. However, this is not so true when Juliet and her best friend May are together. It's in these brief moments that compassion flies and we see a more realistic character in front of us. Arun Blair-Mangat is sweet and enticing as May, who discovers love and friendship. 


Oliver Tompsett is the boy-band Shakespeare of dreams, who hilariously bigs himself up and brings an instant charm to the stage. As his steely, compassionate and fizzy wife, Cassidy Janson gives a fantastic performance. Her stage presence is magnetic and I found myself wanting a spin-off purely focussed on (the only) Anne Hathaway. Jordan Luke Gage is suitably self-absorbed from the moment of his bombastic entrance and gives a great vocal performance as Romeo.

The ensemble of players are top notch, adding interest and motion throughout. Jocasta Almgill gives a stand out performance and Lady Capulet, with Dillon Scott-Lewis, Grace Mouat and Antoine Murray-Straughan really shining from the ensemble.

The whole show is exemplary of production value and there's no denying that the energy on stage could power all the theatres on Shaftesbury Avenue. Bill Sherman's lighting is concert goals; Soutra Gilmour's set is a dreamland and Andrzej Goulding's projections bring each scene to life creatively and effectively. The female empowerment, LGBT representation and romantic moments are all enjoyable and important to be seen on stage, but a significant lack of character development means you feel little empathy for the characters and at the end just don't really care. 

This is definitely a show which will be enjoyed after a prosecco or two and it doesn't try to be anything else than a fun night out. If you want theatrical integrity and a moving storyline then this isn't for you, but if you want an explicitly queer, feminist musical that's funny, entertaining and scored by songs that you grew up listening then go see it. If music be the food of love, &Juliet provides a feast that will satisfy anyone looking for a bit of fun.

Saturday 29 October 2016

Side Show, Southwark Playhouse | Review


Side Show
Southwark Playhouse
Reviewed on Thursday 27th October 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★

Side Show is an original musical which is unique in more than one way. Firstly because it tells the story of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton and secondly because it flopped not once but twice on Broadway. The original 1997 production ran for a mere 91 performances with the more recent 2014 revival running for only 56, perhaps it was not a Broadway audiences cup of tea or perhaps it did not have the finesse and omph  which this current production does.

Sunday 20 January 2019

The Prom, Longacre Theatre | Review


The Prom
Longacre Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 11th January 2019 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★

Directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw, The Prom provides pure elation mixed with comedy so expertly that you can't fail to leave with a beaming smile on your face. The uniformly excellent cast excel at bringing their individual storylines to life but never fail to lose the heartwarming core of the show.

Creative team Chad Beguelin (book, lyrics), Bob Martin (book) and Matthew Skylar (music) have created a new, fresh musical which pokes fun at everyone equally and tackles issues which are so relevant for a lot of people. What makes it so entertaining is that fact that it's every theatre fans dream (or at least mine); problems are solved with songs and dances as a group of Broadway stars are there to safe the day, fight homophobia and bring love to all.



As the girls banned from going to the school prom together, Caitlin Kinnunen (Emma) and Isabelle McCalla (Alyssa) give warm and youthful performances which make you root for the pair and for their love to flourish. Christopher Sieber as Trent Oliver, Brooks Ashmanskas as Barry Glickman, Beth Leavel as Dee Dee Allen and Angie Schworer as Angie are refreshingly funny and spirited enough to be better and do better for themselves but more importantly, those around them. The fearless four are bold and brilliant, with performances that will be remembered forever and are surely set to be highly recognised in the awards circle. Josh Lamon and Michael Potts also give exceptionally strong and well grounded performances as Sheldon and Mr. Hawkins.

Scott Pask's scenic design is sleek and colourful and feels extremely realistic as it brings small town Indiana to life. Emma's room, full of posters and trinkets looks like a real teen's room ad helps to ground this larger than life piece of theatre. Despite sometimes feeling a little tacky and weirdly placed in time, Ann Roth and Matthew Pachtman's costumes fit well with the vibe of the show.

It's amazing to see a show on a mainstream Broadway stage that is so important for such a large group of people and really feels like a celebration of everyone that feels remotely 'different'. The Longacre Theatre has become a hub of joy, with every song providing a surplus of equality and elation. The Prom inspires us to thrive to be better and shows how small actions can have a lasting, positive effect on the world. Go see it. 

photo credit: Dori Berinstein

Thursday 9 March 2023

Bonnie and Clyde, Garrick Theatre | Review


Bonnie and Clyde
Garrick Theatre
★★★★

First seen in the UK as a concert version and then subsequently a full production at the intimate Arts Theatre, Bonnie and Clyde has now upgraded to the larger Garrick Theatre as it continues its riotous reign.

After the show flopped on Broadway, it's nice to see that the creative team are taking risks and switching things up. In this new venue, there are clear changes and the larger space is used to create more drama and help the development of scenes. Paul Whitcomb's set has lots more going on, with everything feeling more developed and bolder than before. Zoe Spurr effectively lights the scenes,  creating some very effective moments during the various robberies and shoot outs. Nina Dunn's video design covers the set in historical photos as well as helping back up the on stage drama. These projections alongside the forceful tableau's created throughout, make the whole musical feel far more cinematic than its previous iteration.

In the titular roles as the West End's favourite felons, Frances Mayli McCann and Jordan Luke Gage excel. McCann really encapsulates the dreamer quality of Bonnie Parker as she is swept off her feet, whilst later on contrasting with a woman hardened by her life on the run. Vocally, her portrayal is dynamic and melancholy, with her rendition of Dyin' Ain't So Bad providing the perfect amount of emotional impact needed in the show. Gage is suitably menacing, whilst also bringing spades of charm to the role of Clyde Barrow and he performs the soaring score with seeming ease. The pair have excellent chemistry, often balancing one another well. This is a sultry, sexy show which leans heavily into the romance, and the duo do a really thrilling job at bringing their all encompassing passion to life; their fiery partnership ringing out until the very last shot.

In contrast to Clyde's intense hostility, Ted as a character is pretty underdeveloped but Cleve September performs the role with great intention and uses the material well; especially when he really lets his voice soar in act two. As Buck Barrow, George Maguire gives a very engaging performance and creates a dynamic partnership with newcomer to the cast, Jodie Steele, who's performance as Blanche is utterly brilliant. Full of humour and heart in equally wonderful measure, Steele's performance is a definite highlight. Dom Hartley Harris also joins the cast and gives a rousing performance as the Preacher; whilst Barney Wilkinson and Julie Yammanee have some real stand out moments in their tracks.

The story of Bonnie and Clyde's journey to being outlaws is a fascinating one, and Ivan Menchell's book begins to look deeper at their motives and aspirations and it's interesting to see how the pair took their desire for fame and turned it on its head. But perhaps more compelling is when their story is paralleled with the economic and emotional turmoil of America at the time. The Barrow brothers discuss how they've been profiled by police since they were young and there's some exploration on why people turned to crime, when their lives were torn apart by poverty. Made in America is one of the most striking numbers in the show and really brings another layer to proceedings but unfortunately it's not developed much further. Whilst the romance is the heart of the show, it would maybe be improved if there was more analysis of the socio-economic climate and its effects. This version of the show also cuts out a few of the scenes where the duo commit their crimes which hinders the development of Bonnie and Clyde as villains, meaning we don't see the full extent of their misdeeds and therefore the stakes never quite feel high enough.

The musical has its faults and the book could certainly use some editing but this still remains an incredibly enjoyable show that is feisty and thrilling. Don Black and Frank Wildhorn's pacy, engaging score is a treat to hear live. A law-breakingly good cast make Bonnie and Clyde a show that's well worth seeing and hearing.

Reviewed on Wednesday 8th March 2023 by Olivia Mitchell
photo credit: The Other Richard

{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}

Monday 6 March 2023

London Theatre Week Extends! | ad


If you haven't snapped up a stagey bargain yet, what are you waiting for?! The good news is that you've got a bit of extra time because London Theatre Week has been extended. You've now got until 12th March to book your favourite show. It's the perfect time to treat yourself or someone you know to a show.

There's so much on offer, but our favourites would include:
Back To The Future
Bonnie and Clyde
Oklahoma
Matilda

London Box Office aim to include all West End shows as well as off-West End and fringe theatre so there's certain to be something for you!

The shows available include: 
Back to the Future: The Musical, Wicked, Disney's The Lion King, Disney's Frozen the Musical, TINA - The Tina Turner Musical, Dirty Dancing, Pretty Woman: The Musical, Newsies, OKLAHOMA!, Mamma Mia!, Crazy For You, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Mousetrap, Matilda the Musical, Grease The Musical, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Book of Mormon, The Great British Bake Off, Groundhog Day, Peaky Blinders: The Rise, Only Fools and Horses The Musical, Sylvia, Jersey Boys, We Will Rock You, Bat Out of Hell, Witness for the Prosecution, The SpongeBob Musical, George Takei's Allegiance, The Choir of Man, Bonnie & Clyde, Heathers The Musical, Cinderella in-the-round, 42nd Street, Symphony of Sorrowful Songs - English National Opera, The Dead City - English National Opera, The Rocky Horror Show, The Walworth Farce, Windfall, Titus Andronicus, Brilliant Jerks and more...

Let us know what you decide to see!