Thursday, 16 October 2025
Matthew Harvey’s New Musical Unbound Releases Haunting Live Album for London Theatre Fans
British composer and West End performer Matthew Harvey is set to treat musical theatre fans this Halloween with the release of the Live Concert Cast Recording of his haunting new show, Unbound. Recorded during its acclaimed 2024 concert performances at London’s Hoxton Hall, the album arrives on 31 October 2025 across all major streaming platforms.
Unbound tells the darkly captivating story of Iris, a home-schooled teenager eager to experience normal school life. But when a prank at her new high school unleashes an ancient witch, Iris finds herself caught in a chilling supernatural battle that blends teenage rebellion with gothic legend.
The cast album features an impressive line-up of West End favourites including Courtney Stapleton, Lauren Byrne, Evelyn Hoskins, and Jodie Jacobs, among others. The production’s mix of fresh British talent and compelling storytelling cements Harvey’s growing reputation as one of musical theatre’s most exciting new voices.
Originally developed by British Youth Music Theatre, Unbound premiered as part of BYMT’s 20th anniversary season in Birmingham before its concert presentation in London, directed by creative visionary Ryan Carter.
Reflecting on the upcoming release, Harvey shared his excitement about revisiting the live energy of the show, calling the recording a “snapshot of one unforgettable night” that captures the spirit of the project.
With its contemporary sound, haunting harmonies and bold storytelling, Unbound stands out as a thrilling example of the strength of new British musical theatre. It’s the perfect Halloween soundtrack for anyone who loves drama, mystery and a dash of West End magic.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert Musical Returns with Kevin Clifton and Adèle Anderson in Dazzling London Theatre Revival
A sparkling new cast has been revealed for the upcoming UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert- The Musical, promising sequins, heart, and disco anthems galore. Kevin Clifton (Strictly Come Dancing) stars as Tick/Mitzi, alongside Adèle Anderson (Fascinating Aïda), Nick Hayes, and Peter Duncan in this joyous celebration of self-expression and friendship.
Directed by Olivier Award-nominated Ian Talbot OBE, with choreography by Olivier winner Matt Cole, the production features over 100 eye-catching costumes designed by Strictly favourite Vicky Gill. Expect dazzling feathers, glitter, and glamour in every scene.
Based on the Oscar-winning 1994 film, Priscilla follows three friends on a road trip across Australia in a battered bus, discovering love, acceptance, and the courage to be themselves along the way. With its iconic soundtrack featuring "It’s Raining Men", "I Will Survive" and "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", it’s a feel-good party wrapped in heart and humour.
Kevin Clifton shared,
“This show is pure joy from start to finish, it’s bold, unapologetic, and full of love.”
A celebration of identity, friendship, and the power of being unapologetically you, Priscilla Queen of the Desert is set to dazzle audiences across the country.
photo credit: Matt Crockett
Nicola Coughlan Leads National Theatre’s New Production of The Playboy of the Western World
The National Theatre has revealed the full cast for its upcoming production of The Playboy of the Western World, directed by Caitríona McLaughlin, Artistic Director of Ireland’s National Theatre. This new staging of J.M. Synge’s iconic play promises a fresh, dynamic take on a timeless tale of youth, identity, and rebellion.
The star-studded cast includes Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton), Éanna Hardwicke, Siobhán McSweeney, Declan Conlon, Lorcan Cranitch, Megan Cusack, and Marty Rea, with a talented ensemble completing the lineup.
Set in a small rural pub, the story follows Pegeen Mike, whose world is turned upside down when Christy Mahon arrives claiming to have killed his father. Rather than facing condemnation, he becomes an unlikely local hero... until reality begins to unravel.
This new production combines McLaughlin’s bold direction with design by Katie Davenport and a haunting original score by Anna Mullarkey, creating an atmosphere that’s both rich in tradition and thrillingly modern.
With wit, darkness, and a touch of romance, The Playboy of the Western World captures the wild spirit of Ireland’s west coast while speaking to universal questions of truth and self-discovery.
photo credit: Josh Shinner
Wednesday, 15 October 2025
The Greatest Showman Musical Announces Star-Studded Cast for Spectacular UK Stage Premiere
The stage is set for one of the most anticipated musical theatre premieres in recent memory, The Greatest Showman is officially coming to the UK stage. The spectacular new adaptation of the 2017 hit film will debut at the Bristol Hippodrome, bringing the story of P.T. Barnum to life with all the energy, heart, and magic that made the movie a global phenomenon.
Leading the cast is acclaimed West End star Oliver Tompsett (& Juliet, We Will Rock You) as showman P.T. Barnum, alongside Samantha Barks (Frozen, Les Misérables) as Charity Barnum. Joining them are Lorna Courtney (& Juliet Broadway) as Anne Wheeler, Ben Joyce (Jersey Boys) as Phillip Carlyle, Vajèn van den Bosch as Jenny Lind, and Malinda Parris (Standing at the Sky’s Edge) as Lettie Lutz.
The musical will feature a powerhouse creative team, including Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw, whose dynamic work on The Book of Mormon and Aladdin has dazzled audiences worldwide. The beloved score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land) and a new book by Tim Federle promise to bring both familiarity and freshness to this dazzling stage spectacle.
In a statement, Nicholaw shared:
“It’s an absolute joy to finally share our incredible cast with the world — led by the brilliant Oliver Tompsett and Samantha Barks. Together with a world-class creative team, we are so excited to bring this story to life for the first time on stage.”
The full company features a remarkable ensemble of singers, dancers, and circus performers, including Mia Raggio, Angelica Pearl Scott, Harly Gill, Ellie McArdle, Eleanor Sebastian, Max Bispham, and Joel Tennant Clark Young. Josh St. Clair serves as the P.T. Barnum alternate, with Katie Tonkinson as the standby Anne Wheeler.
Behind the scenes, the creative lineup includes Alex Lacamoire (music supervision and orchestrations), David Korins (scenic design), Gregg Barnes and Sky Switser (costume design), Natasha Katz (lighting design), and Peter Hylenski (sound design), alongside a host of award-winning designers and choreographers ensuring every moment shines.
This world-premiere production of The Greatest Showman is poised to deliver everything audiences love about the original film- breathtaking visuals, heart-stirring music, and an inspiring story of courage and self-belief- now reimagined for the stage.
photo credit: Sebastian Nevols
Rachel Zegler to perform “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” on Strictly Come Dancing
Golden Globe-winning actress Rachel Zegler will make her UK television performance debut on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing later this month.
According to The Independent, The West Side Story and Hunger Games star will perform “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” during the Icons Week results show on 26 October, accompanied by two of Strictly’s professional dancers.
The performance follows her acclaimed turn as Eva Peron in Evita at The London Palladium, directed by Jamie Lloyd. Zegler will also appear on The Graham Norton Show and The One Show this month.
Her appearance continues Strictly’s star-studded guest lineup, which recently included Cynthia Erivo, who mentored contestants and performed live.
Photo credit: Sarah Krick
Here & Now The Steps Musical Tour Review- A Pop-Fuelled Jukebox Ride That Charms
Here and Now: The Steps Musical (Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
Here & Now is a vibrant, glitter-filled night of pop nostalgia that wears its heart- and its sparkly costumes- proudly on its sleeve. Built around the iconic hits of Steps, this jukebox musical takes place in a brightly lit supermarket called Better Best Bargains, where dreams, heartbreak, and friendship collide in equal measure.
At the centre of the story is Caz, played with warmth and power by Rebecca Lock, whose vocals soar through the theatre and whose emotional honesty gives the show its core. When her life takes an unexpected turn, she and her co-workers are forced to re-evaluate their choices and embrace a “Summer of Love” that doesn’t quite go to plan. Alongside her, Blake Patrick Anderson (Robbie), Jacqui Dubois (Vel), Rosie Singha (Neeta) give great performances and their chemistry is lovely to see. River Medway also has some brilliant moments as Jem. Finty Williams is a comic delight as Patricia, the dry, sharp-tongued store boss whose perfectly timed one-liners steal more than one scene, I wish we got a little bit more of her story. The rest of the cast bring great energy and charm, with tight ensemble work that keeps the show lively and fast-moving.
Visually, the production is dazzling. Tom Rogers' supermarket set transforms fluidly, bursting with colour and clever design touches, while Howard Hudson's lighting shifts between campy exuberance and tender intimacy. It’s a feast for the eyes, even if sometimes there’s so much going on that it’s hard to catch every detail. Matt Cole's choreography is slick and punchy, perfectly capturing the upbeat essence of Steps while grounding it in musical-theatre storytelling.
Where the show falters slightly is in pacing and clarity. With so many interwoven storylines and emotional beats, some scenes feel rushed, and the final moments could benefit from a little more breathing room. At times, the sheer spectacle overwhelms the subtler emotional notes, but when it lands, it’s joyous.
Despite its imperfections, Here & Now is a fun, heartfelt celebration of pop, love, and second chances. Rebecca Lock is a standout, Finty Williams adds sparkle and humour, and the ensemble delivers with infectious enthusiasm. It may not reinvent the jukebox-musical format, but it’s packed with enough charm, choreography, and nostalgia to leave audiences smiling and maybe even dancing their way out of the theatre. A glittery supermarket of pop, heart, and pure nostalgia!
★★★★
Reviewed on Tuesday 14th October 2025 by Olivia
Photo Credit: Pamela Raith
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
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