Review: DUCK POND, Southbank CentreDecember 20, 2024When circus is performed well, it is as high an art form as perfectly executed ballet or impeccable Shakespearean oratory. When it falls down in execution, it falls hard. Australian circus company Circa's production Duck Pond unfortunately belongs in the latter camp.
Review Roundup: NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 at the Donmar WarehouseDecember 17, 2024Arriving in the glittering opulent world of Moscow High Society, the impulsive and romantic Natasha Rostova awaits the return of her fiancé from the front lines. But when she falls under the spell of an intoxicating aristocrat, it is up to the unlikely hero, Pierre, to pick up the pieces of her shattered reputation.
Review: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Richmond TheatreDecember 12, 2024There’s a little bit of magic occurring on Richmond Green this festive season. You won’t find acerbic political commentary, much booing, hissing or lewd double-entendres, but Richmond Theatre’s Beauty and the Beast is a brightly coloured, sweet and rather gentle affair, perfect for some good old-fashioned entertainment for all the family.
Review: THE PRODUCERS, Menier Chocolate FactoryDecember 11, 2024Good things come to those who wait. Last seen in the West End way back in 2004, starring Nathan Lane and Lee Evans, Mel Brooks' satirical work of genius, The Producers, has finally goose-stepped its way to a glorious return to the London stage at the wonderful Menier Chocolate Factory.
Review: BALLET SHOES, National TheatreDecember 6, 2024Beloved by parents and children alike, the National Theatre has taken on the first major stage adaptation of Noel Streatfeild’s best-selling book Ballet Shoes as their big ticket show this festive season. It is a brave move, as the book is so well known and hasn't been out of print since 1936. However, there's so need to fear, as Kendall Feaver's adaptation is a truly charming and heart-warming family show.
Review: THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, Dominion TheatreDecember 6, 2024The Devil Wears Prada may be the most hyped musical of the year. With a stellar cast, incredible clothes and none other than Sir Elton John at the helm of the music. The publicity tells us to 'gird our loins.', but after seeing this thin and rather flat show, the question is: for what?
BroadwayWorld's 2024 Christmas Book Gift GuideDecember 4, 2024Christmas is nearly here and there is no better time of year to dive into a new book. You're in luck, because theatre's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind. From theatre biographies to theatre history; check out BroadwayWorld's recommendations for books that every theatre lover will adore!
Review: A CHRISTMAS CAROL, The Old VicNovember 21, 2024Despite mince pies being spotted in supermarkets since September, for many, Christmas in London doesn't really begin until Jack Thorne's adaptation of A Christmas Carol opens at The Old Vic theatre.
Review: ABIGAIL'S PARTY, Rose TheatreNovember 7, 2024After its excellent recent revival at Stratford East, there is clearly still public and creative appetite for Mike Leigh's savage suburban comedy, Abigail's Party, now ending another national tour at the Rose Theatre in some style.
Review: GUARDS AT THE TAJ, Orange Tree TheatreOctober 31, 2024Who owns beauty? How far would you go to obey orders? What is the ultimate price of friendship? Rajiv Joseph's thought-provoking and blackly comic play, Guards at the Taj, explores power, obediance, human curiosity and allegiance, beautifully directed by 2024’s recipient of the JMK Award, Adam Karim.