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Marianka Swain - Page 11

Marianka Swain

Marianka Swain was UK Editor-in-chief of BroadwayWorld. A London-based theatre critic and arts journalist, she also contributes to other outlets such as the Telegraph, The i Paper, Ham & High, Islington Gazette, Dancing Times and theartsdesk, and she is a member of the Critics' Circle. You can find more of her work at www.mkmswain.com or follow her on Twitter @mkmswain






ALL MY SONS Leads April's Top 10 New London Shows
ALL MY SONS Leads April's Top 10 New London Shows
March 31, 2019

London is never short of temptations, whether splashy West End shows, epic dramas or bold fringe offerings. From Arthur Miller and Caryl Churchill to Don Quixote and zombie gore, here are some of this month's most eye-catching openings. Don't forget to check back for BroadwayWorld's reviews, interviews and features!

BWW Interview: Debbie Kurup Talks SWEET CHARITY at Donmar Warehouse
BWW Interview: Debbie Kurup Talks SWEET CHARITY at Donmar Warehouse
March 28, 2019

Debbie Kurup's extensive musical theatre experience ranges from Chicago, West Side Story and Sister Act to originating roles in Girl from the North Country and The Bodyguard. She's currently playing taxi dancer Helene in Cy Coleman, Neil Simon and Dorothy Fields' Sweet Charity - the farewell production of Donmar Warehouse Artistic Director Josie Rourke, opening early next month.

BWW Review: EMILIA, Vaudeville Theatre
BWW Review: EMILIA, Vaudeville Theatre
March 22, 2019

“We are only as powerful as the stories we tell.” So proclaims poet and activist Emilia Bassano, as she wrestles back her own story in Morgan Lloyd Malcolm's 2018 Globe hit – its raw, feminist, revolutionary power just as potent in this West End transfer.

BWW Review: DOWNSTATE, National Theatre
BWW Review: DOWNSTATE, National Theatre
March 21, 2019

Pulitzer-winner Bruce Norris once again challenges audiences with a play built around a difficult topic – in this case, asking whether paedophiles are irredeemable, how they should be punished, the distinction between justice and vengeance, and whether an empathetic response betrays our support of their victims.

BWW Review: ADMISSIONS, Trafalgar Studios
BWW Review: ADMISSIONS, Trafalgar Studios
March 12, 2019

News emerged today that Hollywood actresses Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin were among 50 wealthy people charged in a college cheating scam dumbed 'Varsity Blues', in which they allegedly paid bribes of up to $6 million to secure places for their offspring at top universities. In a strange twist of fate, the breaking story coincides with the UK opening of Joshua Harmon's incendiary satire Admissions, which demonstrates that even those with the most devout liberal principles about progress and fairness can falter when it comes to their own family and self-interest.

CD Review: FOLLIES, 2018 National Theatre Cast Recording
CD Review: FOLLIES, 2018 National Theatre Cast Recording
March 11, 2019

The meticulous care of the National Theatre's production is continued in the soundtrack recording, demonstrating the collaborative brilliance of orchestrations from Jonathan Tunick and Josh Clayton, music supervision from Nicholas Skilbeck, and musical direction from Nigel Lilley - the latter conducting an exceptionally disciplined and articulate 21-piece orchestra.

BWW Review: WAITRESS, Adelphi Theatre
BWW Review: WAITRESS, Adelphi Theatre
March 7, 2019

Sara Bareilles and Jessie Nelson's 2015 musical adaptation of Adrienne Shelly's film, about a small-town waitress who processes her feelings via her skilful baking, brings its sugar and spice mixture to the West End. The result is a tasty treat - albeit with the odd ill-mixed ingredient. Hollywood Handshakes all round.

BWW Review: ALYS, ALWAYS, Bridge Theatre
BWW Review: ALYS, ALWAYS, Bridge Theatre
March 7, 2019

Harriet Lane's memorably unsettling 2012 novel, about an overlooked sub-editor who infiltrates the literary elite, has been adapted for stage by Lucinda Coxon. Its combination of psychological thriller and industry satire is decently translated, but a conservative production from Bridge boss Nicholas Hytner (who, astonishingly, is here directing his first ever play by a female writer) makes a middling case for the virtues of a theatrical version.

BETRAYAL Leads March's Top 10 New London Shows
BETRAYAL Leads March's Top 10 New London Shows
February 28, 2019

London is never short of temptations, whether splashy West End shows, epic dramas or bold fringe offerings. From a starry Pinter and tasty musical treat to a portrait of grief, here are some of this month's most eye-catching openings. Don't forget to check back for BroadwayWorld's reviews!

BWW Review: SHIPWRECK, Almeida Theatre
BWW Review: SHIPWRECK, Almeida Theatre
February 20, 2019

'Isn't that the problem with political theater, too much directness?' queries one of Anne Washburn's characters in her new play - which, in meta fashion, and over a leisurely three hours, not only addresses Trump head on, but also painstakingly analyses our responses to the President and the present moment, including the role of the arts.

BWW Review: COME FROM AWAY, Phoenix Theatre
BWW Review: COME FROM AWAY, Phoenix Theatre
February 18, 2019

A remarkable true story birthed this modest Canadian musical, which went on to storm Broadway in 2017, and now makes it West End debut at a time when its heartfelt message seems more necessary than ever. In these murky, cynical times, Irene Sankoff and David Hein's show feels like coming up for air.

BWW Interview: The West End Cast Talk Hit Musical SIX
BWW Interview: The West End Cast Talk Hit Musical SIX
February 19, 2019

Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss's hit concert-style musical SIX, which gives fresh, 21st-century girl power voice to the wives of Henry VIII, has returned to the Arts Theatre in the West End. The cast's queens discuss the show's success - and who is most like their alter ego... 

BWW Review: 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL, Savoy Theatre
BWW Review: 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL, Savoy Theatre
February 17, 2019

In a programme interview, Patricia Resnick - writer of both the original 1980 film and this 2008 musical adaptation - notes that Jane Fonda wanted to convey a political message about workplace sexism, but realised couching it in comedy would make it more palatable. Like composer Dolly Parton herself, who appears on video to top and tail the stage show, it's a considered combination of sugar and steel.

BWW Review: ALL ABOUT EVE, Noel Coward Theatre
BWW Review: ALL ABOUT EVE, Noel Coward Theatre
February 12, 2019

Fasten your seatbelts! Ivo van Hove has taken on the ultimate quotable backstage melodrama: Joseph L. Mankiewicz's 1950 Oscar-winning film about a celebrated actress and her young wannabe assistant. And the modern star power is assured: Gillian Anderson succeeds Bette Davis, while Lily James follows in the scheming footsteps of Anne Baxter.

BWW Interview: Justine Mitchell Talks SHIPWRECK at the Almeida
BWW Interview: Justine Mitchell Talks SHIPWRECK at the Almeida
February 8, 2019

Already admired in the industry for her impressive range of work, actress Justine Mitchell enjoyed a breakout hit recently with David Eldridge's Beginning, which transferred from the National to the West End. She's now tackling Anne Washburn's new Donald Trump-era play, which begins next week at the Almeida. 

PINTER SEVEN, Harold Pinter Theatre
PINTER SEVEN, Harold Pinter Theatre
February 7, 2019

Jamie Lloyd's outstanding season of Pinter shorts - chock-full of mini revelations, innovative stagings, and a thrilling range of work from both actors and creatives - finishes on a high note with this thoroughly entertaining pair.

BWW Review: JENNA RUSSELL WITH SETH RUDETSKY, Leicester Square Theatre
BWW Review: JENNA RUSSELL WITH SETH RUDETSKY, Leicester Square Theatre
February 3, 2019

West End favourite Jenna Russell made a surprisingly belated solo concert debut at Leicester Square Theatre, but, judging by this entirely winning performance, she's a natural. Seth Rudetsky, unparalleled master of the format, was on hand to accompany and guide her through a superlative set-list, as well as draw out anecdotes both deliciously foul-mouthed and funny, and unexpectedly moving.

BWW Interview: Natalie McQueen Talks 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL
BWW Interview: Natalie McQueen Talks 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL
February 3, 2019

Natalie McQueen's past work includes Kinky Boots, Wicked, Les Miserables and Murder Ballad. She's now starring as Doralee - Dolly Parton's role in the film version - in 9 to 5 the Musical, currently playing at the Savoy Theatre.

COME FROM AWAY Leads February's Top 10 New London Shows
COME FROM AWAY Leads February's Top 10 New London Shows
February 2, 2019

London is never short of temptations, whether splashy West End shows, epic dramas or bold fringe offerings. From a hit Canadian musical to showbiz satire and a classic sitcom reborn, here are some of this month's most eye-catching openings. Don't forget to check back for BroadwayWorld's reviews, interviews and features!

BWW Interview: ALADDIN's Matthew Croke Discusses His Debut Album
BWW Interview: ALADDIN's Matthew Croke Discusses His Debut Album
February 1, 2019

Matthew Croke is currently starring in the title role of Aladdin in the West End. He's also found the time to record his debut album, Only Dreaming, featuring a collection of classic songs from stage and screen.



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