Manuel Harlan

Review: THE DA VINCI CODE, Salisbury Playhouse
by Cheryl Markosky - Apr 16, 2025

As I'm probably one of only a handful who hasn't read the book or seen the film of The Da Vinci Code, I was looking forward to the play based on Dan Brown's bestselling novel of 2003 described as thriller, mystery and treasure hunt.

Interview: 'I Feel Stupidly Lucky to Be Back Here': Eleanor Worthington-Cox on Playing Hero in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING at Royal Shakespeare Theatre
by Kat Mokrynski - Apr 14, 2025

Director Michael Longhurst is bringing a new production of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, this time placing the work in the world of football. The production stars Freema Agyeman as Beatrice and Nick Blood as Benedick, two old rivals whose teammates are determined to get them together. 

Review: THE SHARK IS BROKEN, Theatre Royal Brighton
by Caroline Cronin - Apr 9, 2025

Ever wondered what went on behind the scenes during the making of Jaws? It’s a well-documented story indeed, but those that aren’t familiar won’t be at a disadvantage when watching The Shark is Broken because it’s a carefully crafted comedy that works effectively as a standalone piece, even without the historical context.

Review: MANHUNT, Royal Court
by Gary Naylor - Apr 9, 2025

Raoul Moat is as unknowable at the end of his spree as he was at the beginning in this squandered opportunity to examine a hot button topic

BroadwayWorld UK's Olivier Awards 2025 Predictions
by BWW UK Critics - Apr 4, 2025

Established in 1976, the Olivier Awards celebrate the world-class status of London theatre, and are Britain’s most prestigious stage honours. Leading the way this year is Tom Scutt's Fiddler on the Roof which matches Hamilton's record-breaking 13 nominations, represented in every acting and creative category.

Review: ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS - THE MUSICAL, Theatre Royal Bath
by Mica Blackwell - Mar 31, 2025

Alfred Hitchcock Presents - The Musical has its moments that inject the Hitchcockian spirit it needs, but its lack of frights and baffling structure leave it as dull as its grey sets.

Photos: Further Look at Jonathan Bailey and More in RICHARD II
by Stephi Wild - Mar 27, 2025

 London Theatre Company has released more production photos of Richard II, starring Jonathan Bailey and directed by Nicholas Hytner, now playing at the Bridge Theatre until 10 May 2025. Check out the photos here!

Photos: First Look at John Doyle's ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS Musical
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 25, 2025

The World Premiere of the brand-new musical Alfred Hitchcock Presents – The Musical is being presented at Theatre Royal Bath. Get a first look at photos here!

Photos: MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO Extends in the West End
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 19, 2025

The stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro will extend in the West End. To celebrate the extended season over 20,000 tickets have now been released for £25 or under, with brand new production images also released. See photos here!

Photos: THE BRIGHTENING AIR In Rehearsal At The Old Vic
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 15, 2025

The Old Vic has released rehearsal photos for Conor McPherson’s new play The Brightening Air. Check out photos of the cast in action in the rehearsal room here!

Photos: Morgan Gregory and More in THE LIGHTNING THIEF at the Other Palace
by Stephi Wild - Mar 10, 2025

Morgan Gregory is now leading The Lightning Thief at the Other Palace, which plays through August 31. Check out photos and learn more about the production here!

ROCKY HORROR SHOW, OEDIPUS with Mark Strong & Lesley Manville Included in Roundabout's New Season
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 6, 2025

Roundabout Theatre Company has just announced the 2025-2026 season on Broadway and Off-Broadway, including initial casting. Stars joining the lineup include Kelli O'Hara, Rose Burn, Patrick Page, Mark Strong, Lesley Manville and more. Check out the full season details here.

Andy Nyman and Marc Antolin Will Lead West End Transfer of THE PRODUCERS
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 2, 2025

The Menier Chocolate Factory’s critically acclaimed sell-out production of The Producers with book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, and music & lyrics by Mel Brooks transfers to the West End.

Review Roundup: THE SCORE, Directed by Trevor Nunn
by Aliya Al-Hassan - Feb 28, 2025

Legendary stage and screen actor Brian Cox stars as Johann Sebastian Bach in Oliver Cotton’s new play, The Score, originally presented at the Theatre Royal Bath.

Review: THE SCORE, Starring Brian Cox
by Cindy Marcolina - Feb 28, 2025

Transferring from a successful run in Bath a few years ago, Oliver Cotton wants to marry politics and art to work his way up to the encounter between an ageing Johann Sebastian Bach and Frederick II of Prussia. The marketing makes it out to be an explosive meeting between church and state, between a god-fearing, scripture-quoting composer and an atheist, belligerent, ruthless monarch. That’s not exactly how it goes and the theatricality of the event is rather underwhelming. Trevor Nunn directs Brian Cox in a lengthy and inconsistent script that swiftly turns into a vehicle for anecdotal politics and bite-size philosophy. Too long into the action, we discover that the catalyst is Bach’s indomitable rage. He found out that a blind young girl was brutally raped by the military and he chooses to hold the king accountable.

Interview: 'I Feel Like I'm Blazing a Trail': Performer Marisha Wallace on Her Amazing Career and Upcoming Solo Concert In London
by Kat Mokrynski - Feb 21, 2025

Marisha Wallace will be bringing her “biggest ever headline show” to the Adelphi Theatre for one-night only on 11 March. Recently, we had the chance to chat with Marisha Wallace about her upcoming concert. We discussed her journey from the States to the UK, her return to the Adelphi Theatre after she performed there in Waitress and even a bit about the creative process behind the show!

Review: KENREX, Southwark Playhouse
by Franco Milazzo - Feb 19, 2025

In a vigorous virtuoso performance that demands to be seen, Jack Holden brings to exhilarating life a true-life crime story from half a century ago.

Review Roundup: Jonathan Bailey in RICHARD II - What did the Critics Think?
by Aliya Al-Hassan - Feb 19, 2025

Richard II is played by Jonathan Bailey, whose past work includes Bridgerton, Fellow Travellers, Cassio in Nicholas Hytner’s National Theatre production of Othello and Edgar to Ian McKellen’s King Lear. He has also won an Olivier Award for his role of Jamie in Company and is Fiyero in the Wicked movie. What did the critics think of the show?

Review: RICHARD II, Starring Jonathan Bailey
by Cindy Marcolina - Feb 18, 2025

A nation in need, an unsuitable king, banishments, murders, attempted coups. Richard II has it all and so does Jonathan Bailey. He might be dancing through Hollywood and hanging out with the biggest celebs, but he proves that he’s still one of us with this triumphant return to the stage.

Review: EAST IS SOUTH, Hampstead Theatre
by Franco Milazzo - Feb 18, 2025

AI and ChatGPT are yesterday’s news but artificial general intelligence - and the very existential threat it presents - may very well be tomorrow’s.