The cartoon Spongebob Squarepants originated in the USA, which does not have a pantomime tradition. Moving the cartoon to the stage, therefore, results in a sophisticated, glossy musical rather than the cheap and cheerful panto that might have been produced in England. Actually, there is so much singing—the opening number lasts ten minutes—the show is close to… Continue reading The Spongebob Musical
Month: May 2024
RAD screens Frederick Ashton film
The Royal Academy of Dance will host a special screening of a film celebrating choreographer Sir Frederick Ashton on 16 May at its HQ in London. Created by filmmaker Lynne Wake, Frederick Ashton: Links in the Chain was commissioned by The Frederick Ashton Foundation in 2021 to mark its 10th anniversary and features historic footage and interviews… Continue reading RAD screens Frederick Ashton film
The Misandrist
The Misandrist, that is someone who hates men, as misogynists hate women. In this case that is Rachel, though well into the second act, she has a very long tirade naming all the reasons why she hates them that Elf Lyons delivers like a battle broadside barrage, which perhaps is more distrust than hate in… Continue reading The Misandrist
Buxton to preview 2023 shows
A preview of the 2023 Buxton International Festival is to be held in the Derbyshire town and guests will be introduced to a new musical based on the early life of Vera Brittain. The event at the Octagon in the town’s Pavilion Gardens on Wednesday 17 May will include extracts from The Land of Might-Have-Been. The… Continue reading Buxton to preview 2023 shows
No Pay? No Way!
This play may be about a situation in Italy half a century ago, but the parallels with the UK today are obvious, even before they are telegraphed by the script and production. This version of Fo’s 1974 political farce Non Si Paga! Non Si Paga!—commonly known in English as Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay! but there… Continue reading No Pay? No Way!
Bigger casts at 2023 Buxton Fringe
Around 190 events have been scheduled for the 2023 Buxton Fringe, with companies from all over the UK and beyond offering more than one show or presenting productions with bigger casts. Fringe chair Stephen Walker said, “now that COVID is hopefully in our rear-view mirror, entrants are approaching this year’s Fringe with confidence and we’re… Continue reading Bigger casts at 2023 Buxton Fringe
The Book of Will
Director Lotte Wakeham writes in the programme that, according to a 2017 article in The New Yorker, Lauren Gunderson is by far the most performed playwright in the USA after Shakespeare, but her name isn’t familiar to most people on either side of the Atlantic (we’ve reviewed just one of her plays, I and You at Hampstead in 2018).… Continue reading The Book of Will
Maverick takes play back to Birmingham pub
Maverick Theatre’s production of Jim Cartwright’s comedy drama Two which finished a run in April at Theatre at the Tabard, Chiswick is to return to Birmingham to the pub where Maverick started. Artistic director Nick Hennegan said, “we’ve had a great run in London and I love that we’re now ‘transferring’ the show to the… Continue reading Maverick takes play back to Birmingham pub
Brokeback Mountain
Annie Proulx’s short story about the secret love between two Wyoming cowboys has already been made into an Oscar-winning film by Ang Lee and an opera by Charles Wuorinen for which Proulx wrote the libretto. Now writer Ashley Robinson, with the approval of Proulx, has made this stage adaptation in which songs by Dan Gillespie… Continue reading Brokeback Mountain
Hastings returns to Nottingham in Tapped
Nottingham-born Max Hastings is to return to the city where he grew up when he tours in Katie Redford’s Tapped, “a heart-warming comedy that explores the importance of connection, fulfilment and (lack of) hope”. Hastings who plays Gavi said, “Tapped is set in a garage in Nottingham where Gavi has decided to set up a motivational self-help… Continue reading Hastings returns to Nottingham in Tapped