Handel composed Theodora nearly a decade after his last opera. It was his favourite oratorio, the only one based on a Christian subject, with characterful music broken into nearly 60 episodes. But a challenge in presenting any oratorio, written for static performance, is where to set it for the operatic stage. Here’s the context: the Roman governor,… Continue reading Theodora
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Curve Christmas show is My Fair Lady
Leicester’s Curve is to stage the Lerner and Loewe musical My Fair Lady at Christmas 2024. Curve’s chief executive Chris Stafford and artistic director Nikolai Foster said, “Lerner and Loewe’s music and lyrics, matched with the words and imaginative brio of George Bernard Shaw, make My Fair Lady one of the finest musicals from the traditional canon. “It’s a… Continue reading Curve Christmas show is My Fair Lady
Chance to appear on Evan Hansen tour
The casting team of Dear Evan Hansen are searching for the next generation of talent to appear in the first tour of the musical. Performers with or without formal training can apply for any role in the show. Those interested are invited to upload a video on TikTok singing any number from the production with the hashtag… Continue reading Chance to appear on Evan Hansen tour
Emma Gladstone dies at 63
Dance Umbrella has issued a statement announcing the death of Emma Gladstone OBE, its Artistic Director and Chief Executive from 2013 to 2021, on Monday 22 January, after a short illness. As Artistic Director of the Rolex Arts Festival (Athens, 2023), Director of the Big Pulse Intensive (Creative Europe 2021–24) and former Artistic Director, BBC… Continue reading Emma Gladstone dies at 63
Regal brings Oz to St Helens
Following the Christmas panto of Aladdin, Regal Entertainments is returning to St Helens Theatre Royal with the panto The Wizard of Oz for February half term, the first of four pantomimes in 2024. Join Dorothy and Toto on their epic adventure to the Emerald City and follow their journey as they meet Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion. Produced… Continue reading Regal brings Oz to St Helens
Kelly and Welch open The Gap in Manchester
Jim Cartwright’s new play The Gap starring Matthew Kelly and Denise Welch, directed by Anthony Banks, will première at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre. It features the adventures of Walter and Corral. He’s back up north, she’s still down south. They haven’t seen each other for fifty years, not since their Soho days, back in the swinging ’60s.… Continue reading Kelly and Welch open The Gap in Manchester
Husband and wife in Scouse ghost story
Michael Starke will perform opposite is real-life wife, Lynn Francis, in Haunted Scouse by Gerry Linford at Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre. Charlie Moon (Starke) is sadly missed and his widow, Molly (Francis), is the one doing most of the missing. She feels guilty about how he passed and wants to make things right with him. If only… Continue reading Husband and wife in Scouse ghost story
As SHE Likes It at Greenwich Theatre | Review
This is a very special piece of theatre, performed by an extremely talented cast with passion and vigour. Writer and performer, Chloe Wade with support from her mentor Morgan Lloyd Malcolm (Emilia, The Wasp) has created a multi-media theatrical play that is the moment. Tackling the subject of misogyny, sexism, sexual assault, body shaming and the… Continue reading As SHE Likes It at Greenwich Theatre | Review
No Surrender – Upstairs at The Gatehouse – Review
Paul Bogaev is a big man with a big personality. He’s an arranger, musical director, conductor, and composer and is also the winner of an Emmy and a Grammy and he’s been nominated for a Tony. He’s worked with everyone from Elton John to Barbra Streisand and lots more in between. Currently, he’s the Musical… Continue reading No Surrender – Upstairs at The Gatehouse – Review
I Should Be So Lucky at New Wimbledon Theatre | Review
When there are jukebox shows like Mamma Mia! and Jersey Boys setting the standard, combining a decent storyline and some equally decent songs, it’s more than a tad disappointing to come across something with a plot that is frankly bizarre. The story fits around the musical numbers, with the show seemingly revelling in how convoluted and contrived it is.… Continue reading I Should Be So Lucky at New Wimbledon Theatre | Review