Occasionally, I have time to write about productions where I haven’t chaired post-show talks and perhaps even thoughts on topics that have nothing to do with theatre. You can find these ramblings here, including my still very popular What I Learned Today series.
Jersey Boys: Never mind Frankie Valli, let’s pay tribute to Tommy
If it weren’t for Covid-19, we probably wouldn’t have Jersey Boys back in the West End. But we probably would still have original Four Season Tommy DeVito.
Carousel: A dark take on domestic abuse and a Broadway classic
Just getting to the end of a show at the Open Air Theatre when the weather is iffy feels like an accomplishment, for the audience as well as the company.
John & Jen: Rachel Tucker is the only incentive musical theatre fans should need
As much as I was looking for any excuse to return to Southwark, it was the show that lured me back. Or to be more precise, Rachel Tucker starring in the show, musical two-hander John & Jen.
Joseph & the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat: A joyful nostalgia-fest for children of all ages
When you book to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, you are guaranteed not only a joyful night out at the London Palladium but also a time-travel ticket to your childhood.
Be More Chill: Feeling my age amongst the Squips fans
Well done to the Be More Chill company. This new musical had just had its successful UK premiere and announced a lengthy extension at The Other Palace when Covid shut it down in March 2020.
Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner: Top trolling and Twitterludes
I’ve never watched Keeping up with the Kardashians and only have a vague sense of who Kylie Jenner – I certainly couldn’t pick her out of a line-up.
The Money Live: Could you agree how to spend a pot of cash with a group of strangers?
I have become obsessed with where the money goes in The Money. If you suddenly received a few hundred pounds, how would you spend it?
Amelie The Musical: Mary Poppins meets Once with a French twist
For the show to lure a nervous (but now fully vaccinated – yay!) me back to the theatre after nearly 15 months, it’s hard to imagine more soothing fare than Amelie The Musical.
The difference between missing and missing out on theatre
I know every person out there has their own version of how this pandemic has changed their life trajectory. This is mine.
David Walliams on getting the RSC’s ‘stamp of approval’ with The Boy in the Dress musical
During rehearsals for The Boy in the Dress, I spoke to David Walliams about his inspiration for the original story, his burgeoning career as a children’s writer and how he feels having his work adapted by the RSC.