AWARDS SHORTLIST: MONSTAS: Best Musical of 2026

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It’s been quite the year, it’s almost Christmas and what would the festive season be without some recognition of the best of 2026? Over the next 2 months we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 17 categories for our Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2026.

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THEATRE REVIEW: Hay Fever starring Christine Baranski and Richard E Grant at the Wyndham’s Theatre

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By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN?: Saturday 24 October (matinee) and running through 12 December 2026 RUNTIME: 120 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

It’s a hoot to see Richard E Grant onstage after his unforgettable turn in TV’s Celebrity Traitors but, make no mistake, Christine Baranski’s (TV’s Big Bang Theory and film Mamma Mia) snark-filled West End debut is the reason to see this Noel Coward comedy classic.

  • Read on for reasons including how Baranski’s West End debut is not to be sneezed at and her camp put downs are worth the price of admission alone
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ALBUM OF THE MONTH: A Man From The Future by Pet Shop Boys (November 2026)

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WORTH A LOOK?: ****

Tracklist: Natural Wonders Every Child Should Know; He Dreamed Of Machines; The Enigma; Other Ranks; The Memory And The Control; The Trial; Only In His Death; A Man From The Future

It’s the voice of former prime minister Gordon Brown making a 2009 apology to codebreaker and computer pioneer Alan Turing, acknowledging his contribution to winning World War Two and expressing regret at the inhumanity of the homophobic laws he was persecuted by on the title track that bring home how relevant to today this story remains.

  • Read on for reasons including how this is a moving reminder of an extraordinary life lived by a man whose brilliance made such a difference but was brutally cut short
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THEATRE REVIEW: The Hunger Games: On Stage at Troubadour Canary Wharf

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By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: **

WHEN?: Friday 2 October 2026, booking through 17 October 2027

It must have all looked so promising on paper.

  • Read on for reasons including how we’re in the front row but couldn’t feel further from this uninvolving spectacle lacking in emotion
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SONG OF THE MONTH: Young And Dumb by Everything But The Girl (November 2026)

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WORTH A LOOK?: ****1/2

Everything But The Girl’s career has embraced a wide variety of styles and this new single marks a return to where it all began, the laidback jazz of 1984’s debut album Eden.

  • Read on for reasons including everything we know about the new album
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GIG REVIEW: Knats at The MOTH Club, Hackney

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By Carron Stacey, A Humdrum Mum

WHEN?: Friday 30 October 2026, tour runs through 23 March 2027

Some six months ago, having heard Knats on 6Music, I booked these tickets for Mr H, as a bit of a surprise really.

  • Read on for reasons including how the commitment to their performance is equal to the commitment to the fun they have performing
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GIG REVIEW: Duran Duran, Danse Macabre Hallowe’en Party, All Hallows Eve, 2026

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By Carron Stacey, A Humdrum Mum

WHEN?: Saturday 31 October 2026, tour runs through 6 November 2026

This is probably the 10th or 11th time we’ve seen them (and by we, I mean my friend and I, not Mr H!).

  • Read on for reasons including don’t come to a Hallowe’en gig if you’re a fan who wants to hear their hits – come if you want something different
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AWARDS SHORTLIST: MONSTAS: Best TV of 2026

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

It’s been quite the year, it’s almost Christmas and what would the festive season be without some recognition of the best of 2026? Over the next 2 months we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 17 categories for our Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2026.

Read More

PREVIEW: 9 reasons why we can’t wait for November 2026 starring Pride

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  1. Pride transfers to the Bridge Theatre

The musical hit of the summer transfers from the National Theatre’s intimate Dorfman to the Bridge to tell its story of lesbian and gay support for the miners during their 80s strike. New cast members include Dan Hand as Bromley, Ryan Kopel as Mark and Carl Spencer as Reggie. We said back in June: ‘Don’t miss your chance to see 1 of the best new musicals of the year so far.’ It was longlisted for 3 of our monstas this summer. Runs 12 November 2026 through 8 May 2027. Tickets

  • Read on for reasons including Ben Whishaw, Victoria Wood, Ryan Calais Cameron’s Afronauts and Tom Stoppard’s Jumpers
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THEATRE REVIEW: Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody starring Zheng Xi Yong and Joseph Dann at the Underbelly Boulevard Soho

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By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ***1/2

WHEN?: Saturday 24 October and runs through 1 November 2026 RUNTIME: 70 minutes (no interval)

Heated Rivalry is a Canadian TV show and gay love story set in the unlikely world of ice hockey which was a surprise hit this year and has spawned at least 2 musical parodies of which this is 1.

  • Read on for reasons including how this is a lot of bawdy fun and a good representation for fans of the show
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