Would becoming a member of your favourite theatre make it easier for you to get the most in-demand tickets? We became a member of eight of our favourite venues and bought one group membership to see what the value for money is.
By Carron Stacey
WHEN?: 25-27/8
WHERE: Southsea Common
Don’t read that, read this. This is the heavy, heavy Victorious sound. The Southsea-est sound around. So if you’ve come in off the street, and you’re beginning to feel the heat, well listen buster, you’d better start to move your feet, to the rockin-est, rocksteady beat of Victorious. One Step Beyond!
WORTH A LOOK?: *****
WHERE: National Theatre
WHEN: 26/8, press night 6/9 runs to 3/1/2018
Four-time Olivier Award winner Imelda Staunton last won for her starring role in Stephen Sondheim’s Gypsy but plays a very different part here.
The Garrick Theatre had some success earlier this year with Griff Rhys Jones/Lee Mack comedy The Miser and this musical re-working of the Mel Brooks classic looks like it will be puttin’ on the Ritz with a cast including Ross Noble (see above) and Lesley Joseph. Runs 28/9 to February 2018. Tickets
WHERE: National Theatre
WHEN: 22/8
Composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim was in his 20s when he wrote the words for Gypsy in 1959 and is here tonight at the National Theatre for the first preview of the revival of his hit Follies starring Imelda Staunton.
WORTH A LOOK?: ****
WHERE: Park Theatre
WHEN: 19/8, press night 23/8 runs to 24/9
Playwright Joe Orton was murdered half a century ago and this production of one of his greatest hits Loot is the first of the comedy in its uncensored form.
WORTH A LOOK?: ****
WHERE: Upstairs At The Gatehouse
WHEN: 18/8, runs to 19/8
The words experimental Steps jukebox musical may be enough to strike fear into the heart of the average theatregoer but 5,6,7,8 is definitely more comedy than, ahem, Tragedy.
We awarded 12 monstas for the best pop, theatre, TV and film of 2016 in December – and here we look at the cream of 2017 so far and what’s to come. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Jonas Nay, Stranger Things and The Bridge are previous winners in this category.
WORTH A LOOK?: **
WHERE: Almeida
WHEN: 12/8, press night 18/8 runs to 30/9
We’re at the first preview of this new play commissioned by the Almeida and Ben Whishaw plays Luke, a Silicon Valley billionaire, who is spoken to by God.
We awarded 12 monstas for the best pop, theatre, TV and film of 2016 in December – and here we look at the cream of 2017 so far and what’s to come. Lady Gaga, Shura, Suede and Florence and the Machine are among the previous winners in these categories.
