THEATRE REVIEW: The Way Of The World starring Haydn Gwynne, Geoffrey Streatfeild & Fisayo Akinade

WORTH A LOOK?: **

WHERE: Donmar

WHEN: 30/3, press night 3/4, runs to 26/5/18

We’re here for the casting of Linda Bassett, reviewed on this site in Escaped Alone at the Royal Court, as matriarch Lady Wishfort but she is replaced before previews begin.

  • Read on for reasons including how Bassett’s replacement Haydn Gwynne shapes up

Read More

THEATRE REVIEW: Mirrors starring Siobhan McMillan

WORTH A LOOK?: *

WHERE: Lounge at Leicester Square Theatre

WHEN: (Press ticket) 29/3 runs to 14/4/18

There can be no better time to launch an hour-long monologue written and performed by a woman and encompassing such weighty themes as relationships and mental health.

  • Read on for reflections including how McMillan’s performance is her greatest strength

Read More

THEATRE REVIEW: Misty starring Arinzé Kene

UPDATE: Misty transfers to Trafalgar Studios 8/9 to 17/10 Tickets

WORTH A LOOK?: *****

WHERE: Bush Theatre

WHEN: (Press ticket) 26/3 runs to 21/4/18, now extended to 27/4

Arinzé Kene starred with Russell Tovey in our favourite film of 2016, gay footballer storyThe Pass.

  • Read on for reasons including why the Bush Theatre is becoming the go-to venue for the best original writing

Read More

THEATRE REVIEW: The Inheritance (Part 2) starring Vanessa Redgrave

WORTH A LOOK?: ***

WHERE: Young Vic

WHEN: 17/3, press night 28/3 runs to 19/5/18

We leave the auditorium with tears in our eyes at the end of Part 1 to be met by Vanessa Redgrave in the venue lobby who we assume is gauging audience reaction before she debuts in Part 2.

  • Read on for reasons including why we didn’t think Part 2 was the equal of Part 1

Read More

THEATRE REVIEW: Kiss Of the Spiderwoman starring Samuel Barnett and Declan Bennett

WORTH A LOOK?: ***

WHERE: Menier Chocolate Factory

WHEN: 18/3, press night 21/3 runs to 5/5/18

William Hurt won an Oscar in 1986 for his memorable performance in the film version of this play as Molina, a transgender convict who entertains her political prisoner cellmate with reminiscences from escapist films.

  • Read on for reasons including how projections are used to great effect here

Read More

THEATRE REVIEW: The Inheritance (Part 1) starring Kyle Soller, Andrew Burnap and Samuel H. Levine

WORTH A LOOK?: *****

WHERE: Young Vic

WHEN: 17/3, press night 28/3 runs to 19/5/18

Author Matthew Lopez writes in the programme of the power of literature – how watching Emma Thompson in Howards End as a 16-year-old changed his life.

  • Read on for reasons including when we will review Part 2 starring Vanessa Redgrave

Read More

THEATRE REVIEW: Caroline, Or Change starring Sharon D. Clarke

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

WHERE: Hampstead Theatre

WHEN: 16/3, press night 19/3 runs to 21/4/18

UPDATE: Transfers to the Playhouse 20/11 to 6/4/19. Tickets

The original UK production of this Broadway hit won a Best New Musical Olivier Award and this revival transfers from Chichester where it earned much acclaim last year.

  • Read on for reasons including details of how to buy tickets for its West End transfer

Read More

PREVIEW: 10 reasons why we can’t wait for April

  1. Saara Aalto brings her Monsters to London

We loved her in X Factor, Finland picked the best of three fine songs for her May Eurovision entry and she brings her Eurovision Wonderland show to Under The Bridge 25/4. We think her co-penned Monsters is our favourite song of the year so far. Tickets

  • Read on for reasons including Kathleen Turner, Mark Rylance and a Q&A for the return of The Bridge

Read More

ALBUM REVIEW: Mind Expansion by THANKS

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

OUT (in the UK): 16/3/18

TRACKLIST: Mind Expansion; I Can Get; Sunshine; Boney’s Theme; Dizzy; Livin’ My Life; Drive In; New Brew; Good Thing; Peace Out

Great Danes Alphabeat brought their pop fizz to three fantastic albums and bowed out of the charts all too prematurely.

  • Read on for reasons including why this is the best pop album of 2018 so far

Read More