AWARDS: MONSTAS: Our best gig of 2018 so far

We awarded 13 monstas for the best pop, theatre, TV and film of 2017 in December – and here we look at the cream of 2018 so far and what’s to come. Suede, Shura and Bananarama are previous winners in this category.

  • Read on for our top 6 best gigs of 2018 so far and our hopes for the next half year

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THEATRE REVIEW: Othello starring Mark Rylance and Sheila Atim at the Globe

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

RUN TIME: 2 hours 30 minutes (including interval)

WHEN?: 28/7, press night 1/8, runs to 13/10/18

Sir Ian McKellen once told us that this Shakespeare tragedy should really be called Iago and Rylance’s performance in that role here might shock.

* Read on for reasons including what Sheila Atim did after winning her Olivier Award

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PREVIEW: 9 reasons why we can’t wait for August

  1. Alexandra Burke in Chicago

She may now no longer be playing the Palladium in September but she was the best thing about Chess at the Coliseum this year and now she stars as Roxie in Chicago at the Phoenix Theatre 13/8 through 14/10. Tickets

  • Read on for reasons including Busted Shop Of Horrors, Jake Shears and Jed Mercurio’s Bodyguard 

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THEATRE REVIEW: The Importance Of Being Earnest starring Sophie Thompson at the Vaudeville Theatre

WORTH A LOOK?: *****

WHERE?: Vaudeville Theatre

WHEN?: 20/7, press night 2/8, runs to 20/10/18

Oscar Wilde saved his best play until last and so Classic Spring Company’s acclaimed year-long Wilde season ends on the highest of highs.

  • Read on for reasons including how the script is the star of this fine season finale

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AWARDS: MONSTAS: Our best theatre actor of 2018 so far

We awarded 13 monstas for the best pop, theatre, TV and film of 2017 in December – and here we look at the cream of 2018 so far and what’s to come. James McAvoy, George Mackay and Andrew Scott are previous winners in this category.

  • Read on for our top 6 best theatre actors of 2018 so far and our hopes for the next half year

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THEATRE REVIEW: Allelujah! starring Sacha Dhawan & Samuel Barnett at the Bridge Theatre

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHERE?: Bridge Theatre

WHEN?: 14/11, press night 18/7, runs to 29/11/18

‘I tend to write a play before I do the research for it,’ confesses Alan Bennett in the programme notes for his 1st play in 5 years and it really shows here.
* Read on for reasons including how Alan Bennett’s new play couldn’t be more topical

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GIG REVIEW: Years & Years and MNEK at Camden Roundhouse

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHERE?: Camden Roundhouse

WHEN?: 10/7/18 and touring to 7/2/19

SETLIST: Sanctify; Take Shelter; Shine; Eyes Shut; If You’re Over Me; Karma; Desire; Palo Santo; Rendezvous; Worship; Hallelujah; Real; All For You; Valentino (with MNEK); King

MNEK has transformed himself into a captivating, all-singing, all-dancing performer in the several years since we’ve last seen him live.
  • Read on for reasons including why this was an arena show in all but name

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THEATRE REVIEW: As You Like It starring Olivia Vinall at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHERE?: Regents Park Open Air Theatre

WHEN: 9/7/18, press night 11/7, runs to 28/7/18

We’re joined in the audience at this preview by director Max Webster and composer Charlie Fink, formerly frontman of band Noah And The Whale, who have collaborated on work we’ve loved recently including Cover My Tracks and The Lorax (both Old Vic).

  • Read on for reasons including what a magical venue this is as the sun sets

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SINGLE OF THE MONTH: What Kind Of World by Tom Bailey

OUT: now

TOURING: from now until 25/11/18

We were there for 2 gigs in summer 2014 when Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey returned to the live arena to play the songs that had made his band’s name in the 80s.

  • Read on for reasons including how Tom’s new album Science Fiction is shaping up

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AWARDS: MONSTAS: Our best theatre actress of 2018 so far

We awarded 13 monstas for the best pop, theatre, TV and film of 2017 in December – and here we look at the cream of 2018 so far and what’s to come. Sheridan Smith, Jade Anouka and Imelda Staunton are previous winners in this category.

  • Read on for our top 6 best theatre actresses of 2018 so far and our hopes for the next half year

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