Month: July 2024

THEATRE REVIEW: The Hot Wing King starring Kadiff Kirwan at the Dorfman, National Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Aline Mahrud

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN?: Saturday 13 July 2024, opening 18 July and booking until 14 September 2024 RUNTIME: 170 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

Actress/screenwriter/director Katori Hall was inspired to write this comedy drama about black gay men for which she won a Pulitzer Prize because she wanted to reflect her brother’s life experiences.

  • Read on for reasons including how this a play that might present a challenge but is definitely worth consuming enthusiastically
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THEATRE REVIEW: The Baker’s Wife starring Lucie Jones & Clive Rowe at Menier Chocolate Factory

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: *****

WHEN?: Saturday 13 July 2024 (matinee), opens 17 July and booking until 14 September 2024 RUNTIME: 140 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

Stephen Schwartz wrote the music and lyrics for this forgotten gem and is better known for a musical that has starred his leading lady here (Wicked, Apollo Victoria Theatre) and opens in its celluloid version on 22 November 2024.

  • Read on for reasons including how we knead to see The Baker’s Wife in a larger venue on its West End transfer
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THEATRE REVIEW: Hello Dolly! starring Dame Imelda Staunton at London Palladium

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN?: Saturday 6 July 2024, opens 18 July and booking until 16 September 2024 RUNTIME: 130 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

Bette Midler starred in the 2017 Broadway revival of the classic 1964 musical which was an Oscar-winning film 5 years later starring Barbra Streisand so clearly Staunton has some work to do – and do it she does.

  • Read on for reasons including how this is a solid if not quite yet spectacular revival of a much-loved show
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SONG OF THE MONTH: Soak Up The Culture/Shopping by Welly (July 2024)

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

Released in May but feeling more apt now summer holidays are on the horizon, your next favourite band delight once more with lyrics including: ”Je voudrais good time!’ ‘D’ya know the way to Berghain?’ ‘My name’s Holly, I’m from Crawley, and I’m looking for the good wine!”

  • Read on for reasons including where to see your new favourite band next
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THEATRE REVIEW: Your Lie In April starring Zheng Xi Yong & Mia Kobayashi at the Harold Pinter Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN?: Sunday 30 June 2024, booking until 21 September 2024 RUNTIME: 160 minutes (including a 20-minute interval) Update: Now closing 11 August 2024

Grieving piano prodigy Kosei can no longer hear music after the death of his mentor mother until mysterious violinist Kaori arrives as the school’s new girl and turns his world upside down.

  • Read on for reasons including how this has international appeal and makes for a classy addition to the West End
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