THEATRE REVIEW: Arcadia by Tom Stoppard at the Old Vic

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN? Monday 26 January, opens 4 February and runs through 21 March 2026 RUNTIME: 170 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

Tom Stoppard died in November and 1993’s Arcadia is considered to be his masterpiece which makes this undercast revival all the more curious.

  • Read on for reasons including how it seems a missed opportunity that this 2nd revival of his classic is so understated
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THEATRE REVIEW: American Psycho starring Arty Froushan & Daniel Bravo at the Almeida Theatre

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ***

WHEN? Saturday 24 January, opens 30 January and runs through 14 March 2026 RUNTIME: 165 minutes (including a 20 minute interval)

Bret Easton Ellis’ cult 1991 yuppie serial killer novel American Psycho turned 2000 film starring Christian Bale never really screamed to become a musical.

  • Read on for reasons including how this is an uncomfortable watch we were repelled by that just reminded us about quite how dark 2026 has become
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ALBUM OF THE MONTH: Beautiful Madness by Agnes (January 2026)

WORTH A LOOK?: *****

Tracklist: Interlude; Beautiful Madness; Trigger; Got Any?; Milk; Focus; Wake Up; Balenciaga Covered Eyes; Not Capable; Ego; Masterpiece; Sign It; Pre; Lovesongs; Uterus & Universe

‘Life is a beautiful madness, and it’s when we stop chasing perfection that the truly interesting things happen,’ says Agnes as she releases this new album and prepares to headline London’s KOKO next week where we join her.

  • Read on for reasons including why this is the 1st great album of 2026
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PREVIEW: 9 reasons why we can’t wait for February 2026 starring Cynthia Erivo as Dracula

  1. Cynthia Erivo is Dracula

Erivo won our 2024 Best TV/Film Actress monsta for Wicked and recently starred in its sequel which was our 2025 Best Film. Here she is the sole focus of attention in a 1-woman Dracula directed by Kip Williams (The Picture Of Dorian Gray, Theatre Royal Haymarket) which runs at the Noel Coward Theatre 4 February through 30 May 2026. Tickets The 1st 3 preview performances have now been cancelled.

  • Read on for reasons including Suede on tour, Fl02, Wuthering Heights and Broken Glass
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PREVIEW: Melodifestivalen Heat 5 2026 starring Sanna Nielsen, Bladë & AleXa

By Aline Mahrud

WHERE? Gärdehov, Sundsvall WHEN? Saturday 28 February 2026 WHERE TO WATCH? SVT

Nielsen is the 2nd former Melodifestivalen winner competing in its 66th year and finished 3rd in Copenhagen in 2014 singing the gorgeous Undo.

  • Read on for reasons including more detail about this show’s 6 acts
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THEATRE REVIEW: Guess How Much I Love You? starring Rosie Sheehy & Robert Aramayo at the Royal Court

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: *****

WHEN? Saturday 17 January, opens 22 January and runs through 21 February 2026 RUNTIME: 100 minutes (without interval)

A pregnant couple make small talk and play guessing games as they await the result of their 20-week scan.

  • Read on for reasons including how this is the 1st great new play of 2026 so far
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THEATRE REVIEW: Beautiful Little Fool starring David Hunter, Hannah Corneau & Lauren Ward at Southwark Playhouse (The Large)

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ***

WHEN? Friday 16 January, opens 22 January and runs through 28 February 2026 RUNTIME: 100 minutes (no interval)

Corneau (pictured centre above) has written the music and lyrics for this look at the life of Zelda Fitzgerald and her husband F. Scott, who wrote classic novel The Great Gatsby, through the eyes of their daughter.

  • Read on for reasons including how Corneau has great potential and may well go on to write and star in something quite exceptional next
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THEATRE REVIEW: Gerry & Sewell at the Aldwych Theatre

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN? Thursday 15 January 2026, runs through 24 January 2026 (review ticket) RUNTIME: 120 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

Non-league Macclesfield beat FA Cup holders Crystal Palace 5 days ago and Gerry & Sewell is the giant-killing theatrical equivalent.

  • Read on for reasons including how Gerry & Sewell is about the everyday hopes and dreams that every one of us needs to keep going, pet
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PREVIEW: Melodifestivalen Heat 4 2026 starring Meira Omar & Smash Into Pieces

By Aline Mahrud

WHERE? Malmö Arena, Malmö WHEN? Saturday 21 February 2026 WHERE TO WATCH? SVT

Omar made it out of last year’s Andra Chansen to finish 10th with Hush Hush, an attempt to bring the Bollywood to Melodifestivalen.

  • Read on for reasons including more detail about this show’s 6 acts
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