AWARDS MONSTAS: Our Best New Play of 2019 so far

We awarded 14 monstas for the best pop, theatre, TV and film of 2018 in December – and here we look at the cream of 2019 so far and what’s to come. The Inheritance, The Ferryman and Oddshaped Balls are previous winners in this category.

  • Read on for our top 5 Best New Plays of 2019 so far and our hopes for the next half year

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THEATRE REVIEW: Evita starring Samantha Pauly at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

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STOP PRESS: This production of Evita is now booking at the Barbican 27/6 to 22/8/20 Tickets

WORTH A LOOK?: *****

WHERE? Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre RUNTIME: 130 minutes (plus 20-minute interval)

WHEN? 2/8, opens 8/8,  runs to 21/9/19

It’s apt that in the week where UK girl group musical Six announces its Broadway transfer, that the latest actress to play Evita should have the voice of Anna Kendrick and the moves of Cheryl Cole.

  • Read on for reasons including how this 1st preview earned its standing ovation

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AWARDS MONSTAS: Our Best Theatre Actor of 2019 so far

We awarded 14 monstas for the best pop, theatre, TV and film of 2018 in December – and here we look at the cream of 2019 so far and what’s to come. Arinze Kene, Andrew Scott, George Mackay and James McAvoy are previous winners in this category.

  • Read on for our top 5 best theatre actors of 2019 so far and our hopes for the next half year

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PREVIEW: 9 reasons why we can’t wait for August 2019 starring Fleabag

  1. Fleabag takes the stage

Author Phoebe Waller-Bridge won our 2016 Best TV/Film actress monsta for her work on the 1st TV series (5 reasons to watch here) of this show and the original play on which it is based comes to the West End’s Wyndham’s Theatre 20/8 through 14/9/19. Tickets

  • Read on for reasons including Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Carrie Hope-Fletcher & Shura

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ALBUM OF THE MONTH: Singles Party by Shakespears Sister (July 2019)

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

OUT: now

TRACKLIST: Break My Heart; Heroine; You’re History; Run Silent; Dirty Mind; Stay; I Don’t Care; Goodbye Cruel World; Hello; My 16th Apology; I Can Drive; Bitter Pill; Pulsatron; Bad Blood; It’s A Trip; All The Queen’s Horses; C U Next Tuesday; Stay (Acoustic)

In their heyday Shakespears Sister supported Prince and headlined Glastonbury but their 15 minutes of fame was over far too early.

  • Read on for reasons including where to hear new songs All The Queen’s Horses and C U Next Tuesday

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AWARDS: MONSTAS: Our Best Song of 2019 so far

We awarded 14 monstas for the best pop, theatre, TV and film of 2018 in December – and here we look at the cream of 2019 so far and what’s to come. Make Me Feel, New Rules, Can’t Stop The Feeling and Goodbye To Yesterday are previous winners in this category.

  • Read on for our top 5 best songs of 2019 so far and our hopes for the next half year

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THEATRE REVIEW: The View UpStairs starring Tyrone Huntley & John Partridge at Soho Theatre

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHERE? Soho Theatre RUNTIME: 120 minutes (no interval)

WHEN? 18/7, press night 23/7, runs to 24/8/19

It’s the 1st preview and this European premiere of a recent Off Broadway success is starting 15 minutes later than advertised and running 15 minutes longer than expected – but receives a standing ovation at its climax.

  • Read on for reasons including why this is a show worthy of repeat viewing

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SONG OF THE MONTH: Salted Caramel Ice Cream by Metronomy (July 2019)

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

OUT: now

Imagine sassy Prince mashing up Greased Lightning from musical Grease with the keyboards from Pulp’s Common People and you might come close to recreating this summer anthem singing the praises of the dash of imperfection that accentuates perfection.

  • Read on for reasons including details of Metronomy’s London gigs later this year

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GIG REVIEW: ONBlackheath 2019 starring Jamiroquai, Grace Jones & Swing Out Sister

67086012_2789038221110264_6377677781999812608_o.jpgWHERE?: On Blackheath

WHEN?: 13 and 14/7/19 (press tickets)

‘After gallivanting around the world twice, it’s nice to be home,’ says Jamiroquai mainman Jay Kay at the start of this 1st UK gig of the year.

  • Read on for reasons including details of appearances by Swing Out Sister and Grace Jones 

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THEATRE REVIEW: Closer to Heaven starring Adele Anderson, Blake Patrick Anderson, Maddy Banks & Ian Hallard at Above The Stag

WORTH A LOOK?: ***

WHERE? Above The Stag RUNTIME: 130 minutes (with 20 minute interval)

WHEN? 7/7, opens 10/7 runs to 31/8/19

STOP PRESS: Tickets for MUSIK’s London run in September go on sale at 10am 29/7/19 here.

We saw the original production of this musical in 2001 and authors Jonathan Harvey and Pet Shop Boys have written a follow up of sorts featuring lead character Billie Trix which premieres at this summer’s Edinburgh Fringe.

  • Read on for reasons including ticket details for MUSIK at the Edinburgh Fringe in August

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