By Carron Stacey, A Humdrum Mum
WHEN?: Friday 25 July 2025
I spy lead singer/percussionist Nikki Belfiglio on the merch stand and she graciously gives me a mini interview.
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK?: ****
WHEN?: Sunday 27 July 2025, Uptown Festival at Blackheath
Song Three Lions was played as the Lionesses won the Euros on penalties shortly before former M People frontwoman Heather Small took to the stage.
WORTH A LOOK?: *** (review ticket)
WHEN?: Friday 25 July 2025 (press night), runs through 16 August 2025 RUNTIME: 90 minutes (without interval)
The best thing about this story of the rejuvenation of 1 of London’s greatest venues is its cast playing instruments evoking punk, reggae, rave and rock filling the listener with belief that music at its best really can change the world.
By Neil Durham
Wendy James tours her 10th album The Shape Of History across the UK later this year and took some time out to tell us about what to expect from those gigs, life after Transvision Vamp and its Australian return.
WORTH A LOOK?: ****
Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan, and Siobhán Donaghy were the original Sugababes and it feels only right that more than a quarter of a century after 1st forming they should be back together under that name and releasing some of their strongest ever material.
By Aline Mahrud
WHEN? Saturday 19 July 2025 RUNTIME: 135 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)
Writers Jim Barne and Kit Buchan are best known for musical Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) which won our 2023 Best New Musical monsta.
WORTH A LOOK?: ****
Jellyfish is the sound of schools breaking up for summer, lotion lathered on lazy sunbathers and the moon lighting the way home after a giddy evening.
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK?: ****
WHEN? Monday 14 July, series drops from 16 July 2025 RUNTIME: Each of 6 episodes is 60 minutes
Gabriel Book is the name of the new detective creation by Mark Gatiss (The Motive And The Cue, National Theatre) who runs a London book shop in 1946 while not solving crime.
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK?: *****
WHEN? Saturday 12 July (matinee), runs through 15 July 2025 RUNTIME: 150 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)
Ana wants closeted girlfriend Lori to join a lesbian choir to find some shared pride in their relationship.
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK?: ***
WHEN? Sunday 13 July, opens 15 July and runs through 17 August 2025 RUNTIME: 90 minutes (without interval)
The best thing about this 4-hander about monogamy in gay relationships is Foster’s (Why Am I So Single?, Garrick Theatre) heartfelt performance as Andy as they try to salvage their open relationship with gym-obsessed Michael (Daniel Bravo, Cruel Intentions, Other Palace).
