Author: mrmonstagigz

9 reasons why we can’t wait for April

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

  1. Angels In America descend on the National

Our most anticipated theatrical event of the year. Marianne Elliott (War Horse, Curious Incident of the Dog In The Night-Time) directs a stellar cast including Nathan Lane (The Producers, The Birdcage), Andrew Garfield, Denise Gough, James McArdle and Russell Tovey in this two-part Tony Kushner classic at the National Theatre from 11/4. Runs to 19/8. Tickets

  • Read on for reasons including a walk with Mark Rylance, Miriam Margoyles & Olivier Awards

Read More

THEATRE REVIEW: Love In Idleness starring Eve Best, Anthony Head & Helen George

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHERE: Menier Chocolate Factory

WHEN: 18/3, press night 20/3, runs to 29/4

Eve Best (pictured above) is 1 of our favourite actresses and here she plays a widow ‘living in sin’ with a Cabinet minister, much to the horror of her 18-year-old son who is returning home after evacuation in World War Two.

  • Read on for reasons including why Edward Bluemel is a name to watch out for

Read More

THEATRE REVIEW: Don Juan In Soho starring David Tennant

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: ***

WHERE: Wyndhams Theatre

WHEN 17/3, press night 28/3, runs to 10/6

There’s a moment towards the end of this Molière adaptation where David Tennant rails against former Chancellor George Osborne (announced today as the new editor of the Standard) and Donald Trump to great applause.

  • Read on for reasons including why Adrian Scarborough is the highlight of this show

Read More

THEATRE REVIEW: Limehouse starring Roger Allam, Debra Gillett & Tom Goodman-Hill

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: ***1/2

WHERE: Donmar Warehouse

WHEN: 16/3 (matinee), runs to 15/4

This dramatisation of the moment in 1981 when ‘Gang Of Four’ Shirley Williams, Roy Jenkins, David Owen and Bill Rodgers left the Labour party to form a party of their own is a recent history that will be familiar to many.

  • Read on for reasons including how £10 standing tickets at the Donmar can be upgraded

Read More

THEATRE REVIEW: La Cage Aux Folles starring John Partridge

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHERE: New Wimbledon Theatre

WHEN: 15/3 (matinee), runs until 18/3 and then on UK tour until 26/8

Hard to believe, perhaps, that this is the first UK tour this classic 1983 musical, which won six Tonys, has embarked on.

  • Read on for reasons including why star John Partridge may not be the Albin you’re expecting

Read More

THEATRE REVIEW: Rent starring Lucie Jones

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHERE: New Victoria Theatre, Woking

WHEN: 11/3 (matinee), touring the UK until 27/5

This 20th anniversary production of Jonathan Larson’s groundbreaking musical features a showstopping performance by this year’s UK Eurovision entrant Lucie Jones as Maureen (pictured above).

  • Read on for reasons including why the UK’s Eurovision entry is in safe hands this year

Read More

THEATRE REVIEW: The Miser starring Griff Rhys Jones, Lee Mack & Mathew Horne

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHERE: Garrick Theatre

WHEN: 8/3 (matinee), press night 13/3, runs to 3/6

It’s Budget Day and we decide to see this comedy as cheaply as possible with a £20 restricted view ticket three rows back from the end of the stalls behind a pillar.

  • Read on for reasons including why our £20 was well spent

Read More

THEATRE REVIEW: Stepping Out starring Amanda Holden

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: ***

WHERE: Vaudeville Theatre

WHEN: 4/3 (matinee), press night 14/3, runs to 17/6

A foot fracture meant Tamzin Outhwaite had to withdraw from this production shortly before its first preview and is replaced by Kate Verner here.

  • Read on for reasons including which cast member’s sister will join the show

Read More

PREVIEW: Our predictions for the Melodifestivalen 2017 final

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WHEN?: Saturday 11 March (7pm UK time) on SVT (link to watch below)

2017 sees the strongest final line-up we can remember, our favourite is currently the highest placed entry on Swedish iTunes and the introduction of the international juries into Saturday’s show should add a fascinating dynamic to proceedings.

  • Read on for our predictions for the 12 finalists and their heat performances

Read More