Author: mrmonstagigz
FILM REVIEW: Alien: Romulus
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK?: ****
‘In space, no one can hear you scream’ ran the tagline for the 1st Alien film and these days the all-too-obvious sound of audience screaming was more likely the response to the poor quality of the franchise’s follow ups to its 2 big hits.
- Read on for reasons including how this is the best Alien film since Aliens in 1986
PREVIEW: 9 reasons why we can’t wait for September 2024 starring Ben Whishaw
- Ben Whishaw is Waiting For Godot
We last saw Whishaw at the Royal Court (Bluets) and here he stars opposite Lucian Msamati (Talking Heads, Bridge Theatre) in the Beckett classic at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from 13 September through 14 December 2024. Tickets
- Read on for reasons including John Lithgow, Look Back In Anger and the return of Cable Street
SONG OF THE WEEK: Edge Of Saturday Night by The Blessed Madonna & Kylie Minogue
WORTH A LOOK?: *****
The vibe is 90s Brothers In Rhythm uptempo house served with some block-rockin’ beats courtesy of The Blessed Madonna and Kylie is having an absolute ball explaining were it necessary: ‘Monday doesn’t matter at all’.
- Read on for reasons including why we’re absolutely here for this messier, brattier Kylie
GIG REVIEW: Bernadette Peters at Theatre Royal Drury Lane
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK?: *****
SETLIST: Old Friends; No One Is Alone; There Is Nothing Like A Dame; Fever; (When I Marry) Mister Snow; It Might As Well Be Spring; In Buddy’s Eyes; Losing My Mind; Rent (Outtake); With So Little To Be Sure Of; Children Will Listen; Before The Parade Passes By; So Long Dearie; You Gotta Get A Gimmick; Send In The Clowns; Being Alive; Kramer’s Song
WHEN?: Monday 12 August 2024, tour runs in the US through 23 November 2024
Yesterday was the hottest day in the UK so far this year and Peters certainly raised the temperature even higher in London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
- Read on for reasons including how this was a rare evening in the company of a star who seemed to enjoy the experience as much as we did
ALBUM OF THE MONTH: Light It Up by Will Young (August 2024)
WORTH A LOOK?: ***1/2
TRACKLIST: Falling Deep; Light It Up; Feels Just Like A Win; Midnight; Me Without You; The Worst; No Man’s Land; Talk About It; Everything But You; I Won’t Let You Down
He’s not had a top 40 hit single since Jealousy made the top 5 in 2011 yet, perhaps ironically, Young has never been more lyrically and musically interesting than he is on this, his 9th album and 1st of new material for 5 years.
- Read on for reasons including how it feels like a win to have him ploughing his own furrow and worrying less about fitting in
THEATRE REVIEW: Red Speedo starring Finn Cole at Orange Tree Theatre, Richmond
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK?: ****
WHEN?: Friday 9 August and runs through 10 August 2024 RUNTIME: 90 minutes (without interval)
Professional stage debuts are always exposing but Cole from TV’s Peaky Blinders and Animal Kingdom completes his in only 2 pairs of the titular swimming trunks.
- Read on for reasons including how Red Speedo is an intense highboard dive into a world where the stakes are high and the emotions heightened
SONG OF THE MONTH: The Feeling by Kygo & Sigrid (August 2024)
WORTH A LOOK?: ****1/2
Welcome to the debut collaboration of 2 of Norway’s biggest pop exports and it’s a dancefloor banger in keeping with Kygo’s previous work but a step away from what you might expect from Sigrid.
- Read on for reasons including how now is a really interesting time for Sigrid fans as we await indications of what her eagerly-awaited 3rd album might sound like
THEATRE REVIEW: A Chorus Line starring Carly Mercedes Dyer at Sadler’s Wells Theatre
By Aline Mahrud
WORTH A LOOK?: ****
WHEN?: Saturday 3 August (matinee) runs through 25 August 2024 and then tours
It’s the part of Cassie – the leading actress seeking a part in the titular chorus line from director Zach who she has previously been in a relationship – that we think is pivotal to this show’s success.
- Read on for reasons including where to see this production as it tours the country after this London run
THEATRE REVIEW: The Grapes Of Wrath starring Cherry Jones & Harry Treadaway at the National Theatre
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK?: ****
WHEN?: Tuesday 30 July 2024, opens 31 July and booking until 14 September 2024 RUNTIME: 170 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)
Sharing the milk of human kindness is very much the essence of this theatrical adaptation of John Steinbeck’s beloved 1939 novel.
- Read on for reasons including how this production is exquisitely performed and executed with a visual flair that makes for a feast for the eyes as well as the mind
