By Neil Durham
WHEN?: 7pm UK time 2 March 2024
WHERE?: Löfbergs Arena, Karlstad WHERE DO I WATCH?: SVT Play
Norwegian twins Marcus & Martinus return to Melodifestivalen at the 1st time of asking after finishing as runners up in 2023.
Former Dr Who Smith (Lungs, Old Vic) who recently led TV’s House Of The Dragon stars in this Ibsen play about truth in a society driven by power and money. The supporting cast includes Jessica Brown Findlay (Uncle Vanya, Almeida) and Paul Hilton (The Glass Menagerie, Duke Of York’s Theatre) at the Duke Of York’s Theatre. Runs 6 February through 6 April 2024. Tickets Our review
WORTH A LOOK?: ****
We can’t ever remember writing about Ireland’s Eurovision selection show Eurosong but this year it contains an entry we think has the potential to do very well in Sweden in May and 1 that is competent but unchallenging which may well win the ticket.
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK?: ****
WHEN?: Saturday 20 January, runs through 30 March 2024 RUNTIME: 150 minutes (including a 20-minute interval) UPDATE: Run extended to 13 April 2024
Real life husband and wife Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker are the perfect pair to bring the best out of this Neil Simon comedy which is arguably the funniest show currently playing in London’s West End.
By Neil Durham
WHEN?: 7pm UK time 24 February 2024
WHERE?: Stiga Sports Arena, Eskilstuna WHERE DO I WATCH?: SVT Play
Both this week’s returning acts – Dotter and Danny Saucedo – have come agonisingly close to winning Melodifestivalen and would be expected to advance straight to the finalen from this heat.
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK?: *****
WHEN?: Saturday 13 January (matinee), runs through 27 January 2024 RUNTIME: 105 minutes (no interval)
We had 4 walk-outs and at least 1 audience member crying during this provocative 3-hander comedy without interval.
WORTH A LOOK?: ****1/2
We’ve heard all 18 songs vying to represent Norway at the 68th Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden in May and this is the 1 we couldn’t get out of our head on 1st listen.
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK?: ****
WHEN?: Saturday 13 January 2024, runs through 14 April 2024 RUNTIME: 125 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)
Anyone wishing to hear some of the 90s best songs including Kiss Me by Sixpence None The Richer, Torn by Natalie Imbruglia, Lovefool by The Cardigans or Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve in musical theatre form should look no further.
By Neil Durham
WHEN?: 7pm UK time 17 February 2024
WHERE?: Vida Arena, Växjö WHERE DO I WATCH?: SVT Play
This heat boasts 4 MF debutants alongside the much-anticipated returns of 2 familiar names including Opeia who won 2023’s Eurovision as a co-writer of Loreen’s Tattoo.
By Aline Mahrud
WORTH A LOOK?: ****
WHEN?: Saturday 6 January 2024, runs through 2 March 2024 RUNTIME: 130 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)
It’s an absolute joy to be in the front row of this intimate space which allows this new British musical about facing the challenge of a life-threatening injury to be realised triumphantly.
