Author: mrmonstagigz
THEATRE REVIEW: A Mirror starring Jonny Lee Miller, Tanya Johnson & Micheal Ward at the Almeida
By Aline Mahrud
WORTH A LOOK?: **** RUNTIME: 120 minutes (without interval) UPDATE: This production transfers to the Trafalgar Theatre for 13 weeks from 22 January 2024 Tickets
WHEN?: Saturday 19 August, opens 23 August and runs through 23 September 2023
You join us at the wedding of Leyla and Joel as this play-within-a-play-within-a-play about the power of creating a narrative to perpetuate power begins.
- Read on for reasons including how the audience were asked to behave as if at a wedding during this production
SONG OF THE WEEK: These Are The Days by S Club (week beginning Thursday 17 August 2023)
WORTH A LOOK?: ****1/2
One of the saddest stories of the year was the death of former S Club 7 member Paul Cattermole by natural causes aged just 46 shortly after his band announced a 15-date UK tour reunion this autumn.
- Read on for reasons including where to see S Club on their Good Times tour
THEATRE REVIEW: Next To Normal starring Caissie Levy at the Donmar Warehouse
By Aline Mahrud
WORTH A LOOK?: **** RUNTIME: 150 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)
WHEN?: Monday 14 August, opens 22 August and runs through 7 October 2023 UPDATE: Transferring to London’s West End in June 2024 Details
Think Dear Evan Hansen but where the mental health focus is on a middle-aged mother spiralling out of control rather than a struggling teen.
- Read on for reasons including how this is hard-hitting and well-performed material which is already finding its audience
THEATRE REVIEW: Groundhog Day starring Andy Karl at the Old Vic
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK?: ****1/2 RUNTIME: 155 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)
WHEN?: Saturday 12 August, runs through 19 August 2023 RUNTIME: 155 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)
Pre-Covid we told Old Vic Artistic Director Matthew Warchus after Groundhog Day‘s initial run that it was ahead of its time when he revealed his plan for its return.
- Read on for reasons including how we think this show has the legs for a West End run after its old Vic bow
ALBUM OF THE WEEK: Balance by Lucy Spraggan (week beginning Saturday 12 August 2023)
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK?: ****
TRACKLIST: Everything Changes; OCD; Balance; Bodies; Seasick; Not Another Travelling Song; California; Cocaine; Hope For The Best; Caroline; Underdog; Empire; Manchester; Cost Of Living
When Spraggan released opening track Everything Changes last year incorporating her X Factor hit Beer Fear it wasn’t quite clear what she was referring to when she sang: ‘I think of things that happened 10 years ago and I feel much better letting them go.’
- Read on for reasons including how to see Spraggan on tour including a London gig
THEATRE REVIEW: The Effect starring Paapa Essiedu & Taylor Russell at the National Theatre
By Aline Mahrud
WORTH A LOOK?: ***1/2 RUNTIME: 100 minutes (no interval)
WHEN?: 5 August, opens 9 August and runs through 7 October 2023
Clinical psychiatrists Dr Lorna James and Dr Toby Sealey are setting up a trial to discover whether they have found a ‘Viagra for the heart’.
- Read on for reasons including how Essiedu is 1 of this country’s finest young actors and Russell is making her debut
ALBUM OF THE MONTH: Victory by Cian Ducrot (August 2023)
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK?: ****1/2
TRACKLIST: Victory; I’ll Be Waiting; Him; Heaven; How Do You Know?; All For You; Stepdad; Mama; Hurt When You Hurt Me; Blame It On Me; Endless Nights; Part Of Me; Everyone Who Falls In Love (Has Someone Else To Be Thinking Of); Thank God You Stayed
Ducrot is an Irish singer songwriter who will be 26 this month and his debut album is our favourite of 2023 so far let alone just this month.
- Read on for reasons including how to see Ducrot on tour including in London later this year
SONG OF THE MONTH: Call Me A Lioness by Hope FC (August 2023)
WORTH A LOOK?: ****
England’s Lionesses are European champions and, as we write, play Nigeria on Monday (7 August 2023) in the final 16 knockout stage of the Women’s World Cup.
- Read on for reasons including how this song features Melanie C, Self Esteem and Shura
THEATRE REVIEW: La Cage Aux Folles at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK?: *****
WHEN?: Saturday 29 July, opens 5 August runs through 16 September 2023 RUNTIME: 150 minutes (including a 20-minute interval) UPDATE: now running until 23 September 2023
Close your eyes and this 40th anniversary revival of the classic musical comedy could almost be set not on the French Riveria but in a rundown British seaside town that’s seen better days.
- Read on for reasons including why this is the best production of this iconic show we’ve ever seen
