Author: mrmonstagigz

THEATRE REVIEW: Disruption starring Nathaniel Curtis at Park Theatre

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By Aline Mahrud

WORTH A LOOK?: *** RUNTIME: 125 minutes (including a 15-minute interval)

WHEN?: Saturday 8 July, opens Thursday 13 July runs through 5 August 2023 (public ticket)

The rise of Artifical Intelligence has fuelled fears that it could wipe out humanity or, at the very least, threaten our jobs and so AI as a topic for theatre couldn’t be more now.

  • Read on for reasons including how we would have liked to have seen more of Nathaniel Curtis’ character
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SONG OF THE WEEK: Me, Myself and I by Mae Muller (week beginning Saturday 8 July 2023)

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

Proving that finishing 25th in May’s joyous Eurovision Song Contest final in Liverpool doesn’t have to be a career kiss of death, Muller returns with a single that is almost as infectiously catchy as the riot that was I Wrote A Song, April’s song of the month for us.

  • Read on for reasons including details of Muller’s debut album and how to see her on tour this year
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GIG REVIEW: Welly at the Edge Of The Wedge, Portsmouth

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By Carron Stacey, A Humdrum Mum

WHEN?: Friday 30 June 2023, tour runs until 2 September 2023

Having “discovered’ Welly on day one of Victorious Festival last year, making our whole weekend (along with the comedy), we have seen this Brighton-based (originally from Southampton) band three times now.

  • Read on for reasons including where to see the band this summer
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THEATRE REVIEW: Crazy For You starring Charlie Stemp at the Gillian Lynne Theatre

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By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN?: Saturday 1 July (matinee), runs through 20 January 2024 RUNTIME: 165 minutes (including a 20-minute interval) Update: now closing 31 December 2023

Channelling Michael Crawford as Frank Spencer, Norman Wisdom and Tommy Steele, Blackheath’s Charlie Stemp is an unconventional leading man although he was nominated for a Best Actor in a Musical Olivier for Half A Sixpence.

  • Read on for reasons including how Stemp is the early favourite for the Best Actor in a Musical Olivier in 2024
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THEATRE REVIEW: The Pillowman starring Lily Allen and Steve Pemberton at the Duke Of York’s Theatre

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By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****1/2

WHEN?: Friday 30 June, runs through 2 September 2023 RUNTIME: 145 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

Returning Doctor Who David Tennant (Good, Harold Pinter Theatre) played writer Katurian in the original National Theatre production of this Martin McDonagh play and much has been made of the gender swap of this role now played by Lily Allen (2.22 A Ghost Story, Noel Coward Theatre).

  • Read on for reasons including how The Pillowman is funny, dark yet hugely thought-provoking
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THEATRE REVIEW: A Strange Loop starring Kyle Ramar Freeman at the Barbican

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By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: *****

WHEN?: Monday 26 June, runs through 9 September 2023 RUNTIME: 100 minutes (no interval)

‘The Bible says homosexuality is worse than murder,’ the mother of our hero, Usher, tells him three-quarters of the way through this 2 Tony-winning musical.

  • Read on for reasons including how A Strange Loop will have you laughing one moment and shedding a tear another
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SONG OF THE WEEK: Don’t Say Love by Leigh-Anne (Week beginning Monday 26 June 2023)

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WORTH A LOOK?: ****

Little Mix were a trio when they played their last gig at London’s The 02 on 14 May 2022 and Leigh-Anne is the 1st of the remaining 3 to release a single.

  • Read on for reasons including how Don’t Say Love compares to former Little Mix member Jesy Nelson’s solo singles
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SONG OF THE WEEK: Summer Hungover by EYJAA (week beginning Thursday 22 June 2023)

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: ****1/2

This is the 2nd song of the week from Danish/Icelandic duo EYJAA – Sara and Brynja – who contemplate the end of summer in supremely catchy fashion on their latest single.

  • Read on for reasons including how EYJAA were our pick for the Danish Eurovision ticket this year
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9 reasons why we can’t wait for July starring La Cage Aux Folles at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

  1. La Cage Aux Folles at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Arguably 1 of our favourite London theatre venues, this atmospheric outdoor spot is particularly musical friendly. Director Tim Sheader has run this venue for over a decade and takes over as artistic director at the Donmar next year. La Cage Aux Folles is the story of a gay male couple whose son visits with news that he is to marry the daughter of an ultra-Conservative MP and farce ensues when this defender of the most traditional values in family life arrives with mother and daughter. Runs 29 July through 16 September 2023. Tickets Review

  • Read on for reasons including debut Cian Ducrot LP, the return of Pulp and Crazy For You
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