THEATRE REVIEW

THEATRE REVIEW: The Holy Rosenbergs starring Tracy-Ann Oberman at Menier Chocolate Factory

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ***

WHEN?: Tuesday 10 March 2026, runs through 2 May 2026

There’s a lot to unpack in this drama about a north London Jewish family mourning the death of their Israel Defence Force (IDF) soldier son as their daughter returns home from working for the UN in Geneva investigating alleged human rights abuses in Gaza in 2009.

  • Read on for reasons including how this is a thorny play prompting plenty for the audience to find both relevant and challenging
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THEATRE REVIEW Tristan starring Jasper Talbot at The Other Palace

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN?: Tuesday 3 February and ran through 5 February 2026

Musical theatre festival MTFestUK is a collection of 6 new pieces shared in 60-minute workshop form and Tristan is the new work composed by Bloc Party’s Kele Okereke (Leave To Remain, Lyric Theatre Hammersmith).

  • Read on for reasons including why we look forward to meeting Tristan in full at a theatre soon
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THEATRE REVIEW: After Miss Julie starring Tom Varey at Park Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Aline Mahrud

WORTH A LOOK?: ***

WHEN?: Saturday 14 February (matinee) and runs through 28 February 2026

Patrick Marber (The Producers, Garrick Theatre) reimagines Strindberg on the eve of Labour’s 1945 election win as the daughter of a powerful MP sparks a forbidden flirtation with her father’s chauffeur.

  • Read on for reasons including how this is ripe for a West End transfer to a larger venue
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THEATRE REVIEW: Broken Glass directed by Jordan Fein and starring Eli Gelb, Pearl Chanda, Alex Waldmann, Nancy Carroll & Juliet Cowan at the Young Vic

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

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

WHEN?: Saturday 21 February, opens 3 March and runs through 18 April 2026 RUNTIME: 120 minutes without interval

This venue has a strong recent record of reviving Arthur Miller plays including A View From The Bridge and Death Of A Salesman and this lesser known work deserves to be considered in the same sentence as those.

  • Read on for reasons including how there are no multi cameras or technological trickery needed when the cast is this strong and material so pertinent
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THEATRE REVIEW: Evening All Afternoon starring Anastasia Hille at the Donmar

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Aline Mahrud

WORTH A LOOK?: ***1/2

WHEN?: Friday 20 February, opens 24 February and runs through 11 April 2026 RUNTIME: 85 minutes (no interval)

Anastasia Hille (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Young Vic) plays Jennifer, a woman marrying late and nervous about how she is perceived by her soon-to-be stepdaughter.

  • Read on for reasons including how meditating on grief, acceptance, unexpected love and finding contentment where you never dared look are themes that feel universal
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THEATRE REVIEW: Dracula starring Cynthia Erivo at the Noel Coward Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN?: Monday 9 February, opens 17 February and runs through 30 May 2026 RUNTIME: 130 minutes (no interval)

Erivo (film Wicked) delivers an extraordinarily committed performance in this 20,000-word monologue of a 1-woman Dracula.

  • Read on for reasons including how this is an impressive spectacle of her acting ability that will divide theatre purists who prefer fewer cameras on our stages
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THEATRE REVIEW: Deep Azure by Chadwick Boseman at Sam Wanamaker Playhouse

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

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

WHEN?: Saturday 7 February, opens 17 February and runs through 11 April 2026 RUNTIME: 195 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

Respect is due to Black Panther star and Oscar-nominated actor Chadwick Boseman who also wrote this play about US police brutality in 2005 years before his film career took off.

  • Read on for reasons including how this timely material and hip hop template makes for a bold, entertaining and hugely thought provoking evening
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THEATRE REVIEW: Kenrex starring Jack Holden at The Other Palace

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN? Saturday 31 January 2026, runs through 1 February 2026 Transfers off Broadway 15 April through 27 June 2026 (Ticket link below) RUNTIME: 125 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

It’s the extraordinary performance by Jack Holden (Cruise) playing multiple roles which is the best reason to see this true crime retelling of the death of town bully Ken McElroy in Skidmore, Missouri in 1981.

  • Read on for reasons including how it will be fascinating to see what the US makes of this British take on a difficult story from its past
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THEATRE REVIEW: I’m Sorry, Prime Minister starring Griff Rhys Jones at Apollo Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Aline Mahrud

WORTH A LOOK?: ***

WHEN?: Saturday 31 January (matinee), opens 12 February and runs through 9 May 2026

Yes, Minister and its sequel Yes, Prime Minister was a BBC political satirical comedy starring Paul Eddington and Nigel Hawthorne lifting the lid on the relationship between politicians and Government that was hugely popular in the 80s.

  • Read on for reasons including how the attempt to do something interesting creatively feels like a missed opportunity
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THEATRE REVIEW: The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry starring Mark Addy at Theatre Royal Haymarket

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN? Friday 30 January, opens 10 February and runs through 18 April 2026 RUNTIME: 150 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

There’s a kindness and generosity of spirit about this new musical which reminds of the Olivier Award-winning The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button and a final reveal so devastating we spend much of the 2nd act shedding silent tears.

  • Read on for reasons including how this is a a feelgood musical with heartfelt songs that won’t fail to put a spring in your step
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