THEATRE REVIEW

THEATRE REVIEW: Why Am I So Single? at the Garrick Theatre starring Jo Foster & Leesa Tulley

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: *****

WHEN?: Thursday 29 August and runs through 13 February 2025 RUNTIME: 145 minutes (including a 20-minute interval) Update: now closing 19 January 2025

It’s such a simple idea – 2 best friends on a sofa discussing their lack of romantic success as big song and dance numbers break out all around and starring them – that it really shouldn’t work.

  • Read on for reasons including how this is the best new musical of the year so far
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THEATRE REVIEW: The Real Thing starring James McArdle at the Old Vic

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Aline Mahrud

WORTH A LOOK?: ***

WHEN?: Friday 23 August, opens 3 September and runs through 26 October 2024 RUNTIME: 150 minutes (including a 20-minute interval) RUNTIME: 150 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

The best thing about Max Webster’s (Minority Report, Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith) production of this revered comedy is the ridiculous performance of McArdle (pictured left, The Tragedy Of Macbeth, Almeida Theatre) who won our 2021 Best Theatre Actor monsta.

  • Read on for reasons including how this is a rather functional re-run of a dated favourite
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THEATRE REVIEW: Red Speedo starring Finn Cole at Orange Tree Theatre, Richmond

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

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
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THEATRE REVIEW: A Chorus Line starring Carly Mercedes Dyer at Sadler’s Wells Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

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
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THEATRE REVIEW: The Grapes Of Wrath starring Cherry Jones & Harry Treadaway at the National Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

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
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THEATRE REVIEW: The Hot Wing King starring Kadiff Kirwan at the Dorfman, National Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Aline Mahrud

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN?: Saturday 13 July 2024, opening 18 July and booking until 14 September 2024 RUNTIME: 170 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

Actress/screenwriter/director Katori Hall was inspired to write this comedy drama about black gay men for which she won a Pulitzer Prize because she wanted to reflect her brother’s life experiences.

  • Read on for reasons including how this a play that might present a challenge but is definitely worth consuming enthusiastically
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THEATRE REVIEW: The Baker’s Wife starring Lucie Jones & Clive Rowe at Menier Chocolate Factory

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: *****

WHEN?: Saturday 13 July 2024 (matinee), opens 17 July and booking until 14 September 2024 RUNTIME: 140 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

Stephen Schwartz wrote the music and lyrics for this forgotten gem and is better known for a musical that has starred his leading lady here (Wicked, Apollo Victoria Theatre) and opens in its celluloid version on 22 November 2024.

  • Read on for reasons including how we knead to see The Baker’s Wife in a larger venue on its West End transfer
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THEATRE REVIEW: Hello Dolly! starring Dame Imelda Staunton at London Palladium

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN?: Saturday 6 July 2024, opens 18 July and booking until 16 September 2024 RUNTIME: 130 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

Bette Midler starred in the 2017 Broadway revival of the classic 1964 musical which was an Oscar-winning film 5 years later starring Barbra Streisand so clearly Staunton has some work to do – and do it she does.

  • Read on for reasons including how this is a solid if not quite yet spectacular revival of a much-loved show
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THEATRE REVIEW: Your Lie In April starring Zheng Xi Yong & Mia Kobayashi at the Harold Pinter Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN?: Sunday 30 June 2024, booking until 21 September 2024 RUNTIME: 160 minutes (including a 20-minute interval) Update: Now closing 11 August 2024

Grieving piano prodigy Kosei can no longer hear music after the death of his mentor mother until mysterious violinist Kaori arrives as the school’s new girl and turns his world upside down.

  • Read on for reasons including how this has international appeal and makes for a classy addition to the West End
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THEATRE REVIEW: Slave Play starring Kit Harington, Olivia Washington & Fisayo Akinade at the Noel Coward Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Aline Mahrud

WORTH A LOOK?: *****

WHEN?: Saturday 29 June 2024, running through 21 September 2024 RUNTIME: 120 minutes (no interval)

The Role Play That Goes Wrong might have been a more illuminating title for this new tale about 3 inter-racial couples seeking help.

  • Read on for reasons including detail of Harington’s unsympathetic naked performance
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