THEATRE REVIEW

THEATRE REVIEW: The Pillowman starring Lily Allen and Steve Pemberton at the Duke Of York’s Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

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

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

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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THEATRE REVIEW: Dear England starring Joseph Fiennes at the National Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: *****

WHEN?: Tuesday 13 June, runs through 11 August 2023 RUNTIME: 180 minutes (including a 20-minute interval) BREAKING: This production transfers to the Prince Edward Theatre 9 October through 13 January 2024 Tickets

Can it really be true that England’s football team are the ‘premature ejaculators’ of penalty taking and the quick speed with which they take them corresponds directly to their lack of success?

  • Read on for reasons including why this is the best new play of the year so far and so much more than about football
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THEATRE REVIEW: Mrs Doubtfire starring Gabriel Vick at Shaftesbury Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Aline Mahrud

WORTH A LOOK?: ***

WHEN?: Saturday 10 June, opens 22 June and runs through 13 January 2024 RUNTIME: 150 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

There are 2 memorable songs in this new musical based on the 1993 film which starred the late Robin Williams as an out of work voice actor who poses as Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire to be closer to his 3 children during a messy divorce.

  • Read on for reasons including how this musical of a 30-year-old film is no Groundhog Day
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THEATRE REVIEW: Romeo and Juliet starring Toheeb Jimoh & Isis Hainsworth at Almeida Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN?: Friday 9 June, opens 14 June and runs through 29 July 2023 RUNTIME: 120 minutes (no interval)

Candles burn and flicker against the brick back wall of this beautiful intimate venue and we’re reminded why director Rebecca Frecknall has been shortlisted as best director in 3 of the last 5 Olivier Awards.

  • Read on for reasons including what a fine Romeo Ted Lasso‘s Toheeb Jimoh makes
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THEATRE REVIEW: Private Lives starring Stephen Mangan and Rachael Stirling at Donmar Warehouse

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Aline Mahrud

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN?: Saturday 27 May 2023 (last night)

There’s a moment during this dark Noel Coward revival when Stephen Mangan’s Elyot expertly plays his wordless response to Rachael Stirling’s ex-wife Sibyl (The Way You Look Tonight) on the piano and it’s absolutely exquisite.

  • Read on for reasons including how this revival accentuated the darkness of the hilarious script
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THEATRE REVIEW: How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying starring Tracie Bennett at Southwark Playhouse (Borough)

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Aline Mahrud

WHEN?: Saturday 20 May, runs until 17 June 2023.

WORTH A LOOK?: *** RUNTIME: 140 minutes (including a 20 minute interval)

Southwark Playhouse is currently running theatres in 2 different south London locations and tonight we mistakenly pitch up at the new Elephant rather than the old Borough site which is our bad but gives a little insight into the rather haphazard nature of this venue.

  • Read on for reasons including how director Georgie Rankcom stepped into the cast seamlessly at this performance
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THEATRE REVIEW: Great Expectations starring Eddie Izzard at the Garrick Theatre

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By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN?: Wednesday 24 May, runs until 1 July 2023 RUNTIME: 135 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

The most emotional moments during this 1-woman performance of the Dickens coming of age classic are when Izzard, who plays all the 20-or-so parts, conveys the heartache of not being the choice of someone loved by main character Pip.

  • Read on for reasons including how there aren’t many people we could think of who could carry this off
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THEATRE REVIEW: BLACK SUPERHERO starring Lewis Brown, Dyllon Burnside & Rochenda Sandall at Royal Court Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Aline Mahrud

WORTH A LOOK?: ***

WHEN?: Saturday 22 April (matinee), running to 29 April 2023 RUNTIME: 130 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

Leading man Lewis Brown took over from writer/star Danny Lee Wynter midway through this run after the creator withdrew for personal reasons and it’s all credit to this production that you could never tell.

  • Read on for reasons including how we’re looking forward to playwright Wynter’s next role and written work
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THEATRE REVIEW: TONY! (The Tony Blair Rock Opera) at Leicester Square Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN?: Sunday 7 May, runs until 21 May and then tours until 14 October 2023 RUNTIME: 120 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

We’re reminded of musical The Book Of Mormon by 2 of TV’s South Park creators during this show’s finale as the lead sings: ‘The Whole Wide World is run by assholes.’

  • Read on for reasons including where to see this Harry Hill musical as it tours the UK until October
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