FILM REVIEW: Wonder Woman 1984 starring Gal Gadot, Chris Pine & Kristen Wiig

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: ***

OUT: In UK from 13/1/21 via Premium Video-on-Demand (PVOD) rental

RUNTIME: 151 minutes

We’re here because we loved the 2017 film and 80s TV show – and not because this is the latest in the hugely successful Marvel or DC series which is one of the reasons currently why for us TV is more of an inviting prospect than cinema.

  • Read on for reasons including how to see this film in the UK now cinemas are closed
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9 reasons why Melodifestivalen is the greatest show on earth: A celebration of Christer Björkman

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

Our obsession with Melodifestivalen, Sweden’s Eurovision selection show, started in 2003 when we learned that Alcazar were taking part.

  • Read on for reasons including brilliant pop songs, the legends slot and an appreciation of drag
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FILM REVIEW: The Prom starring Meryl Streep, James Corden, Andrew Rannells, Keegan Michael-Key & Nicole Kidman

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

OUT: Netflix

‘Listen you bigoted monsters, just who do you think you are? Your prejudice and your repression won’t get past this Broadway star,’ sings Meryl Streep (pictured centre above) as two-time Tony Award winner Dee Dee Allen on a high school visit to champion a lesbian student unable to take her girlfriend to the prom.

  • Read on for reasons including how there are some 5* moments here to savour
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GIG REVIEW: Infinite Disco by Kylie

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN?: livestreamed 7/11/20 and repeated 31/12/20

SETLIST: Magic; Come Into My World; I Love It; In Your Eyes; Light Years; Supernova; I Should Be So Lucky; Dancefloor Darling; All The Lovers; Say Something; Real Groove; Slow; Monday Blues; Where Does The DJ Go?; Love At First Sight; Last Chance; Magic

Kylie recently appeared on Dua Lipa’s Studio 2054 which reportedly won an audience of more than 5 million smashing all records for a livestream.

  • Read on for reasons including how much of a place livestreams have in 2021 when gigs are impossible

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PREVIEW: 9 reasons why we can’t wait for January 2021 starring It’s A Sin

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

  1. New Russell T. Davies drama It’s A Sin

Years and Years‘ lead singer Olly Alexander stars in T.Davies’ latest 5-parter looking at gay life in London in the 80s. We loved co-star Omari Douglas in Wise Children at the Old Vic in 2018. T. Davies is of course the author behind the generation-defining Queer As Folk. A Channel 4 air date has now been confirmed for 22/1/21.

  • Read on for reasons including the return of the West End, Eurovision finals season and Drag Race UK season 2
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AWARDS: winners of the 2020 monstas are …

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

monstagigz readers have been voting throughout December for their favourite pop, theatre, TV and film of 2020 from our shortlists. Read on for details of our 2020 monstas winners …

2020’s Best Theatre Actor

  • Michael Balogun (Death of England: Delroy, The Olivier, National Theatre, pictured above) Review National tickets
  • Thank you to everyone who voted. Picture via Facebook courtesy National Theatre
  • Read on for reasons including the remaining 13 theatre, pop, film & TV winners
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TOP 10: Best read monstagigz content of 2020 starring Richard Armitage

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

  1. When Richard Armitage went topless in Uncle Vanya

We were at the 1st preview of this Chekhov adaptation by Conor McPherson and were blissfully unaware it would be closed by COVID-19 in March and be on cinema screens later in the year. The production is shortlisted for 4 monstas awarded 30/12/20.

  • Read on for reasons including the rise of Michael Balogun, the Death of England and Madonna in the West End
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Q&A/GIG REVIEW: Lucy Spraggan at The Mill in Digbeth

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: *****

WHEN?: 20/12/20 via livestream

SETLIST: Lighthouse; Fight For It; Flowers; Tea and Toast; Sober; Run; Fairytale Of New York; I Don’t Know; It Doesn’t Feel Like Christmas; Lucky Stars; Lightning; Don’t Know Nothing About The Blues; Choices; Stick The Kettle On; I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles); Unsinkable

Spraggan’s social media reaction immediately after this show tells you everything you need to know about what it meant to her: ‘It’s been a year since I played with my full band, last night was like a complete dream and there is nothing I love more than making music with those guys.’

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AWARDS SHORTLIST: MONSTAS: Best Gig of 2020

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

It’s been quite the year, it’s almost Christmas and what would the festive season be without some recognition of the best of 2020? Over the last month we have shortlisted at least five nominees in each of 14 categories for our Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2020.

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