THEATRE REVIEW: Plaza Suite starring Sarah Jessica Parker & Matthew Broderick at the Savoy Theatre

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By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN?: Saturday 20 January, runs through 30 March 2024 RUNTIME: 150 minutes (including a 20-minute interval) UPDATE: Run extended to 13 April 2024

Real life husband and wife Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker are the perfect pair to bring the best out of this Neil Simon comedy which is arguably the funniest show currently playing in London’s West End.

  • Read on for reasons including how Parker’s West End debut is dazzling as she shows off her funny bones
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PREVIEW: Melodifestivalen Heat 4 starring Dotter & Danny Saucedo

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WHEN?: 7pm UK time 24 February 2024

WHERE?: Stiga Sports Arena, Eskilstuna WHERE DO I WATCH?: SVT Play

Both this week’s returning acts – Dotter and Danny Saucedo – have come agonisingly close to winning Melodifestivalen and would be expected to advance straight to the finalen from this heat.

  • Read on for reasons including Albin Tingwall, Lia Larson, Scarlet & Lasse Stefanz
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THEATRE REVIEW: Ulster American starring Woody Harrelson, Andy Serkis & Louisa Harland

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: *****

WHEN?: Saturday 13 January (matinee), runs through 27 January 2024 RUNTIME: 105 minutes (no interval)

We had 4 walk-outs and at least 1 audience member crying during this provocative 3-hander comedy without interval.

  • Read on for reasons including how this 3-hander is occasionally hilarious but always thought-provoking
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SONG OF THE MONTH: Damdiggida by KEiiNO (January 2024)

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

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

We’ve heard all 18 songs vying to represent Norway at the 68th Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden in May and this is the 1 we couldn’t get out of our head on 1st listen.

  • Read on for reasons including how this leans into a novelty Aqua/Little Big sound
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THEATRE REVIEW: Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical at The Other Palace

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By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN?: Saturday 13 January 2024, runs through 14 April 2024 RUNTIME: 125 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

Anyone wishing to hear some of the 90s best songs including Kiss Me by Sixpence None The Richer, Torn by Natalie Imbruglia, Lovefool by The Cardigans or Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve in musical theatre form should look no further.

  • Read on for reasons including how this 90s musical creates something quite intoxicating, nostalgia-fuelled and entertaining
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PREVIEW: Melodifestivalen Heat 3 starring Cazzi Opeia & Clara Klingenström

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WHEN?: 7pm UK time 17 February 2024

WHERE?: Vida Arena, Växjö WHERE DO I WATCH?: SVT Play

This heat boasts 4 MF debutants alongside the much-anticipated returns of 2 familiar names including Opeia who won 2023’s Eurovision as a co-writer of Loreen’s Tattoo.

  • Read on for reasons including Jacqline, Klaudy, Gunilla Persson & Kim Cesarion
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THEATRE REVIEW: The Little Big Things: A New Musical @SohoPlace & album of the month (January 2024)

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Aline Mahrud

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN?: Saturday 6 January 2024, runs through 2 March 2024 RUNTIME: 130 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

It’s an absolute joy to be in the front row of this intimate space which allows this new British musical about facing the challenge of a life-threatening injury to be realised triumphantly.

  • Read on for reasons including how we had tears in our eyes almost throughout
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PREVIEW: Benidorm Fest 2024 starring Sofia Coll, Angy & Nebulossa

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WHEN?: 1st heat Tuesday 30 January; 2nd Thursday 1 February & final Saturday 3 February 2024

WHERE?: Palau Municipal d’Esports l’Illa de Benidorm Watch on TVE

Spain missed a trick at its otherwise fantastic Eurovision selection process in 2023 by not choosing runner up Quiero Arder by Agoney which won our Best Song monsta.

  • Read on for reasons including Nebulossa, Lérica, Dellacruz & Almácor
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THEATRE REVIEW: Unfortunate – The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch at Southwark Playhouse (Elephant)

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

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

WHEN?: Saturday 30 December, runs through 17 February 2024 RUNTIME: 160 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

We’re reminded of the old adage that great musicals are not written but re-written as we take our seats for a show we 1st heard the bones of during lockdown and saw originally 18 months ago at London’s Underbelly Festival.

  • Read on for reasons including how this could be the next Operation Mincemeat sleeper hit
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THEATRE REVIEW: Backstairs Billy starring Penelope Wilton & Luke Evans at Duke Of York’s Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Aline Mahrud

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN?: Saturday 30 December (matinee), runs through 27 January 2024 RUNTIME: 130 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

We last saw 77-year-old Penelope Wilton onstage at the Old Vic in Fanny And Alexander and here playing the Queen Mother she reminds us what timing she has and how funny she can be.

  • Read on for reasons including how Wilton gives a comic masterclass that had this audience both roaring and applauding its approval
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