AWARDS SHORTLIST: MONSTAS: Best Performance Of A Song in 2023

It’s been quite the year, it’s almost Christmas and what would the festive season be without some recognition of the best of 2023? Over the next month we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 16 categories for our Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2023.

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THEATRE REVIEW: Cold War starring Luke Thallon & Anya Chalotra at the Almeida Theatre

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ***1/2

WHEN?: Monday 4 December, opens 12 December and runs through 27 January 2024 RUNTIME: 160 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

Luke Thallon (Camp Siegfried, Old Vic, main picture) plays composer Wiktor who longs to write in communist-controlled Poland in 1949 and is drawn to the talented young singer Zula.

  • Read on for reasons including how this downbeat show has real sparks
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AWARDS SHORTLIST: MONSTAS: Best New Musical of 2023

It’s been quite the year, it’s almost Christmas and what would the festive season be without some recognition of the best of 2023? Over the next month we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 16 categories for our Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2023.

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THEATRE REVIEW: Pandemonium by Armando Iannucci at Soho Theatre

By Aline Mahrud

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN?: Saturday 2 December, runs through 13 January 2024 RUNTIME: 90 minutes (without interval)

Meet Orbis Rex, a rotund bundle of self-confidence with a mop of unkempt blond hair, musing whether the UK should Leave or Remain in the EU.

  • Read on for reasons including how this intimate venue offers a perhaps too early opportunity to reflect on the possible humour in what was an unremittingly dark situation for so many
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AWARDS SHORTLIST: MONSTAS: Best New Play of 2023

It’s been quite the year, it’s almost Christmas and what would the festive season be without some recognition of the best of 2023? Over the next month we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 16 categories for our Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2023.

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THEATRE REVIEW: The Producers at the Teatro Tivoli, Barcelona

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN?: Saturday 4 November (matinee), runs through 4 February 2024 RUNTIME: 150 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

We can’t think of a less appropriate time to be staging this musical tale of producers who put on a Nazi-themed musical designed to fail to make money but are thwarted by a surprise hit.

  • Read on for reasons including how we and our companion made our Catalan stage debuts in this near-the-knuckle rollercoaster
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AWARDS SHORTLIST: MONSTAS: Best Album of 2023

It’s been quite the year, it’s almost Christmas and what would the festive season be without some recognition of the best of 2023? Over the next month we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 16 categories for our Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2023.

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THEATRE REVIEW: Snow White starring Katie Tonkinson & Anthony Spargo at Greenwich Theatre

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: *****

WHEN?: Saturday 25 November, runs through 7 January 2024 RUNTIME: 130 minutes (with a 20-minute interval)

‘Mirror, mirror on the wall – where is the greatest panto of them all?’

  • Read on for reasons including why the Greenwich Theatre pantomime is the UK’s best
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Victorious Festival hints at 2024 headliner

By Carron Stacey, A Humdrum Mum Update: Headliners confirmed to include Fatboy Slim, Jamie T and Biffy Clyro

Keen readers may recall back in September, I had a lovely chat with a certain Mr Cook from further up the south coast.

  • Read on for reasons including why Fatboy Slim might be playing at Southsea’s glorious Victorious Festival in 2024
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AWARDS SHORTLIST: MONSTAS: Best Gig of 2023

It’s been quite the year, it’s almost Christmas and what would the festive season be without some recognition of the best of 2023? Over the next 2 months we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 16 categories for our Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2023.

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