THEATRE REVIEW: Pygmalion starring Patsy Ferran & Bertie Carvel at the Old Vic

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN?: Saturday 16 September (matinee), opens 19 September runs through 28 October 2023 RUNTIME: 135 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

Ferran and Carvel are 2 of this country’s finest actors and here they combine in a very familiar, London-set production of this classic without songs to produce something quite unexpected.

  • Read on for reasons including why this is the funniest and sharpest Pygmalion we’ve ever seen
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9 reasons why we can’t wait for October 2023 starring Kenneth Branagh as King Lear

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

  1. Kenneth Branagh’s King Lear reigns in the West End

We haven’t seen Branagh in the West End since The Kenneth Branagh Company’s year-long run of six plays at the Garrick Theatre closed in 2016 on its highest high with its star taking the lead in The Entertainer. Branagh also directs at the Wyndham’s Theatre 21 October through 9 December. Tickets Our recent Lears have included Sir Ian McKellen and the late Glenda Jackson. 1st preview review

  • Read on for reasons including Madonna, S Club reunion, Dear England‘s West End transfer and new Agnetha ABBA
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THEATRE REVIEW: Tootsie starring Nicolás Vázquez at Teatro Lola Membrives, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ***

WHEN?: Sunday 10 September (150 minutes no interval), booking through 8 October 2023

The theatrical version of beloved 1982 film Tootsie won Tonys for Best Book and Best Leading Actor In A Musical in 2019 and has long been rumoured for a West End transfer but would it be vamos Tootsie vamos?

  • Read on for reasons including how Tootsie would need work if it is to transfer to London
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AWARDS LONGLIST: MONSTAS Best Theatre, Music, TV, Film & Podcasts of 2023 so far (Part 2 of 2)

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

You, dear reader, are given the chance to vote in 16 categories from late November this year to tell us your favourite theatre, music, TV, film and podcast of 2023.

  • Read on for reasons including 8 of 16 categories of our Best Theatre, Music, TV, Film and Podcasts of 2023 so far
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Fatboy Slim greet’n’meet – Lookup Portsmouth 9-10 September 2023

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Carron Stacey, A Humdrum Mum

Monstagigz’s Ms Humdrum was selected as a local artist to produce a street art piece as part of this year’s Look Up Portsmouth, a city-wide celebration of worldwide street artists, including our very own My Dog Sighs, The London Police and many more.

  • Read on for reasons including more about Be Your Own Bee meets Fatboy Slim
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SONG OF THE WEEK: Intacto by Agoney (week beginning 8 September 2023)

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

We’re in South America as we write and there’s 1 Spanish-speaking song we hear everywhere and it’s this 1 with its reflection on a difficult relationship and determination to put an end to it to a moody, dancefloor-friendly bop.

  • Read on for reasons including why we need Agoney to win Benidorm Festival in 2024
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ALBUM OF THE WEEK: I Made An Album by Daði Freyr (week beginning 6 September 2023)

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: ***1/2

TRACKLIST: Thank You; I’m Fine; Limit To Love; Shut Up; Sometimes; I Just Want It; Sunshine; Moves To Make; Settle Down; If You Want To; Trying; Bitte

Freyr is clearly laying the groundwork here for a lengthy career and our only qualm with his sophomore album is that there is nothing quite so catchy as either of his Eurovision entries Think About Things or 10 Years.

  • Read on for reasons including how to see Freyr on tour in the UK this winter
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SONG OF THE MONTH: Tension by Kylie (September 2023)

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

The title track from Kylie’s 16th album out 22 September proves Padam Padam, a song of the week for us in May and Ms Minogue’s biggest UK hit for 13 years, was no flash in the pan.

  • Read on for reasons including why we haven’t been this excited for a Kylie album since 2000
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The People’s Lounge, Portsmouth supporting Arms Around the Child at Victorious Festival

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Carron Stacey, A Humdrum Mum

WHEN?: August Bank Holiday 2023

Trading a glitter makeover for an interview, I discover this is Erika’s second year volunteering at The People’s Kitchen in the World Music Village, at Victorious Festival – the south coast event held on August Bank Holiday by the sea in Portsmouth.

  • Read on for reasons including more about the Global Music Village at Victorious Festival
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