By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK?: ****
WHEN?: Sunday 23 October (matinee), runs 6 November 2022 RUNTIME: 65 minutes (no interval)
We’ve written before that 1 way you know when a piece of theatre is connecting with its audience is when you can hear them sobbing in the quiet bits.
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK?: *****
WHEN?: Saturday 22 October (matinee), runs to 3 December 2022 RUNTIME: 170 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)
There are so many male reasons – music by Elton John, lyrics by the Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears and a book by James (Ink) Graham – to be excited for this musical life story of US tele-evangelist Tammy Faye Bakker but, ultimately, it is its leading lady Katie Brayben whose input shines brightest.
By Aline Mahrud
WORTH A LOOK?: **** RUNTIME: 60 minutes
WHEN?: Tuesday 18 October 2022
We’re asked not to record this sell-out show of a work-in-progress set in any way otherwise we will be asked to leave and so forgive us if our recollection is not as accurate as we would have liked.
By Carron Stacey, A Humdrum Mum
WHEN?: Friday 14 October 2022
Why did I go to watch Roxy Music in a venue that normally I wouldn’t watch bands in? (Except for Soft Cell’s “farewell” gig.) Well, for the same reason. This was their 50th anniversary and farewell tour.
Quinto (The Boys In The Band) is probably best known for his role as Spock in the rebooted Star Trek franchise and here plays Gore Vidal in the Young Vic production of this James (Ink, Almeida) Graham play opposite David Harewood as William F Buckley about the 1968 ATV TV debates. Runs at the Noel Coward Theatre 14 November through 18 February 2023. Tickets
By Neil ‘Nello’ Durham
WORTH A LOOK?: ***1/2
WHEN?: Saturday 15 October, runs to 26 November 2022 RUNTIME: 140 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)
We’re at the opening night of the 1st new West End theatre in 50 years to see the transfer of this New Vic Theatre production about the life of Neil Baldwin, ground covered in the BAFTA-winning film of the same name starring Toby Jones.
WORTH A LOOK?: ****1/2
Think Disney theme song goes X Factor winner’s single and you’re halfway there but it’s the lyric urging parents to embrace their child’s queerness which lifts this 1st single from a new musical to much greater heights.
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK?: *****
WHEN?: Saturday 8 October (matinee), booking to 16 December 2023
We’re here for our 4th visit to The Kit Kat Club in less than a year because a major cast change gives us our 3rd EmCee – Callum Scott Howells from TV’s It’s A Sin – and 3rd Sally Bowles.
By Aline Mahrud
WORTH A LOOK?: ***
WHEN?: Saturday 8 October, runs to 16 October 2022 RUNTIME: 170 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)
The best bit during this celebration of the 3rd series of BBC’s RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is when it is compered by runner-up queens Ella Vaday and Kitty Scott-Claus (see pictured below) who have real warmth and charisma.
By Aline Mahrud
WORTH A LOOK?: ***
WHEN?: Saturday 1 October (matinee), runs to 26 November 2022 RUNTIME: 105 minutes (no interval)
Russell Beale plays Borkman the titular banker jailed for fraud, released and plotting his comeback from the top floor of his luxury home he shares with his estranged wife.
