THEATRE REVIEW: Othello starring Giles Terera at the National Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Aline Mahrud

WORTH A LOOK?: *** RUNTIME: 180 minutes (including 20-minute interval)

WHEN?: Saturday 3 December (matinee), runs to 21 January 2023

Director Clint Dyer told the New York Times of his 1st visit to this venue in the 80s when he saw a picture in the auditorium of Laurence Olivier in blackface in the title role of this play in the 60s that broke his heart.

  • Read on for reasons including why we wanted this production of Othello to be so much better than it was
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AWARDS: Winners of the 2022 monstas are …

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

monstagigz readers have been voting throughout November and December for their favourite pop, theatre, TV, film and podcasts of 2022 from our shortlists. Read on for details of our 2022 monstas winners …

  • Read on for reasons including the winners of our 16 monstas for the best pop, theatre, film, TV and podcasts of 2022
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9 reasons why we can’t wait for January 2023 starring Aidan Turner & Jenna Coleman in Lemons, Lemons, Lemons

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

  1. Aidan Turner and Jenna Coleman bring Lemons, Lemons, Lemons to the West End

We last saw Turner on a West End stage 4 years ago in Martin McDonagh’s The Lieutenant of Inishmore (Noel Coward Theatre) and Coleman at the Old Vic in 2019 in All My Sons. Lemons is a revival of a 2015 two-hander with a running time of just 75 minutes about the importance of words, is directed by Josie Rourke (Sweet Charity, Donmar) and on at the Harold Pinter Theatre. Runs 18 January through 18 March 2023. Tickets Review

  • Read on for reasons including Beverley Knight in new musical Sylvia, Nolly and new plays Boys Are Kissing and The Unfriend
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PREVIEW: Spain’s Eurovision selection show Benidorm Fest 2023 starring Agoney & Sharonne

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WHEN?: 31 January, 2 and 4 February 2023

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

2022 saw the return of Benidorm Fest as the method for Spain to select its Eurovision entry and our choice to win, Chanel with SloMo, finished 3rd in Turin, Spain’s best result since 1995.

  • Read on for reasons including how we predict Agoney could do even better than Chanel if Spain chooses them for Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool
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Best read monstagigz content of 2022 starring Jodie Comer’s West End debut

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

  1. When we saw the 1st preview of Prima Facie starring Jodie Comer

Comer’s West End debut was anticipated eagerly and this review of the Killing Eve star’s 1st preview is the best read piece of content monstagigz has published in its 7-and-a-half year history, let alone in 2022. Vote for Comer to win Best Theatre Actress in our annual monstas and for Prima Facie to win Best New Play. Review Broadway tickets

  • Read on for reasons including Fra Fee and Callum Scott Howells in Cabaret
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AWARDS SHORTLIST: MONSTAS: Best Revival of 2022

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 2022? Over the next month we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 16 categories for our 8th annual Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2022.

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AWARDS SHORTLIST: MONSTAS: Best Theatre Actor of 2022

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 2022? Over the next month we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 16 categories for our 8th annual Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2022.

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THEATRE REVIEW: A Streetcar Named Desire starring Paul Mescal and Patsy Ferran

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: *****

WHEN?: Tuesday 20 December, opens 12 January, runs to 4 February 2023 RUNTIME: 180 minutes (including 20-minute interval) UPDATE: Transfers to the Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End for 6 weeks from 20 March 2023

Director Rebecca Frecknall (Cabaret, Playhouse Theatre) takes to the stage before curtain up to explain that its leading lady Patsy Ferran stepped into the production with 4 days’ notice to replace Lydia Wilson who had to withdraw.

  • Read on for reasons including why it is Olivier Award-winning actress Ferran that you will remember most from this illuminating revival
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AWARDS SHORTLIST: MONSTAS: Best Theatre Actress of 2022

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 2022? Over the next month we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 16 categories for our 8th annual Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2022.

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THEATRE REVIEW: Mother Goose starring Sir Ian McKellen & John Bishop

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN?: Sunday 18 December (matinee), runs to 29 January and then tours until 11 March 2023 RUNTIME: 140 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

The best reason to see this energetic and fun pantomime is that its Oscar-nominated star Sir Ian McKellen is having a ball and it’s infectious.

  • Read on for reasons including how we’ve never been to a show where so much has been thrown from the stage into the audience
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