AWARDS: MONSTAS: Our best theatre revival of 2017 so far

We awarded 12 monstas for the best pop, theatre, TV and film of 2016 in December – and here we look at the cream of 2017 so far and what’s to come. The Shakespeare Trilogy, by the Donmar at King’s Cross Theatre, was the previous winner in this category.

  • Read on for our top 5 best theatre revivals of 2017 so far and our hopes for the next half year

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PREVIEW: 9 reasons why we can’t wait for August

  1. Follies at the National

Imelda Staunton made our Best Theatre Actress of 2017 shortlist so far for Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf and stars here at the National with Tracie Bennett and Janie Dee in the Sondheim classic (which features Losing My Mind, see below). Runs 22/8 through 3/1/18. Picture courtesy National Theatre. Tickets

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AWARDS: MONSTAS: Our best theatre actor shortlist of 2017 so far

We awarded 12 monstas for the best pop, theatre, TV and film of 2016 in December – and here we look at the cream of 2017 so far and what’s to come. James McAvoy and George Mackay are previous winners in this category.

  • Read on for our top 5 best theatre actors of 2017 so far and our hopes for the next half year

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THEATRE REVIEW: Hamlet starring Andrew Scott and Juliet Stevenson

WORTH A LOOK?: *****

WHERE: Almeida Theatre

WHEN: 2/3, runs to 6/4

Such was our excitement about this Robert Icke production that we had second row tickets for the first preview on 17/2.

  • Read on for reasons including why Scott’s Hamlet is better than Cumberbatch’s

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9 reasons why we can’t wait for February

  1. Charlotte Perrelli returns to Melodifestivalen

Europe’s premiere Eurovision selection show launches on 4/2 at 7pm English time with the return of 1999 winner Charlotte Perrelli, who also won Melodifestivalen in 2008, MF favourites Ace Wilder, Dinah Nah and Boris Rene. 2012 Eurovision winner Loreen also competes in heat 4 25/2. Prime-time Saturday nights in February sorted. Picture via YouTube from the Take Me To Your Heaven performance in 1999’s Eurovision.

  • Read on for reasons including what Imelda Staunton did next, Sherlock goes Hamlet and the pick of the awards season

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INVESTIGATION: Should you join your favourite theatre as a member?

Would becoming a member of your favourite theatre make it easier for you to get the most in-demand tickets? We became a member of five of our favourite London venues to see what the value for money is.

  • Read on to find out what membership of the Almeida, British Film Institute, Menier Chocolate Factory, National Theatre and Old Vic gets you.

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PREVIEW: 9 reasons why we can’t wait for August

  1. Sheridan Smith returns to Funny Girl and releases soundtrack

Sheri actually made her triumphant return last month but we’re seeing her in it for the 3rd time the day after the soundtrack is released 5/8. It won 2015’s monstas for best musical and actress. Picture via Facebook courtesy Funny Girl UK. Tickets.

  • Read on for reasons including X Factor, Billie Piper and Trapped

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THEATRE REVIEW: 1984

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHERE: Playhouse Theatre

WHEN: 17/6 runs to 29/10

Robert Icke won the 2016 best director Olivier for Oresteia and there’s much from that in this 2014 Almeida production which is back in the West End for another run.

  • Read on for the reasons why this George Orwell literary classic works on stage

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PREVIEW & Q&A: The Hollow Crown starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Sturridge

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHERE: BFI

WHEN: 29/3, screens April

The BFI audience has just seen the first episode of the new BBC Hollow Crown trilogy and there are clear Game Of Thrones comparisons although star Tom Sturridge (who plays Henry VI) is having none of it.

  • Read on to find out which Sherlock actor joins Benedict Cumberbatch (pictured above) in this BBC2 production

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