PREVIEW: 9 reasons why we can’t wait for February 2026 starring Cynthia Erivo as Dracula

  1. Cynthia Erivo is Dracula

Erivo won our 2024 Best TV/Film Actress monsta for Wicked and recently starred in its sequel which was our 2025 Best Film. Here she is the sole focus of attention in a 1-woman Dracula directed by Kip Williams (The Picture Of Dorian Gray, Theatre Royal Haymarket) which runs at the Noel Coward Theatre 4 February through 30 May 2026. Tickets The 1st 3 preview performances have now been cancelled.

  • Read on for reasons including Suede on tour, Fl02, Wuthering Heights and Broken Glass
Read More

THEATRE REVIEW: End starring Clive Owen & Saskia Reeves at the Dorfman, National Theatre

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK? ***

WHEN? Monday 8 December, runs through 17 January 2026 RUNTIME 90 minutes (without interval)

A 90s house DJ discusses his cancer with the mother of their child as their 60th birthdays approach and he looks for the titular end armed with the ‘best record in his box’.

  • Read on for reasons including how this is a rare chance to see this cast in an intimate setting in challenging new material
Read More

THEATRE REVIEW: Into The Woods starring Katie Brayben, Kate Fleetwood & Jamie Parker at the Bridge Theatre

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK? ****

WHEN? Tuesday 16 December and runs through 18 April 2026 RUNTIME: 170 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

This musical is the story of a baker and his wife who are struggling to have a child and decide to work together to end the witch’s curse over them.

  • Read on for reasons including how this is a visual treat with Christmas parallels boasting an exquisite cast singing some of Sondheim’s most affecting work
Read More

THEATRE REVIEW: Fallen Angels starring Janie Dee at the Menier Chocolate Factory

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK? ****

WHEN? Saturday 22 November (matinee), opens 2 December and runs through 21 February 2026 RUNTIME 120 minutes (including interval)

This Noel Coward comedy about 2 married women admitting to premarital sex and contemplating adultery was 1st performed in London 100 years ago with the theatre censor initially recommending it shouldn’t be staged because the morals of the female leads ‘would cause too great a scandal’.

  • Read on for reasons including how this production is as frivolous, light and intoxicating as the champagne bubbles that its leading ladies savour so enthusiastically here
Read More

AWARDS SHORTLIST: MONSTAS: Best Film Of 2024

It’s been quite the year, it’s almost Christmas and what would the festive season be without some recognition of the best of 2024? Over the next 2 months we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 17 categories for our Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2024.

Read More