Leicester Square Theatre

GIG REVIEW: Ricky Gervais & Friends at Leicester Square Theatre

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By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: (work in progress)

WHEN?: Monday 3 June 2024, running through 26 June 2024 RUNTIME: 70 minutes without interval

Released in 2023 Gervais’ comedy special Armageddon was the global number 1 most-watched show on Netflix but, as he explains here, it takes a great deal of nights like these to hone new material and see whether it lands before taking it out on tour proper.

  • Read on for reasons including what it’s like to see 1 of the world’s biggest stars at such an intimate work in progress gig
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THEATRE REVIEW: TONY! (The Tony Blair Rock Opera) at Leicester Square Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN?: Sunday 7 May, runs until 21 May and then tours until 14 October 2023 RUNTIME: 120 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

We’re reminded of musical The Book Of Mormon by 2 of TV’s South Park creators during this show’s finale as the lead sings: ‘The Whole Wide World is run by assholes.’

  • Read on for reasons including where to see this Harry Hill musical as it tours the UK until October
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AWARDS SHORTLIST: MONSTAS: Best New Musical of 2019

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It’s almost Christmas and what would the festive season be without some recognition of the best of 2019? Over the next month we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 14 categories for our Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2019.

  • Read on for nominees for the monsta for Best New Musical of the year. 2018 winner: Eugenius

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LAST NIGHT: THEATRE REVIEW: MUSIK starring Frances Barber at Leicester Square Theatre

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WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHERE? Leicester Square Theatre RUNTIME: 60 minutes

WHEN? 7/9/19, closes 7/9/19

STOP PRESS: MUSIK returns to the Leicester Square Theatre 5/2 – 1/3/20. Tickets

‘About me, the critics lied. I ignored them – and survived,’ sang character Billie Trix in song Friendly Fire (see below) played by Frances Barber in ahead-of-its-time 2001 Pet Shop Boys’ musical Closer To Heaven.

  • Read on for reasons including how this show needs a longer West End run soon

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PREVIEW: 9 reasons why we can’t wait for September 2019 starring Frances Barber in MUSIK

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

  1. Frances Barber brings MUSIK to London and Pet Shop Boys play Hyde Park

Billie Trix was the most compelling character from Pet Shop Boys musical Closer To Heaven and author Jonathan Harvey has brought the star played by Frances Barber back for an hour-long show with new songs by the duo. For Every Moment was our Song Of The Month for August. An Edinburgh Festival hit, MUSIK takes its bow at the Leicester Square Theatre 3-7/9. Tickets Pet Shop Boys also play Radio 2 Live In Hyde Park 15/9 Tickets

  • Read on for reasons including Reece Shearsmith, Jay McGuiness, Kimberley Walsh and Big

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SONG OF THE MONTH: For Every Moment By Frances Barber and Pet Shop Boys (August 2019)

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

67584815_10157178941856285_4987440848749723648_nWORTH A LOOK?: *****

OUT: now

This is the stand-out tune from the 6-song cabaret MUSIK starring character Billie Trix played by Frances Barber from 2001 Pet Shop Boys musical Closer To Heaven.

  • Read on for reasons including where to catch MUSIK in London in September

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AWARDS: MONSTAS: Our best gig of 2018 so far

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

We awarded 13 monstas for the best pop, theatre, TV and film of 2017 in December – and here we look at the cream of 2018 so far and what’s to come. Suede, Shura and Bananarama are previous winners in this category.

  • Read on for our top 6 best gigs of 2018 so far and our hopes for the next half year

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GIG REVIEW: John Barrowman with Seth Rudetsky as pianist and host

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: *****

WHERE: Leicester Square Theatre

WHEN: 13/4, runs to 14/4/18

We’ve always been big fans of John Barrowman but why have we never heard of the wise-cracking pianist and interviewer Seth Rudetsky who brings out the very best of the Torchwood star here?

  • Read on for reasons including how Barrowman’s first audition was his big break 

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THEATRE REVIEW: Mirrors starring Siobhan McMillan

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: *

WHERE: Lounge at Leicester Square Theatre

WHEN: (Press ticket) 29/3 runs to 14/4/18

There can be no better time to launch an hour-long monologue written and performed by a woman and encompassing such weighty themes as relationships and mental health.

  • Read on for reflections including how McMillan’s performance is her greatest strength

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PREVIEW: 10 reasons why we can’t wait for April

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

  1. Saara Aalto brings her Monsters to London

We loved her in X Factor, Finland picked the best of three fine songs for her May Eurovision entry and she brings her Eurovision Wonderland show to Under The Bridge 25/4. We think her co-penned Monsters is our favourite song of the year so far. Tickets

  • Read on for reasons including Kathleen Turner, Mark Rylance and a Q&A for the return of The Bridge

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