9 reasons why we can’t wait for February 2025 starring Jonathan Bailey as Richard II

  1. Jonathan Bailey is Richard II

Bailey (film Wicked and COCK, Ambassadors) stars in this Shakespeare directed by Nicholas Hytner (Giant, Royal Court and transferring to the Harold Pinter Theatre) at the Bridge Theatre. Runs 10 February through 10 May 2025 Tickets Our review

  • Read on for reasons including Cate Blanchett, Patti LuPone, Olly Alexander and Nicola Walker
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PREVIEW: Melodifestivalen 2025 Heat 5 starring Scarlet, Victoria Silvstedt & Arvingarna

By Neil Durham

WHEN?: Saturday 1 March 2025 7pm UK time

WHERE?: Husqvana Garden, Jönköping

Last year we wrote of Scarlet’s Circus X that it boasted ‘the most thrilling climax to a song we’ve heard all Eurovision season’ and its striking visuals would foreshadow the similar styling of Ireland’s Bambie Thug which romped home in 6th beating the Swedish entry, equalling the country’s best result for 24 years.

  • Read on for reasons including underwear model Victoria Silvstedt and former winners Arvingarna
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PREVIEW: Melodifestivalen 2025 Heat 4 starring Måns Zelmerlöw, Andreas Lundstedt & Tennessee Tears

By Neil Durham

WHEN?: Saturday 22 February 2025 7pm UK time

WHERE?: Malmö Arena, Malmö

Zelmerlöw is the big favourite to win MF for a 2nd time after triumphing in 2015 with Heroes which finished 3rd in the Eurovision televote behind Italy and Russia but went on to triumph.

  • Read on for reasons including Andreas Lundstedt from Alcazar & Tennessee Tears
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PREVIEW: Melodifestivalen 2025 Heat 3 starring Dolly Style, Malou Prytz & Annika Wickihalder

By Neil Durham

WHEN?: Saturday 15 February 2025 7pm UK time

WHERE?: ABB Arena, Västerås

Will it be 4th time lucky for a girl band with a rotating membership to rival the UK’s own Sugababes?

  • Read on for reasons including Dolly Style, Malou Prytz and Annika Wickihalder
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PREVIEW: Melodifestivalen 2025 Heat 2 starring Klara Hammarström & Eric Segerstedt

By Neil Durham

WHEN?: Saturday 8 February 2025 7pm UK time

WHERE?: Scandinavium, Gothenburg

Hammarström has made the finalen in each of her last 2 Melodifestivalens and has co-written an entry with 4 of the authors of 2023 Eurovision winner Tattoo.

  • Read on for reasons including Eric Segerstedt and Schlagerz
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PREVIEW: Melodifestivalen Heat 1 2025 starring John Lundvik & Albin Johnsén feat. Pa

By Neil Durham

WHEN?: Saturday 1 February 2025 7pm UK time

WHERE?: Coop Norrbotten Arena, Luleå

Melodifestivalen turns 65 this year, in 2024 gave us Unforgettable Norwegian twins Marcus and Martinus as victors and we see them live in London in March, the biggest compliment we can pay an act.

  • Read on for reasons including more detail about this opening show’s 6 acts
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PREDICTIONS: Melodifestivalen finalen 2024 starring Marcus & Martinus

By Neil Durham

WHEN?: 7pm (UK time) Friends Arena, Stockholm Saturday 9 March 2024

WHERE DO I WATCH?: SVTPlay

Norwegian twins Marcus and Martinus are the best shot Sweden has of winning Eurovision for a record breaking 8th time. UPDATE: Marcus and Martinus won Melodifestivalen.

  • Read on for reasons including how we think the finalists would fare in Eurovision in Malmo in May
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9 reasons why we can’t wait for March 2024 starring Sheridan Smith in Opening Night

  1. Sheridan Smith stars in new Rufus Wainwright musical

Smith (Shirley Valentine, Duke Of York’s Theatre) stars in this new musical directed by Ivo van Hove (A Little Life, Harold Pinter Theatre) based on the John Cassavetes film with music and lyrics by Rufus Wainwright. Runs at the Gielgud Theatre 6 March through 27 July 2024. Tickets Our review

  • Read on for reasons including the UK’s Eurovision entry, new musical Cable Street & Bananarama’s Glorious
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PREDICTIONS: Melodifestivalen 2024 Heat 5 starring Marcus & Martinus

By Aline Mahrud

WHEN?: 7pm UK time 2 March 2024

WHERE?: Löfbergs Arena, Karlstad WHERE DO I WATCH?: SVT Play

2024 will not go down as a classic year for Melodifestivalen but this 1st ever 5th heat is a reminder of everything the show does best.

  • Read on for reasons including our predictions for who will make it through to the 9 March finalen
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