National Theatre

THEATRE REVIEW: The Playboy Of The Western World starring Nicola Coughlan & Siobhan McSweeney at the National Theatre

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By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK? ***1/2

WHEN? Friday 5 December, opens 11 December and runs through 28 February 2026 RUNTIME 135 minutes (including a 20 minute interval)

A young man walks into a bar, confesses to the murder of his father and charms his way into the hearts of the people of County Mayo in the early 1900s especially no-nonsense barmaid Pegeen played by Bridgerton‘s Nicola Coughlan.

  • Read on for reasons including why you should delay your date with The Playboy Of The Western World
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9 reasons why we can’t wait for December 2025 starring Oh, Mary!

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  1. Oh Mary! at Trafalgar Theatre

This winner of 2 Tony Awards is a comedy play written by American comedian Cole Escola spoofing the lives of former US President Abraham Lincoln and wife Mary in the days leading up to his assassination where she might be an alcoholic while he is deeply closeted. Stars Mason Alexander Park (The Tempest, Theatre Royal Drury Lane). Runs 3 December through 25 April at Trafalgar Theatre. Tickets Our review

  • Read on for reasons including Into The Woods, Nicola Coughlan and Sheridan Smith
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THEATRE REVIEW: The Importance Of Being Earnest starring Stephen Fry & Olly Alexander at the Noel Coward Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: *****

WHEN? Saturday 28 September 2025, runs through 10 January 2026 RUNTIME: 165 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

Stephen Fry returns to the West End stage as Lady Bracknell for the 1st time since being nominated for a Tony for his Malvolio in 2012’s Twelfth Night and appearing as The Narrator in the Rocky Horror Show in 2015.

  • Read on for reasons including how if you’re having half as much fun as they are onstage, you’ll be having 1 of the best nights of your life
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THEATRE REVIEW: Bacchae starring Clare Perkins, Ukweli Roach & James McArdle at the National Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ***1/2

WHEN? Tuesday 23 September, opens 24 September and runs through 1 November 2025 RUNTIME: 105 minutes (no interval)

Author Nima Taleghani (Romeo And Juliet, Duke Of York’s Theatre) is perhaps best known as gay teacher Mr Farouk in Netflix’s Heartstopper and with this his play becomes the 1st debut work on the Olivier Theatre stage.

  • Read on for reasons including this is a flawed and irreverent take on a Greek classic which will make you laugh
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AWARDS LONGLIST: MONSTAS: Best Theatre, Music, TV, Film & Podcasts of 2025 so far (Part 1 of 2)

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You, dear reader, are given the chance to vote in 17 categories from October this year to tell us your favourite theatre, music, TV, film and podcast of 2025.

  • Read on for reasons including 9 of 17 categories of our Best Theatre, Music, TV, Film and Podcasts of 2025 so far
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THEATRE REVIEW: Here We Are at the National Theatre starring Jesse Tyler Ferguson & Jane Krakowski

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ***

WHEN? Friday 25 April, opens 8 May and runs through 28 June 2025 RUNTIME: 150 minutes (with a 20-minute interval)

Sondheim, musical theatre’s Shakespeare, died in 2021 and when news emerged of this final new musical hopes were high that he might have saved his best for last.

  • Read on for reasons including how this is a reminder of Sondheim’s clever wordplay that this electric cast give a 5* performance of
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9 reasons why we can’t wait for April 2025 starring Self Esteem at the Duke Of York’s Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

  1. Self Esteem debuts new album at the Duke Of York’s Theatre in London

Rotherham-born Rebecca Lucy Taylor starred in Cabaret at The Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre in London’s West End but is perhaps best known as pop star Self Esteem for last album Prioritise Pleasure, in 2021 an album of the month for us. She debuts 3rd album A Complicated Woman at gigs we join her for in London’s West End this month. Tickets are return only. Album out 25 April 2025 Our song of the month is new single 69. Our review of the gig and review of the album

  • Read on for reasons including Here We Are, new Conor McPherson play and Ewan McGregor onstage
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THEATRE REVIEW: Alterations starring Arinze Kene at the National Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN? Friday 20 February, opens 27 February and runs through 5 April 2025 RUNTIME: 120 minutes (no interval)

Kene (2018’s Best Theatre Actor monsta winner for Misty, Bush Theatre) plays tailor Walker in 70s London with designs on a Carnaby Street business who is part of the Windrush generation negotiating aspiration with loss of community.

  • Read on for reasons including how Alterations is laugh-out-loud funny but also illuminating about difference, ambition and sacrifice
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9 reasons why we can’t wait for February 2025 starring Jonathan Bailey as Richard II

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

  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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AWARDS: Winners of the 2024 monstas are …

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

monstagigz readers have been voting throughout October, November and December for their favourite pop, theatre, TV, film and podcasts of 2024 from our shortlists. Read on for details of our 2024 10th annual monstas winners …

  • Read on for reasons including the winners of our 17 monstas for the best theatre, pop, TV, film and podcasts of 2024
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