Old Vic

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

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  1. We go ape for the Eurovision Song Contest

The final of the 62nd contest takes place in Kiev, Ukraine, on 13/5 at 8pm on BBC1 and the pre-contest publicity has been dominated by the host country’s banning of Russia’s entry. Check out the search box for our predictions for this year which include the contest’s most surefire winner: Occidentali’s Karma by Francesco Gabbani (pictured above).

  • Read on for reasons including Felicity Kendal, new band Lilac Lungs & a Game Of Thrones Q&A

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THEATRE REVIEW: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead starring Daniel Radcliffe

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WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHERE: Old Vic

WHEN: 27/2, press night 7/3, runs to 29/4

We see author Sir Tom Stoppard in the audience for this second preview of a production marking the 50th anniversary since his play was first staged at the Old Vic.

  • Read on for reasons including details of Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe’s performance

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9 reasons why we can’t wait for February

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  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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LIVE REVIEW: Sara Pascoe, Simon Amstell, Tim Key, Daniel Kitson & John Kearns

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WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHERE: Old Vic

WHEN: 10/1

The Old Vic is not a venue renowned for its late-night stand-up comedy but on the evidence of this sold-out fundraiser perhaps it won’t be long before it is.

  • Read on for reasons including who was the star of Stand up for Cystic Fibrosis

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TOP 5: Best read monstagigz content of 2016

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  1. When Sir Ian McKellen shared our Q&A with him on his Facebook page

Sir Ian has long been one of our favourite actors and when he shared our BFI Shakespeare Q&A with him on his Facebook page in April our traffic went into meltdown. Pictorial evidence above.

  • Read on for the preview when Kit Harington got naked and Sheridan Smith Twitter banter

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THEATRE REVIEW: Art starring Rufus Sewell, Paul Ritter & Tim Key

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WORTH A LOOK?: ***

WHERE: Old Vic

WHEN: 12/12, runs to 18/2/17

Art is the story of three middle class men whose friendship is tested when one, Serge played by Rufus Sewell, buys a modern piece of art for 100,000 Euros.

  • Read on for reasons including why performance poet Tim Key is a name to look out for

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MONSTAS SHORTLIST: Theatre actor of the year: 2016

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It’s almost Christmas and what would the festive season be without some recognition of the best of 2016? Over the next fortnight we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 12 categories for our Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2016.

  • Read on for nominees for the monsta for theatre actor of the year. 2015 winner: James McAvoy (The Ruling Class, Trafalgar Studios)

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MONSTAS SHORTLIST: Musical of the year: 2016

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

It’s almost Christmas and what would the festive season be without some recognition of the best of 2016? Over the next fortnight we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 12 categories for our Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2016.

  • Read on for the details of the 5 shows shortlisted for musical of 2016. 2015 winner: Funny Girl

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THEATRE REVIEW: Dead Funny starring Katherine Parkinson

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHERE: Vaudeville Theatre

WHEN: 2/11, runs to 4/2/17

This consistently joyous revival of Terry Johnson’s 1994 hit comedy is notable for including the second example of full-frontal male nudity we’ve seen in London theatreland in less than a week.

  • Read on for reasons including a fabulously camp supporting role by the League of Gentleman’s Steve Pemberton

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