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.
We awarded 14 monstas for the best pop, theatre, TV and film of 2018 in December – and here we look at the cream of 2019 so far and what’s to come. Suede (twice), Shura and Bananarama are previous winners in this category.
WHERE?: On Blackheath
WHEN?: 13 and 14/7/19 (press tickets)
‘After gallivanting around the world twice, it’s nice to be home,’ says Jamiroquai mainman Jay Kay at the start of this 1st UK gig of the year.
Olivier winners D. Clarke and Clive Rowe take part in this compilation of 26 hot and torchy blues numbers that frame the lives and loves of four residents of a downtown hotel. Runs 18/7 to 7/9/19 at the Kiln Theatre. Tickets
WHERE?: Blackheath (Press ticket)
WHEN?: 8 and 9/9/18
It couldn’t have been more apt that the 5th annual ONBlackheath music festival was opened on its Main Stage by Blackheath singer/songwriter Mancie Baker.
We’ve enjoyed a live taster of this hip hop production which runs at the Old Vic 3-22/9 with Knight (2nd from left), who last wowed in Cats at the Palladium, starring as women’s rights campaigner Emmeline Pankhurst. Elliotte Williams N’Dure (centre clip below) absolutely bossing proceedings. Tickets
We’ve lived in Blackheath for 18 years and this festival has a fun, family atmosphere and this year takes place on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 September. We 1st saw Paloma Faith outdoors at Lovebox in east London in 2010. She’s always had a way with a crowd, particularly in her home city, and her back catalogue’s stronger than ever.
WORTH A LOOK?: ****
WHERE: Blackheath
WHEN: 9 and 10/9
We’re not here for the live exhibitions from the celebrity chefs or children’s entertainment and arrive an hour later than planned because one of the acts we wanted to see pulled out at the last minute.
The Garrick Theatre had some success earlier this year with Griff Rhys Jones/Lee Mack comedy The Miser and this musical re-working of the Mel Brooks classic looks like it will be puttin’ on the Ritz with a cast including Ross Noble (see above) and Lesley Joseph. Runs 28/9 to February 2018. Tickets
