Southwark Playhouse

9 reasons why we can’t wait for December 2021 starring Pantoland at the Palladium

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

  1. Pantoland At The Palladium starring Julian Clary

We’ve seen the Palladium’s annual pantomime in each of its 5 years and last year’s run was cruelly cut very short by Covid and so it is with some relief that we can report it is returning in 2021 with much of its now familiar variety-based cast but with Donny Osmond and The Tiller Girls added this Christmas. We’re big fans of Julian Clary and it’s a real treat to see him absolutely in his element. Last year we said: ‘Clary is a master of improvisation and the rest of the cast are clearly trying to stifle their own laughing often and, when Yarrow dries, Clary references Stemp in Mary Poppins  saying ‘Charlie’s chimney’s never dry’.’ Runs 4 December 2021 through 9 January 2022. Tickets

  • Read on for reasons including new musical Hex, Spring Awakening revival and world premieres of La Belle Sauvage and Force Majeure
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THEATRE REVIEW: You Are Here starring Wendi Peters at Southwark Playhouse

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHERE?: Southwark Playhouse RUNTIME: 90 minutes (no interval)

WHEN?: Monday 17 May 2021, press night 20 May 2021, runs to 12 June 2021

It’s the 1st night that theatres can reopen since the 2nd lockdown closed stages in December and before the show we are asked to keep masks on (unless we’re eating or drinking), there are Perspex screens between groups in the audience and we are advised to not give a standing ovation at the end but to clap loudly.

  • Read on for reasons including where you might have seen Wendi Peters before and which of the show’s songs are its stand-outs
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PREVIEW: 9 reasons why we can’t wait for May 2021 starring Eurovision

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

  1. Eurovision Song Contest returns

Covid-19 caused its cancellation for the 1st time in its 66-year history in 2020 and this year it comes live from the Ahoy in Rotterdam on Saturday 22 May 2021. We’ve previewed semi 1, semi 2 and the pre-qualified finalists. Our pick to win is Iceland’s Daði Freyr (pictured) with hits group Gagnamagnið and entry 10 Years, a song of the week for us in March.

  • Read on for reasons including the return of the West End featuring Drag Race UK stars, the Southwark Playhouse and Glastonbury
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AWARDS: winners of the 2020 monstas are …

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

monstagigz readers have been voting throughout December for their favourite pop, theatre, TV and film of 2020 from our shortlists. Read on for details of our 2020 monstas winners …

2020’s Best Theatre Actor

  • Michael Balogun (Death of England: Delroy, The Olivier, National Theatre, pictured above) Review National tickets
  • Thank you to everyone who voted. Picture via Facebook courtesy National Theatre
  • Read on for reasons including the remaining 13 theatre, pop, film & TV winners
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THEATRE REVIEW: Stay Awake, Jake starring Ahmed Hamad at Southwark Playhouse

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: ***

WHEN?: 19/12/20 (matinee), runs to 19/12/20 RUNTIME: 70 minutes

The best thing about this one-man musical is its star who is fresh from Rent in Manchester and the RSC’s production of David Walliams and Robbie Williams’ musical The Boy In The Dress.

  • Read on for reasons including which other Tim Gilvin musical we reviewed this year

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AWARDS SHORTLIST: MONSTAS: Best Performance Of A Song of 2020

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

It’s been quite the year, it’s almost Christmas and what would the festive season be without some recognition of the best of 2020? Over the next month we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 14 categories for our Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2020.

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AWARDS SHORTLIST: MONSTAS: Best New Musical of 2020

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

It’s been quite the year, it’s almost Christmas and what would the festive season be without some recognition of the best of 2020? Over the next month we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 14 categories for our Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2020.

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PREVIEW: 9 reasons why we can’t wait for December 2020 starring Palladium pantomime

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

  1. Palladium pantomime starring Julian Clary and Beverley Knight

Pantomime at Christmas looked for a while like it might not happen but this seasonal showstopper returns with a familiar cast including star Julian Clary 12/12/20 to 3/1/21 Tickets We’ve seen it ever since it started in 2016 and it’s essentially a variety show with something for everyone. Here’s what we said in 2017, 2018 and last year.

  • Read on for reasons including Death Drop, Cinderella by Jodie Prenger and Ma Rainey
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AWARDS SHORTLIST: MONSTAS: Best Venue of 2020

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

It’s been quite the year, it’s almost Christmas and what would the festive season be without some recognition of the best of 2020? Over the next month we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 14 categories for our Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2020.

  • Read on for 5 nominees for the monsta for best venue of the year. 2019 winner: The Old Vic , 2018: Bush Theatre

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THEATRE REVIEW: The Last Five Years starring Oli Higginson and Molly Lynch at Southwark Playhouse

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHERE?: Southwark Playhouse RUNTIME: 90 minutes (no interval)

WHEN?: 6/10/20 (matinee), runs to 14/11/20 UPDATE: This production streams here from 26 – 29/11/20 NEW UPDATE: This production transfers into the West End 17 September 2021 through 13 October 2021 Tickets

This production opened in March shortly before lockdown and has returned to this venue which has added Perspex screens between groups in the audience.

  • Read on for reasons including to watch two clips of songs from the show

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