THEATRE REVIEW: Groundhog Day starring Andy Karl at the Old Vic

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****1/2 RUNTIME: 155 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

WHEN?: Saturday 12 August, runs through 19 August 2023 RUNTIME: 155 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

Pre-Covid we told Old Vic Artistic Director Matthew Warchus after Groundhog Day‘s initial run that it was ahead of its time when he revealed his plan for its return.

  • Read on for reasons including how we think this show has the legs for a West End run after its old Vic bow
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9 reasons why we can’t wait for May 2023 starring Eurovision in Liverpool

  1. Eurovision Song Contest 2023 from Liverpool

We have our tickets and UK Eurovision entry I Wrote A Song by Mae Muller was April’s song of the month for us and is the country’s best effort since the almighty (Ooh Aah) Just A Little Bit by Gina G. Our favourite however is Tattoo by Loreen (pictured) for Sweden. Check out our Semi 1, Semi 2 and Final predictions for the 1st Eurovision in the UK since Dana International won in Birmingham 25 years ago. Tickets Rehearsals start on 30 April and we’ll be refining our predictions as we see footage. Final predictions

  • Read on for reasons including Brokeback Mountain, Groundhog Day returns, Alison Goldfrapp LP and Eddie Izzard’s Great Expectations
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FILM REVIEW: Matilda the Musical starring Alisha Weir, Emma Thompson & Lashana Lynch

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

Matilda songwriter Tim Minchin (Groundhog Day, Old Vic) took to social media over the holidays to explain why this film was available on Netflix on Christmas Day in every country apart from the UK.

  • Read on for reasons including why this film isn’t available on Netflix in the UK and why it’s worth a cinema trip
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ALBUM OF THE WEEK: Apart Together by Tim Minchin (week beginning 23/11/20)

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

OUT: now

TRACKLIST: Summer Romance; Apart Together; Airport Piano; The Absence Of You; I Can’t Save You; Talked Too Much, Stayed Too Long; Leaving LA; I’ll Take Lonely Tonight; Beautiful Head; If This Plane Goes Down; Carry You

The self-described ‘comedic minstrel’ born in Northampton to Australian parents is best known to us for writing the Olivier Award-winning musical Groundhog Day, which also won our Best Musical monsta.

  • Read on for reasons including what Minchin is working on next
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PREVIEW: 9 reasons why we can’t wait for November starring A Christmas Carol at the Bridge Theatre

  1. A Christmas Carol starring Simon Russell-Beale and Patsy Ferran

There are at least 2 other A Christmas Carols in London this festive season but we have chosen this 1 because Russell Beale is always good value and Ferran is an Olivier Best Actress award-winner. Runs 27/11 through 16/1/21. Tickets UPDATE: The 2nd lockdown means this run will now start on 3/12/20

  • Read on for reasons including new Steps album, Rent in Manchester and Kylie’s Disco set
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THEATRE REVIEW: Groundhog Day starring Andy Karl & Carlyss Peer

WORTH A LOOK?: *****

WHERE: Old Vic

WHEN: 17/9, runs to 19/9

64 days ago we went to the final rehearsal of this Tim Minchin musical and were invited by director Matthew Warchus to pay for tickets if we enjoyed that free show.

  • Read on for what happens next for Groundhog Day when it closes 19/9

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THEATRE REVIEW: Groundhog Day

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHERE: Old Vic

WHEN: 1st preview 15/7, press night 16/8, runs to 17/9

24 hours before we are due to attend this 1st preview we receive an email from the venue saying the show’s not quite ready, designating it the final dress rehearsal, offering us full refunds and saying our tickets are still valid.

  • Read on for details of this production’s Broadway run

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

  1. Sheridan Smith returns to Funny Girl and releases soundtrack

Sheri actually made her triumphant return last month but we’re seeing her in it for the 3rd time the day after the soundtrack is released 5/8. It won 2015’s monstas for best musical and actress. Picture via Facebook courtesy Funny Girl UK. Tickets.

  • Read on for reasons including X Factor, Billie Piper and Trapped

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PREVIEW: 11 reasons why we can’t wait for July

  1. Pet Shop Boys play the Royal Opera House

Super is our album of the year so far and the Boys’ only 2016 UK dates are during their four-date Inner Sanctum residency at the Royal Opera House. We saw Rufus Wainwright there a while back and it’s a venue Neil and Chris were born to play. Tickets have sold out but we’d check here for returns.

  • Read on for reasons including Looking: The Movie, Shura, Ab Fab & Groundhog Day premiere

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