An interest in spiritualism drew the escapologist and the Sherlock Holmes author together but, as actor-playwright Haig’s drama Magic shows, also threw them into conflictIt’s the question most often posed to artists: where do you get your ideas from? D…
Continue ReadingDance House, CardiffTudur Owen’s Welsh-language play about a second world war veteran is unashamedly heartfelt and anchored by very fine performancesThis play by Tudur Owen tells the story of a curmudgeonly second world war veteran, an unexpected windf…
Continue ReadingShaftesbury theatre, LondonTwenty years since its West End debut, the sweetly subversive musical returns with a few tweaks and a lot of heartThe trigger warning “puppet nudity” does not begin to cover it. You will also see puppets having sex, singing a…
Continue ReadingThe taboo-busting, Tony-award-winning show has returned. But how will its 00s attitudes land today? Will they still sing Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist and If You Were Gay?There are certain problems you might expect when rehearsing a West End musical. …
Continue ReadingThe taboo-busting, Tony-award-winning show has returned. But how will its 00s attitudes land today? Will they still sing Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist and If You Were Gay?There are certain problems you might expect when rehearsing a West End musical. …
Continue ReadingSoho theatre, LondonThe unassuming US comedian and musician turns her journey to motherhood into a witty, bittersweet and beautifully judged show‘I know this show can be uncomfortable,” says Riki Lindhome, sat at her keyboard after a song about pregnan…
Continue ReadingRoyal Exchange theatre, ManchesterSparring lovers play a capricious game in Blanche McIntyre’s revival – but the cut and thrust is kept witty, rather than curdling into dangerIn director Blanche McIntyre’s take on Private Lives, love is a dizzying thin…
Continue ReadingBristol Old VicThe Reduced Shakespeare Company returns with a frantic mix of pratfalls, audience participation and lightning-flash characterisationsA classical actor who appeared in a recent production of Othello told me that the cast was alarmed by th…
Continue ReadingAfter years of skits and Shakespeare, the Black Country performer has found his biggest audience yet on Saturday Night Live UK. Phil Wang and others hail his ‘pure comedic instinct’A cast of unknowns, they keep saying about Saturday Night Live UK, whos…
Continue ReadingComedy duo will take the stage together in the West End for the first time in 17 years in Cinderella alongside Julian ClaryDawn French and Jennifer Saunders are to return to the stage together for the first time in 17 years to play the Ugly Sisters in …
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