Dudley Town HallWith bits about Prince, Tiswas, his Jamaican family and his long career, the standup treads familiar ground and the home-town crowd love itIn this new standup show – his first tour since 2010 – Lenny Henry says he generally turns down r…
Continue ReadingThe Victoria Wood theatre, Bowness-on-WindermereMarking 10 years since the late comic’s death, this affectionate show blends her songs with a time-slip tale of friendship, regret and middle ageThis Lake District venue was called the Old Laundry theatre…
Continue ReadingGlobe theatre, LondonA spunky Helena and an inspired Puck elicit cheers and laughter in Emily Lim’s generous, creative and clever showI can’t remember the last time I got the giggles in the theatre but director Emily Lim’s joyful take on A Midsummer Ni…
Continue ReadingAn 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…
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