Actress ALICE FRANKHAM features in Theatre Royal Plymouth’s new production of Nick Stimson and Jimmy Jewell’s NHS The Musical (17-25 September 2021), inspired by first-hand accounts from NHS staff. Paying tribute to the heroes who have been seeing us all through the pandemic, the combined company of seven cast and seven band members also includes […]
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‘I cannot wait to see what more magic is made’: Musical Theatre Review’s Ian Bowkett picks an all-female cast for Sisyphus: A Rock ’n’ Roll Musical
Musical Theatre Review contributor AND composer Ian Bowkett writes: How do you make a brand-new musical from scratch? I have absolutely no idea. They teach courses on that sort of thing, but I studied science instead, like a fool. Still, after co-writing The Sam Neill Experience: A Dance Musical with cult favourite comedian and podcaster Gregory […]
‘His play has been rethought and transformed through music’: Highbury Opera Theatre’s Scott Stroman on adapting Michael Palin’s play The Weekend into an opera
As a musician SCOTT STROMAN has many strings to his bow. He is a composer, conductor, performer and educator in jazz, classical and world music. He is also artistic director of Highbury Opera Theatre which he created in 2011 with assistant music director Sarah Wilkinson. Supported by a team of artists and local enthusiasts, HOT […]
A conversation with Stephen Schwartz: Pippin, that Wicked movie and an astonishing career as a composer
When STEPHEN SCHWARTZ was just 26 years old, he had three successful shows running on Broadway simultaneously. Four and a half decades later, with Wicked about to join The Prince of Egypt in reopening after the Covid closures, and Charing Cross Theatre’s psychedelic production of Pippin extending its run to 3 October 2021, the legendary […]
‘It’s so exciting to be part of something that people hold so dear to their hearts’: Oliver Ormson relishes being a Disney villain in Frozen the Musical
Following its success on Broadway and for the first time in forever, Frozen the Musical is set to open at the newly refurbished Theatre Royal Drury Lane tonight (8 September 2021). With music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and book by Jennifer Lee, the musical based on the popular Disney film of […]
Five Questions With: Princess and the Pauper producer Katherine Mount
After seeing first-hand how revolutionary accessible music and song was for her deaf child, Ethan, producer KATHERINE MOUNT took it into her own hands to address the lack of accessible musical theatre for deaf audiences. The result is The Princess and the Pauper, running at Swanage’s Mowlem Theatre from 24-28 August 2021. This is a […]
There’s still ‘Magic to Do’ at Charing Cross Theatre as 5-star Pippin continues until 3 October
Eight outstanding performers bring the tale of Pippin to vivid, vivacious life, they start the show declaring that they’ve got ‘Magic To Do’ true to their word, they deliver something magical indeed – sheer delight from start to finish – Attitude ★★★★★ That’s just one of the five-star reviews written about director Steven Dexter’s new […]
British Youth Music Theatre presents comic-book musical Nightshade
British Youth Music Theatre is presenting its epic comic-book musical Nightshade at London’s Bridewell Theatre from 13-14 August 2021, featuring a cast of young people aged 11 to 21 years old. In this epic new musical by Ellis Kerkhoven (book, lyrics and direction) and Adam Gerber (composer and musical director), you can expect strong roles, […]
Meet the people behind British Youth Music Theatre’s latest Dance Connection project Ministry of Truth
“I cannot thank BYMT enough for igniting my love for dance… With the help of all the cast and creatives I was pushed and my confidence soared.” Those are the words of 19-year-old Karl Johnston from Antrim in Northern Ireland who is taking part in Ministry of Truth, British Youth Music Theatre’s latest Dance Connection show, […]
Once Bradley Jaden was in the cast, now BYMT’s Goblin Market makes its return starring a new generation of young talent
Every British Youth Music Theatre production is special but Goblin Market, by composer Conor Mitchell with book and lyrics by Kath Burlinson, is already part of the leading youth company’s history, having last been seen at the George Square Theatre, Edinburgh in 2005. The Edinburgh Festival Guide said back then: “Goblin Market has all the […]
The biggest party in history as told by BYMT’s The Night the War Ended
The place is London, the date is 8 May 1945 and the biggest party in history has begun on a night that will be remembered forever: the night the war ended. The city is buzzing with excitement as people hear the news. The streets fill up with people from all over the world singing and […]
Writer Victoria Saxton reveals more about the incredible story of women’s football told in BYMT’s Our Girls, Our Game
Not only does British Youth Music Theatre’s empowering new musical Our Girls, Our Game feature an intrepid all-female cast, but behind the scenes there is plenty of girl power too in the shape of writer Victoria Saxton, director Charlotte Westenra, composer and musical director Vikki Stone and choreographer Jane McMurtrie. This uplifting musical, telling the […]
The cast of Amélie the Musical on finally opening their ‘bonkers’ West End show after the Covid-19 lockdown
Amélie the Musical has had a remarkable journey: from a Broadway under-performer; to an exciting British reinterpretation at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre, on tour, and at London’s Other Palace Theatre; to an acclaimed run reopening the West End’s historic Criterion Theatre after the Covid-19 shutdown. Musical Theatre Review’s Ian Bowkett spoke to four of its […]
What do we really know about Andrew Lloyd Webber’s misfit Cinderella?
Emily Shepherd writes: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella is set to break stereotypes of the traditional Cinderella narrative that we’re all familiar with. Set to have its gala opening this week at London’s Gillian Lynne Theatre, the cast and creatives have given little away about the new interpretation of the classic fairy tale, keeping fans on […]
Five Questions With: Ben Stock
For the latest instalment in Musical Theatre Review’s Five Questions With… series, the spotlight falls on director, musical director, actor, cabaret performer and Ugly Sister BEN STOCK. Ben has appeared in musicals and plays in the West End, on tour and in many regional theatres. Favourite roles include Lumiere in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, […]
Making a Musical: The All-Singing, All-Dancing Sisyphus
Musical Theatre Review contributor AND composer Ian Bowkett writes: How do you make a brand new musical from scratch? I have absolutely no idea. They teach courses on that sort of thing, but I studied physics instead, like a fool. Still, after co-writing The Sam Neill Experience: A Dance Musical with cult favourite comedian and […]
Five Questions With: Paul Taylor-Mills
Artistic director of Turbine Theatre PAUL TAYLOR-MILLS is currently pretty busy bringing together MTFestUK, a celebration of new musical theatre which runs at the London venue before embarking on a ‘digital’ UK Tour from the 31 May to 4 July 2021. The Festival sets out to promote quality artistry, showcasing new musicals to UK audiences with a view […]
Five Questions With: Jennifer Ashley Tepper
JENNIFER ASHLEY TEPPER – the acclaimed young theatre writer and historian – recently released her new book The Untold Stories of Broadway, Volume 4 to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the 2020-2021 Broadway shutdown. The Untold Stories of Broadway, Volume 4 – featuring interviews with Patti LuPone, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Donna Murphy, Jonathan Groff, Julie Taymor, […]
Five Questions With: Newtion Matthews
Actor and singer NEWTION MATTHEWS is starring as Street Singer in the filmed release of Lambert Jackson Productions’ BKLYN – The Musical, online until 4 April 2021. BKLYN – The Musical is a story within a story. On the outside you have a troupe of incredibly talented street performers who are sharing a story from […]
Five Questions With: Lucy Eaton
LUCY EATON (who most recently starred with Michael Sheen and David Tennant in BBC’s Staged written by her brother Simon Evans) has launched the new theatre podcast series Hear Me Out. The first four episodes which include interviews with Mark Bonnar, Denise Gough, Adrian Lester and Claire Skinner are now available. Future episodes (to be […]
Bursts of brilliance from the year theatre stopped
We could have been born with a love of television or comic books or 1930s radio plays. That wouldn’t have been quite so bad. But no, Dionysus, god of theatre, took one look at us and decreed: “On top of the worldwide suffering and loss from Coronavirus, you are to spend the 2020 pandemic almost […]
Five Questions With: Andrew Bateup
After winning a ‘battle’ with fellow musical theatre performer Matthew Croke during last weekend’s The Voice on ITV (performing ‘Always’ by Bon Jovi), ANDREW BATEUP has reached the semi-finals of the ever popular competition. Andrew’s musical theatre credits include the UK tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat from 2012-15 and Choir Of Man […]
Remembering Christopher Plummer – An actor for all time
The veteran Canadian actor Christopher Plummer, who has died at the age of 91, was a man of impressive stature with a commanding presence, which fitted the parts he played. Rarely a performer to take on the role of the average man, he was an actor born to play kings and kaisers, grand dukes and […]
Five Questions With: Paul Ettore Tabone
After four years of performances in the West End production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic The Phantom of the Opera, as Ubaldo Piangi, the much-hailed tenor, PAUL ETTORE TABONE has now released his first studio album, This Is Me. Dubbed today as ‘Australia’s Andrea Bocelli’, Paul has been on a fascinating musical journey, from growing […]
Five Questions With: Ahmed Hamad
Actor AHMED HAMAD takes centre stage in the new production of Tim Gilvin’s Stay Awake, Jake which continues to be streamed via Southwark Playhouse until 28 February 2021. Ahmed (Rent, Hope Mill Theatre, The Boy In The Dress, Royal Shakespeare Company) followed up his recent recording of the show’s album (being released soon!) by taking […]
Five Questions With: Matthew Croke
Widely recognised for his critically-acclaimed performance as the title character in the West End production of Disney’s Aladdin, MATTHEW CROKE recently took centre stage as a contestant in this year’s tenth series of The Voice UK. Opening the show with his stand-out vocals, Matt performed ‘Come What May’ in the blind auditions, in the second episode of the new series, and […]
Five Questions With: Andrew Wright
The Wright Agency – led by double Olivier Award nominee, double WhatsOnStage and Carl Alan Award-winning choreographer ANDREW WRIGHT – was launched in September 2020 to represent and most importantly celebrate choreographers and associate choreographers in the UK. The agency represents 11 of the UK’s emerging choreographic talent. Its mission is to support those who […]
Dancing up a storm – Remembering Bob Avian
BOB AVIAN, the celebrated director, producer and choreographer, has died at the age of 83. Famed for his work on major productions of A Chorus Line, Ballroom, Miss Saigon, Martin Guerre, Follies, Sunset Boulevard and The Witches of Eastwick, he had become something of a Broadway legend. Michael Darvell looks back over a long and […]
Doing, rather than waiting – An interview with acclaimed producer Katy Lipson (Part Two)
KATY LIPSON is the director of Aria Entertainment, a company which has been at the forefront of reimagining how theatre can operate given our current world of lockdowns and social distancing. Her Park Theatre production of Rags (originally at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre) and Southwark Playhouse production of The Last Five Years have been nominated for six Off-West End Awards […]
Doing, rather than waiting – An interview with acclaimed producer Katy Lipson (Part One)
KATY LIPSON is the director of Aria Entertainment, a company which has been at the forefront of reimagining how theatre can operate given our current world of lockdowns and social distancing. Her Park Theatre production of Rags (originally at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre) and Southwark Playhouse production of The Last Five Years have been nominated […]
One singular sensation – Remembering Ann Reinking
ANN REINKING, who has died aged 71, will be remembered not only for being an exceptional actress, dancer and choreographer but also as a protégée of the director-choreographer Bob Fosse, responsible for furthering his work following his death, and keeping his name and his talent before the public eye. Michael Darvell recalls the life and […]
An icon who became a national treasure – A tribute to Barbara Windsor
Dame Barbara Windsor DBE, who has died at the age of 83, will be celebrated for her work on stage, in films and on television. A popular figure very much of her time, she embodied the sort of success story that no longer happens. Michael Darvell remembers the talent that was Barbara Windsor… Born Barbara […]
Five Questions With: Ferris and Milnes
Popular musical comedy partnership DOMINIC FERRIS and MARTIN MILNES are bringing their hit seasonal show, Ferris & Milnes – Christmas Cracker! to London’s Riverside Studios on 12 December 2020. Guests include 10-year-old anti-bullying campaigner Charlie Kristensen. Produced by James Quaife and Robin Rayner of New Frame Productions in association with Ferris and Milnes, the family-friendly […]
Five Questions With: Tim McArthur
Actor, presenter and theatre director TIM MCARTHUR is having a busy festive season. He is starring in A Perfect Christmas at London’s Cockpit Theatre, a festive musical revue he has also directed and devised (7-24 December 2020), and has once again staged the Royal Vauxhall Tavern panto (Pricked runs until 7 January 2021). He is […]
‘It’s a joy to perform every time’: Marc Antolin stars in Wise Children’s live-stream of Kneehigh’s The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk
Musical Theatre Review’s Clare Walters spoke to actor MARC ANTOLIN in his home of Port Talbot in Wales where he had been isolating prior to travelling to Bristol to start rehearsing for Wise Children’s broadcast of Kneehigh’s The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk at the Old Vic. The show is being live-streamed until 5 December 2020 […]
Five Questions With: Nicholas McLean
NICHOLAS MCLEAN is starring in West End Acoustic – an unplugged celebration of popular musicals presented by New Frame Productions – at London’s Riverside Studios on 8 December 2020 alongside Maiya Quansah-Breed, Renée Lamb, Nicholas McLean and Sam Tutty, with musical direction by Chris Poon. Nicholas’ credits include Wicked (Apollo Victoria Theatre – Black British Theatre […]
Five Questions With: Naana Agyei-Ampadu
Actress NAANA AGYEI-AMPADU appears in Nine Lessons and Carols at London’s Almeida Theatre which opens on 3 December 2020 for previews (opening night is 9 December). Almeida associate director Rebecca Frecknall, playwright Chris Bush and the company of six performers have devised this new production reflecting on a year of separation and the power of contact. […]
Five Questions With: Kieran Brown
There have been occasions during 2020 when actor and singer KIERAN BROWN has been able to perform, not least a concert with The Barricade Boys on the jetty at the Turbine Theatre and his own Halloween cabaret at Above The Stag Theatre. However, it is his skills as a photographer which have come to the […]
Five Questions With: Shan Ako
The new live cast recording of the West End production of Les Miserables – The Staged Concert will be on many a musical theatre fan’s Christmas wish list this year, so we thought a chat with the show’s Eponine, otherwise known as SHAN AKO, was in order. Recorded live at the Gielgud Theatre, ‘Les Misérables […]
Five Questions With: Zizi Strallen
Who better to chat to about the new live cast recording of Mary Poppins, released on 6 November 2020, than supercalifragilistic actress and singer ZIZI STRALLEN? Featuring Zizi in the title role, the musical version of the much-loved Disney film Mary Poppins returned to its original London home, the Prince Edward Theatre, last October, 15 years […]
Olivier Awards 2020 – A video refresher of the musical nominees
It feels like forever ago that we could simply hop down to the West End and – perhaps after a spot of bank robbery to afford a ticket – bask in the brilliance of some of the most spectacular musicals London has ever seen. Presumably, all the nominees at this year’s delayed Olivier Awards deserve […]
‘When Les Mis came along it towered over and above anything’: Remembering Herbert Kretzmer OBE
The name of the journalist and lyricist Herbert Kretzmer, who has died at the age of 95, may not mean much to most people until they realise that it was he who provided the English-language lyrics for the musical of Les Misérables in 1985 which has become the longest-running London stage musical and one that […]
INTERVIEW: Rob Houchen, Celinde Schoenmaker & MD Arlene McNaught discuss Marry Me A Little at the Barn Theatre Cirencester
Fresh from storming the barricades of Britain’s Got Talent, ROB HOUCHEN (Les Misérables, Light in the Piazza, Candide) joins his cast mate, CELINDE SCHOENMAKER (The Phantom of the Opera, Rocketman, Light in the Piazza) and musical director ARLENE MCNAUGHT (Six, Little Miss Sunshine) to talk about a new revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Marry Me A […]
Five Questions With: Rachel John
RACHEL JOHN is starring in the upcoming live performances of Jason Robert Brown’s Songs For A New World at the London Palladium on 11 October 2020. Rachel originally performed the role of Woman 1 in Lambert Jackson Productions’ virtual performance of Songs For A New World, broadcast during lockdown in association with The Other Palace. […]
Edinburgh Fringe 2020 – The Fringe that never was
Fiona Orr writes… Normally, our August is the richest month for culture and the arts here in Edinburgh. As we all know, the cancellation was necessary and my heart sank on the day it was announced. Knowing the amount of work, energy, creativity and drive all primed to reach its peak to bring work to […]
Five Questions With: Jack Miles
JACK MILES has written and composed the new folk musical St. Anne Comes Home which will be a part of the Iris Theatre Summer Festival in the courtyard of the Actors’ Church, St Pauls in Covent Garden on 29 and 30 August 2020. London can be lonely. But on the steps of St. Anne’s Church two people […]
INTERVIEW: Actress Chlöe Hart on returning to the role of Tracy Turnblad – in a prison production – & what it meant to her
In February and March, just before Covid-19 locked down theatreland, CHLÖE HART went to prison to revisit the role of Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray that took her from the Guildford School of Acting directly to a West End lead role at the Shaftesbury in 2009. Here she tells Musical Theatre Review contributor Jeremy Chapman what […]
Watch: The non-stop rise of Lin-Manuel Miranda
On Friday 3 July 2020, the film of Hamilton will be made available to stream on Disney Plus, giving millions the opportunity to see the show from the comfort of their own homes for the very first time. To celebrate the occasion, here is a brief history of writer/star Lin-Manuel Miranda’s remarkable career to date: […]
Five Questions With: Nadim Naaman
Following the extraordinary events that have taken place at home and across the world in the last three months, we decided it was about time we revived our Five Questions With… series. The aim is to invite theatre people to have their say, starting off with the question, ‘How the hell are you?’ Our first […]
The Best Of West End Live – In Photographs
West End LIVE may be a virtual experience this year but that won’t be stopping us celebrating such a highlight in the West End calendar – so enjoy this incredible gallery of images from Musical Theatre Review’s official photographer Roy Tan who has been covering the event since it began in London’s Leicester Square. The […]
