Phil Willmott
17 Jun
Billy Elliot - Musical of the Week
By Phil Willmott Wednesday, June 17 2015, 10:09
One of the most celebrated and successful musicals of the early 21st Century BILLY ELLIOT was adapted by writer Lee Hall, director Stephen Daldry and choreographer Peter Darling from their low budget British film of the same name, itself partly adapted from A. J. Cronin's 1935 novel THE STARS LOOK DOWN.
03 Jun
News
Just Jim Dale and Man of Steal - Reviews
By Phil Willmott Wednesday, June 3 2015, 20:44
One of the lovely things about London's West End is the number of interesting little shows that crop up alongside the blockbusters and the productions with major stars in the lead roles. I saw a couple of fine examples last week. JUST JIM DALE at the Vaudeville theatre and MAN OF STEAL (note the spelling) which is at the Trafalgar Studios.
25 May
Reviews
Reviews of Pirates of Penzance & Carmen - ENO
By Phil Willmott Monday, May 25 2015, 15:25
Productions at ENO of late have been so good they've even won over an opera sceptic like me. Now they've a spring season that's even more user friendly, there's tickets to suit most budgets and there's never been a better time to give the art form a try or simply to remind yourself how exciting it is to enjoy world class singers and musicians bringing great works to life.
Last week I had a very jolly evening at their revival of PIRATES OF PENZANCE by the Victorian writers Gilbert and Sullivan. They created a whole string of hit shows in their time which still dazzle with their wonderfully hummable tunes and sunny humour. If your new to their repertoire, Pirates is one of their most popular confections, much loved by amateur performers and enthusiasts. Seeing it performed by world class professionals however is a stirring reminder that the work is far more then an end of term romp.
18 May
Reviews
Review of Death of Salesman
By Phil Willmott Monday, May 18 2015, 09:42
Anthony Sher in DEATH OF A SALESMAN at the Noel Coward Theatre. The first thing you should know if you’re considering buying a ticket to see Sir Anthony Sher in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of DEATH OF A SALESMAN, written by Arthur Miller in 1949, is that you’ll be watching one of the greatest plays ever created.
Regarded by many as the American KING LEAR it contains all the drama, heartbreak and poignancy of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy whilst dramatising, not the disintegration of a magnificent monarch but, as the title suggests, the last days of a humble travelling salesmen, Willy Loman.
05 May
Reviews
Review of American Buffalo at the Wyndhams Theatre
By Phil Willmott Tuesday, May 5 2015, 10:38
There are very few actors whose appearance in a film or TV show will make me want to watch it regardless of anything else. John Goodman is one of those actors so it was a great thrill to be able to see him live in the West End. It’s not that he’s particularly different in each performance. Even though he does a nice line in villains from time to time and occasionally flirts with an accent he always looks and sounds pretty much as he did as Dan Connor in the long running, hit sit-com Roseanne, which made him a household name.
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