Menu

West End Theatre News and Reviews

Hello Dolly
24 Apr
Broadway Shows
Phil Willmott

Review: HELLO DOLLY at the Shubert Theatre, New York

Hello Dolly It was a golden age for the Broadway musical. The early 1960s saw premieres of evergreen hit shows like Fiddler on the Roof, My Fair Lady and Hello Dolly. They've been regularly revived ever since as highlights of subsequent Broadway seasons with stars of the day making them hot tickets ever since. Now Dolly is, in the words of the title song "back where she belongs" with a new production and leading lady that's got New York Theatre buzzing all over again.

Continue reading

The Philantropist
24 Apr
Reviews
Phil Willmott

Review: THE PHILANTHROPIST at Trafalgar Studios

The Philantropist I really don't like writing bad reviews. I know all too well the heartache and hard work that goes into making a piece of theatre and I'm very aware that just because I don't like something it's no reason to deter someone else who might enjoy it but on this occasion I really struggle to think of anyone who'd enjoy this revival of Christopher Hampton's desperately dated and unfunny comedy, played ineptly by woefully, inexperienced and ill equipped performers.

Continue reading

Dick Whittington
21 Apr
News
Phil Willmott

London Pantomime to feature Julian Clary... and Donald Trump!

Dick Whittington We’re barely into Spring but it’s already time to look forward to Pantomime, the UK’s traditional Christmas theatre treat. Two PR firms have announced festive productions in the last few days, one gigantic the other niche.

Let’s start with the giant. Last Christmas panto expert Michael Harrison brought large scale, big budget pantomime back to the London Palladium where it used to reign supreme in the 1950s and 60s. His Cinderella had an all star line up, was nominated for an Olivier Award and although rumours persisted that they were struggling to sell enough seats at the high ticket prices it’s widely regarded as having been a success.

Continue reading

Bridge Theatre New Season
21 Apr
News
Phil Willmott

First Season announced for the new Bridge Theatre

Bridge Theatre New Season A year or so ago the former Artistic Director of the National Theatre, Nicholas Hytner invited me for a coffee to talk about his new theatre THE BRIDGE. He was full of passion for what he could achieve there and the potential the flexible performance space offered. At that time the opening seemed way in the future so it’s exhilarating to hear about his first season, which has just been announced.

Continue reading

Shitfaced Shakespeare
19 Apr
News
Phil Willmott

Sh*t Faced Shakespeare: In praise of bad theatre

Shitfaced Shakespeare The capital's theatre scene boasts a plethora of top class Shakespeare productions starring some world class names. Sh*t-faced Shakespeare isn't one of them! It's a shambles and that's why people love it.

Continue reading

- page 605 of 736 -