Arguably one of the most important pieces of music of the nineteenth century (harmony was never the same again), Wagner’s Tristan And Isolde makes demands on all involved in it, including the audience. There is hardly any physical action on stage, making it a director’s nightmare, the singers are required to have massive vocal and dynamic range as well as the stamina of a long distance runner and the orchestral forces required are huge. And it’s over five hours long. Oh, and Wagner demanded that an entirely new instrument be invented for its performance – a wooden trumpet (ENO has managed to lay its hands on one for this production, and it’s a surprisingly effective thing).
Reviews
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14 Jun
Reviews 
Review: Tristan and Isolde at English National Opera
By Kit Benjamin Tuesday, June 14 2016, 10:12
11 Jun
Reviews 
Review: THE DEEP BLUE SEA at The National Theatre
By Nastazja Domaradzka Saturday, June 11 2016, 08:05
Following the success of the 2014 production of MEDEA, actress Helen McCrory and director Carrie Cracknel return to The National Theatre with Terrence Rattigan’s THE DEEP BLUE SEA. Inspired by real life events Rattigan’s masterpiece examines the conflict between desire and love and despite being written over 60 years ago is still a relevant and moving story.
10 Jun
Reviews 
Review: THE GO BETWEEN at the Apollo Theatre
By Phil Willmott Friday, June 10 2016, 08:10
Before it even starts this production of the GO BETWEEN is a significant moment, it’s the rare arrival of a new musical in the West End. Its chances of survival are considerably boosted by the involvement of producer, Bill Kenwright who we probably have to thank for the casting of musical theatre mega-star Michael Crawford (The original Phantom)
09 Jun
Reviews
Review: NORMA JEANE, THE MUSICAL at The Lost Theatre
By Phil Willmott Thursday, June 9 2016, 08:52
Many people have attempted to base a musical on the life of Marilyn Monroe, there's even been a TV show, SMASH, chronicling the trials, tribulations and triumphs of a fictional production. The songs from the programme are great and it's rumoured that we'll get a Broadway version soon.
Meanwhile, in London, writer TL Shannon has a pretty good stab at structuring a Monroe musical in NORMA JEANE, THE MUSICAL (Norma Jeane was Marilyn’s real name).
08 Jun
Reviews
Review: BERNADETTE PETERS at the Royal Festival Hall
By Phil Willmott Wednesday, June 8 2016, 14:36
Undeniably Broadway royalty, Bernadette Peters is a charismatic, idiosyncratic performer who has had notable success in New York, giving acclaimed performance in hit productions including ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, Jerry Herman’s MACK & MABEL, Bernstein’s ON THE TOWN, THE GOODBYE GIRL and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s SONG AND DANCE but she’s most celebrated for her interpretation of the work of Stephen Sondheim and lead roles in FOLLIES, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, GYPSY, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE and INTO THE WOODS. She’s also enjoyed a parallel TV and Film career and has written children’s books inspired by her love of dogs.
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