This week we’re reviewing three fantastic productions that bring a mix of iconic rock music, dark comedy, and powerful performances. We dive into the explosive dance production of Quadrophenia, the return of Kiki & Herb Are Trying to Soho Theatre, and catch up with Omari Douglas and Alexander Lincoln in an exclusive backstage interview about their roles in This Bitter Earth at Soho Theatre.

Quadrophenia – A Mod Ballet

In 1973, Pete Townshend and The Who’s Quadrophenia became an iconic album, defining a generation with its themes of rebellion, lost youth, and the search for belonging. Now, Quadrophenia comes to life as a stunning dance production, choreographed by Paul Roberts and directed by Rob Ashford. Set to a rich, orchestral version of the album, performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, this high-energy ballet brings Jimmy’s story of troubled youth into the present day. With original costumes by Paul Smith and set design by Christopher Oram, this production blends sharp suits, soulful music, and adrenaline-filled dance for a show that’s as urgent today as it was in the 1960s.

Kiki & Herb Are Trying at Soho Theatre

The legendary New York cabaret duo, Kiki & Herb, return to London after 16 years with their hilariously dark and offbeat act. Justin Vivian Bond and Kenny Mellman bring their acclaimed show to Soho Theatre for three nights only, blending witty stories, fabulously offbeat covers, and their trademark chaotic energy. It’s an unmissable night of cabaret, filled with irreverent humour, camp, and unexpected moments. Don’t miss the return of these cabaret icons!

Backstage Interview with Omari Douglas & Alexander Lincoln – This Bitter Earth at Soho Theatre

Natalie goes backstage at Soho Theatre to chat with the stars of This Bitter Earth, Omari Douglas and Alexander Lincoln. The two actors share their experiences bringing this powerful production to life, which explores race, love, and identity in the modern world. Omari and Alexander discuss the emotional depth of their characters and what it’s like to perform in this thought-provoking drama, as well as the impact it has had on audiences.

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In this week’s episode we’re reviewing three diverse productions that offer everything from heartfelt romance to raw emotional performances. We dive into Lovestuck at Theatre Royal Stratford East, This Bitter Earth at Soho Theatre starring Omari Douglas and Alexander Lincoln, and Showmanism starring Dickie Beau.

Lovestuck at Theatre Royal Stratford East

Lovestuck is a vibrant and joyful celebration of love, friendship, and self-discovery. The show explores the complexities of modern relationships with a mix of humour, heart, and an upbeat energy. Set in a world where the characters are navigating the twists and turns of romance, Lovestuck brings light to the various facets of love, offering a refreshing, feel-good experience that will leave you smiling long after the curtain falls.

This Bitter Earth at Soho Theatre

This Bitter Earth, starring Omari Douglas and Alexander Lincoln, is a powerful exploration of race, love, and identity. The play, written by Harrison David Rivers and directed by Billy Porter, takes a bold and thought-provoking look at the complexities of being a Black man in a queer relationship, set against the backdrop of a turbulent social climate. The performances by Douglas and Lincoln are electric, bringing raw emotion to a script that confronts societal challenges while exploring the boundaries of love. This show is as insightful as it is moving, leaving audiences with plenty to reflect on.

Showmanism starring Dickie Beau

Showmanism is a one-man theatrical extravaganza starring Dickie Beau. Known for his extraordinary ability to channel iconic voices, Beau brings to life a whirlwind of performance styles, from lip-syncing to iconic theatre legends to weaving together a narrative full of wit, insight, and absurdity. This show explores the art of performance itself, blending comedy, tragedy, and everything in between. Beau’s charisma and talent make Showmanism an unforgettable, genre-defying spectacle that will leave you in awe.

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This week we’re diving into three captivating productions that explore everything from love and infidelity to personal recovery and thrilling reimaginings of classic films. We review Anna Karenina at Chichester Festival Theatre, The Fifth Step in the West End, and Emma Rice’s fresh take on Hitchcock’s North by Northwest.

Anna Karenina at Chichester Festival Theatre

Anna Karenina returns to the stage in a witty and sensual version of Tolstoy’s masterpiece, directed by Phillip Breen. Set across the vast panorama of 19th-century Russia, this production brings the story of Anna’s destructive love affair with Count Vronsky to life, as well as the heart-wrenching struggles of Levin and Kitty. With Natalie Dormer making her Chichester debut as Anna and David Oakes as Levin, this fresh take blends period dress with a contemporary tone, offering a surprising and unforgettable portrait of infidelity, passion, and the search for fulfilment.

The Fifth Step in the West End

In The Fifth Step, Jack Lowden reprises his role as Luka in this provocative and entertaining new play by David Ireland. Following a successful run in Edinburgh, the production has moved to the West End, where Luka and James, played by Martin Freeman, navigate their sobriety journeys together. As they bond over black coffee, their fragile friendship is tested as secrets and confessions threaten their recovery. Directed intimately in-the-round by Finn den Hertog, this subversively funny play explores addiction, trust, and the complexities of healing.

North by Northwest by Emma Rice

North by Northwest takes Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic thriller and turns it on its head in a riotously funny reimagining by Emma Rice. With a minimal cast of six shape-shifting performers and a fabulous ‘50s soundtrack, this production brings glamour, romance, and suspense to the stage in a dazzling way. As Roger Thornhill, the reluctant hero, is thrown into a Cold War conspiracy, the play offers a hilarious, heartfelt, and thrilling ride with unexpected twists and a liberal sprinkling of tender truths.

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This week we’re reviewing four exciting and diverse productions that span immersive theatre, modern dance, and the power of music. From the return of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Bridge Theatre to the atmospheric The Midnight Bell, the ambitious Storehouse immersive event, and the powerful Just For One Day: THE LIVE AID MUSICAL, this episode is packed with unforgettable experiences.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Bridge Theatre

Step back into the magical world of A Midsummer Night’s Dream as the Bridge Theatre’s critically acclaimed production returns for a limited summer run. Directed by Nicholas Hytner, this immersive version of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy transports audiences into a dream world of fairies, moonlit revels, and enchanted forests. With the seating wrapped around the action and immersive tickets allowing the story to unfold on foot, this production is a must-see. Featuring stunning design by Bunny Christie, costumes by Christina Cunningham, and choreography by Arlene Phillips, A Midsummer Night’s Dream offers a fresh, immersive take on a timeless classic.

Matthew Bourne’s The Midnight Bell

The Midnight Bell takes you into the fog-bound streets of 1930s London, where lonely hearts and lovelorn souls meet at the tavern. Inspired by Patrick Hamilton’s iconic novels, this evocative dance theatre production by Matthew Bourne explores themes of longing, betrayal, and redemption. With choreography by Bourne and a talented cast of New Adventures performers, The Midnight Bell is a dark, captivating exploration of the human condition set against the backdrop of London’s working-class districts.

STOREHOUSE – Immersive Theatre Event in Deptford

STOREHOUSE is one of the most artistically ambitious and large-scale immersive theatre events ever staged in the UK. Set in a vast disused warehouse in Deptford, the experience takes audiences on a journey through a sprawling archive of human stories, messages, and memories since the dawn of the internet. As narratives begin to compete and the remaining founder fades, the stakes rise in this futuristic exploration of humanity’s digital legacy. STOREHOUSE is a fascinating look at what happens when the digital world and real-world emotions collide.

JUST FOR ONE DAY: THE LIVE AID MUSICAL

Celebrate the extraordinary legacy of Live Aid with JUST FOR ONE DAY: THE LIVE AID MUSICAL. Featuring hit songs from legendary artists like Queen, U2, David Bowie, and Madonna, this joyous new musical takes you behind the scenes of the iconic 1985 concerts. From the creation of the event to its unforgettable performances, the musical honours the power of music to unite the world and make a difference. Get ready for a musical experience that celebrates the spirit of Live Aid and its ongoing impact.

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This week we’re bringing you an exciting mix of feel-good theatre, intense family drama, and revolutionary musicals. We review House of Life, a high-energy, genre-defying experience, the powerful The Deep Blue Sea starring Tamsin Greig, the moving family story of Marriage Material, and the revolutionary Hamilton, the musical that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

House of Life

House of Life is back with its feel-good, high-energy explosion of joy! A blend of music, movement, and collective healing, this glitter-clad, beat-dropping show has been scientifically proven* to make you 100% never sad again. Led by the RaveRend, the show takes you on a wild, wacky ride that promises to uplift your serotonin levels. Part rebirth, part rave, House of Life invites you to be reborn and join the RAVEolution for a night of unparalleled fun and healing.

The Deep Blue Sea starring Tamsin Greig

In The Deep Blue Sea, Olivier Award-winner Tamsin Greig stars in Terence Rattigan’s powerful 1950s drama of obsession, love, and betrayal. Hester Collyer, trapped in a hopeless affair with a man incapable of returning her love, is left to grapple with the destructive power of her emotions. Set against the backdrop of passion versus loyalty, this emotionally charged play explores the complexities of love and the devastating consequences of passion. A must-see for fans of classic drama.

Marriage Material

Marriage Material brings to life a poignant and sweeping family drama set in a corner shop in Wolverhampton. As Mrs Bains juggles the demands of her business, her ailing husband, and her daughters’ futures, family tragedy brings her son Arjan back to the shop. Directed by Iqbal Khan, this adaptation of Sathnam Sanghera’s novel is a moving exploration of generational conflict, ambition, and the challenges of balancing the old and the new. A touching look at family, identity, and the ties that bind.

Hamilton

Hamilton returns to the stage, the revolutionary musical that has taken the world by storm. Blending hip-hop, jazz, blues, and Broadway, this story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton is brought to life in an explosive, dynamic production. With a score by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, and choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, Hamilton is an unforgettable experience. Winner of 11 Tony Awards, 7 Olivier Awards, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, this musical continues to shape the future of theatre.

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This week we’re reviewing two captivating productions: the electrifying Starlight Express at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre and the innovative dance performance The Heat, created by and starring Becky Namgauds. Plus, we have an exclusive interview with Becky, who shares her creative journey behind The Heat, a show that explores the contradictions of domestic space, women’s relationships with their bodies, and the internal dialogue often suppressed in everyday life.

Starlight Express at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic Starlight Express is now playing in the specially designed Starlight Auditorium at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, bringing an immersive world of speed, song, and storytelling to life. This high-energy production features a cast of 40 performers racing above and around the stage, performing some of musical theatre’s most beloved songs, including AC/DC, Make Up My Heart, and the iconic Starlight Express. With dazzling choreography by Ashley Nottingham, spectacular designs, and thrilling new orchestrations by Matthew Brind, Starlight Express is an electrifying experience for all ages. Directed by Luke Sheppard, this new incarnation of the musical promises a truly unforgettable ride.

Interview with Becky Namgauds about The Heat

We also sit down with Becky Namgauds to discuss The Heat, a bold and physical dance piece that explores the female body, the complexities of home as both a place of oppression and freedom, and the tensions between comfort and confinement. Set in a surreal domestic dreamscape, The Heat takes audiences on a primal journey where desires and fantasies are laid bare. Becky shares her inspiration for the piece, the process of collaborating with an all-female intergenerational cast, and her unique approach to exposing the internal dialogue of women’s bodies. With striking physicality and moments of surreal humour, The Heat challenges perceptions and dives deep into the world of sensation and instinct.

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This week we’re reviewing four exciting productions that showcase the full spectrum of theatre. From the corn-fed, laugh-out-loud Shucked to the powerful drama of Faygele, the sweeping romance of Stiletto, and the fabulous world of The Devil Wears Prada, this episode is packed with thrilling performances and unforgettable stories.

Shucked at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Shucked, the Tony Award-winning musical comedy, makes its much-anticipated UK premiere at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. With a book by Robert Horn, a score by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, and direction by Jack O’Brien, this corn-bred American musical follows Maizy and Beau, whose small-town love story is interrupted when the corn that protects their community starts to die. This raucous, heartfelt production is brimming with catchy tunes, including ‘Woman of the World’,

‘Somebody Will’, and ‘Independently Owned’, and is a must-see for anyone who loves a good laugh with a dash of heart.

Faygele

Faygele is a powerful, coming-of-age drama that explores identity, faith, and survival. Starring Ilan Galkoff, Ben Caplan, and Clara Francis, this world premiere tells the story of Ari Freed, whose Bar Mitzvah celebration is shattered by a single word from his father, fracturing his sense of self. As Ari struggles with his adolescence, he battles the complexities of love and duty, all while trying to find himself. This heartfelt play is a deep exploration of the tension between tradition and personal identity, set against the backdrop of a coming-of-age journey.

Stiletto – The New Musical

Set in 18th-century Italy, Stiletto is a sweeping musical about ambition, love, sacrifice, and resilience. With a book by Tim Luscombe and music by Matthew Wilder, Stiletto follows Marco, a castrato singer, and Gioia, a black woman with musical gifts, as they fall in love despite the racism and misogyny of their time. This opulent and intense story highlights the power of music and the lengths we go for love. A stunning new musical that brings a rarely explored slice of history to the stage.

The Devil Wears Prada – The Musical

The Devil Wears Prada is back, this time on the stage, and it’s “absolutely fabulous!” (The Standard). Featuring irresistible songs by Elton John and a “terrific” performance by Vanessa Williams as Miranda Priestly, this new musical brings the blockbuster film to life. With an eye-catching debut by Georgie Buckland as Andy, Amy Di Bartolomeo’s comic brilliance as Emily, and Matt Henry’s soulful performance as Nigel, this glittering production delves into the world of fashion and ambition. Directed by Jerry Mitchell, The Devil Wears Prada delivers a chic and theatrical experience that’s “dressed to impress” (The Guardian).

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In this week’s episode we’re reviewing House of Games at Hampstead Theatre, a gripping adaptation of David Mamet’s noir thriller, and speaking with performer Ben Welch about his upcoming show The House of Life.

House of Games at Hampstead Theatre


House of Games follows celebrated psychoanalyst Dr. Margaret Ford as she takes on a new client, Billy, whose dangerous addictions lead him into the world of illicit poker games. As she digs deeper into his case, she finds herself entwined in Chicago’s criminal underworld and facing off against Mike, a charismatic gambler. This fast-paced, tense thriller, adapted by Richard Bean, is full of twists, deception, and complex characters who may not even know the rules of the game they’re playing. Directed by Jonathan Kent, House of Games is a must-see for fans of dark psychological dramas and taut thrillers.

Interview with Ben Welch


We also catch up with Ben Welch, performer and ‘RaveRend’, who’s returning to London to perform in The House of Life. Ben gives us the inside scoop on his upcoming show and shares his journey in the theatre world. His show promises to be an unforgettable, high-energy performance, and Ben’s passion for his craft shines through in this exclusive chat.

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