The posters displayed around the always welcoming lobby of Waterloo East Theatre ask the questions “Love Kylie? Love the 90s? Love Soap?”. The worrying thing is I can confidently state the answer is “no” to two of these questions; as for the 90s, I have vague recollections of them, usually of being in some dark dingy venue watching long forgotten bands. So even before taking my seat I was a little concerned I was not the shows target audience. Thankfully ...

Pros:  A talented cast Cons: A poor, almost non-existent storyline When it opened on Broadway in 2012, this musical was nominated for Tony awards for Best Musical and Best Original Score. The songs are pleasant enough, if a bit ‘same-y’. There is a lively tap number in the second half, and the song What a Mother Does lingered in my head for quite a while, although I think that may have been down to the rather old-fashioned sentiments contained within it. Of ...

A show with strong bouncing tunes, a warm heart and some sly wit. Quirky and original, but it doesn't embrace its full wackiness.

Pros: Much deserved applause for all actors that can recite Shakespeare without a breath. Cons: These performers need a bigger stage! Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet is one of my favourite pieces of writing, so I was hugely excited to be watching a live performance of it. If you aren’t familiar with the story of Romeo & Juliet, this is what you have to know. This updated version of the story is set during the warmest months of the year. People outside are celebrating ...

A very amusing musical mocking the tropes of WWII films.

'Doodle - The Musical!' writer Jonathan Kydd tells us about bringing the World War II comedy musical to the Waterloo East Theatre.

Brian picks runs down his pick of the year and awards the inaugural Reggies.

An outstanding example of storytelling that is both compelling and deeply affecting.

While ‘Corbynistas’ will love this diatribe against anyone (or anything) leaning to the right, A Nazi Comparison isn’t for those looking for a balanced, intellectual show.

Fine performances are let down by a total mess of a show that can’t decide if it’s satire or pantomime and ends up being a sum of little parts that just can’t work together.