Musicals
The triple-threat of music, dance and drama and another staple of the London theatre scene. There are plenty of musicals on the West End, but it’s the Off West End where you’ll find the new stuff, so don’t be afraid to jump in!
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Murder for Two, The Other Palace – Review
Pros: Astonishing performances and musicianship Cons: A little too long, and could use some variations in pace Arthur Whitney lies dead on the floor, in a house full of guests who wished him ill. It’s down to Officer Marcus to…
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Cabaret, Laban Theatre – Review
Pros: Lots of new talent showcasing their abilities. Cons: Doesn’t quite rise above student production standards. “Do you really love it?” asked a friend when I said I was going to see a student production of Cabaret, the famous Kander…
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Orpheus, Battersea Arts Centre – Review
Pros: Beautifully staged and performed with incredible joy and skill. Cons: Fans of Django Reinhardt may find his personal story underexplored. Musical theatre can be a time machine. With the help of skillful performers, detailed design, and an inspiring setting, songs and…
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Guys and Dolls, The Mill at Sonning – Review
A fun show with very high production values, although its datedness does risk it becoming a bit of a museum piece.
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A Christmas Story – The Musical, Waterloo East Theatre – Review
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…
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Urinetown, Bridewell Theatre – Review
Pros: A talented and tuneful cast making the most of a limited performance area. Cons: A low key Act I suffers in comparison with a sparkling Act II which emits a genuine West End feel. Urinetown is hardly the most…
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The Distance You Have Come, Cockpit Theatre – Review
Pros: Beautifully written – the musical variety manages to convey just about every human emotion. Cons: The actors’ volume levels are sometimes too low for the musical accompaniment. In a corner of west London at the charmingly grassroots Cockpit Theatre, Sevans…
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Once the musical, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch – Review
Moving, beautifully produced musical that's good for the ears and heart.
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Liberty Rides Forth!, Waterloo East Theatre – Review
A show with strong bouncing tunes, a warm heart and some sly wit. Quirky and original, but it doesn't embrace its full wackiness.
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Jekyll and Hyde, Chickenshed – Review
Pros: Immersive and beautiful staging Cons: Slightly difficult to follow This musical adaptation sees Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale transplanted from its original Edinburgh setting to a smoggy, dark and dingy Victorian London. That setting is stunningly brought to life through the…