There is huge talent on show

a story that’s compiled with sufficient skill to be worth a visit.

Having only lasted two weeks on Broadway in 2002 Amour has finally moved across the pond to try its luck closer to its French setting, with its London debut at the Charing Cross Theatre. Its hard to work out who to attribute blame to in this stoney production, but with moments of brightness it isn’t a completely wasted evening. Following bank clerk Dusoleil (Gary Tushaw), whose lonely existence is transformed by the ability to walk through walls, the story is ...

Pros: Excellent musicianship and a good range of song styles Cons: Lack of memorable tunes and a confusing storyline Calling all producers! Please stop pasting microphones to your singers’ foreheads! If you can’t hide them under their hair (although, why?) then the jawline is a far better option. Your audience is connecting to a singer’s eyes, and they don’t want to be distracted by a bundle of wiring in the middle of their face. Sorry, just had to get that ...

A bizarre adaptation of a true story about stalking, illness, grave robbing, necrophilia and amateur mummification, done in the style of a light romantic musical. Utterly strange.

Pros: Sheila Hancock owning the stage, with a good foil in Bill Milner. Cons: Lacks a bit of sparkle. Harold (Bill Milner), a nineteen year old early Emo type, attends funerals in his leisure time and has such a predilection for staging suicide and self-mutilation for the benefit of his mother (Rebecca Caine), that she has grown accustomed to and irritated by these episodes.  Harold’s trips to the therapist (Christopher Dickinson) do not seem to be having any effect so her next ...

Polly picks five shows to book now for 2018

Our Verdict: One of the great Victorian stories is finally enhanced by song in this entertaining, revised musical.

Another London revival of work that might once have been thought a masterpiece, but now may fail to engage a younger audience.

Although predictable and lacking in subtlety, it’s still great fun both for the audience and cast.