Category: Uncategorized

Cambridge Arts Theatre – until Saturday 8th August 2026

Reviewed by Steph Lott

5*****

There’s a moment early in the second half of this touring production where Tamzin Outhwaite’s Beverly moves around her living room ordering her guests to eat, drink, dance, sit, smoke— and it becomes suddenly, grotesquely clear that she isn’t just hosting a terrible drinks party. She’s manipulating everyone at one. Guests are handled like puppets, strings pulled one at a time, and suddenly it’s not funny anymore.

That reframing is what makes this Beverly worth seeing, more than fifty years after Mike Leigh devised the piece with Alison Steadman and the original Hampstead Theatre cast. Steadman’s Beverly is a monster of bad taste who doesn’t quite know she’s monstrous — gauche, oblivious, and funny precisely because the gap between her self-image and the horror she’s inflicting on everyone else is so wide. Outhwaite’s Beverly is different. Somehow she is not only bad at reading the room but also manages to control it. It’s a such a different performance and not an impression of Steadman’s. The comedy is there in spades but it curdles faster, and the menace sits closer to the surface throughout.

Nowhere is this clearer than in the play’s most notorious sequence, when Beverly gropes Tony under Laurence and Angela’s noses. Play this moment as tipsy obliviousness and it’s excruciating comedy. Outhwaite plays it as calculation: her hands are on Tony, but her eyes are on the rest of the room, watching for the reaction she’s engineering. Tony isn’t the point. He’s the instrument. The seduction is aimed at Laurence and Angela, who dance with superb awkwardness, and it lands with real, uncomfortable heat.

Nadia Fall’s direction gives this version of Beverly room to develop and unfold. She is cruel and calculating but still shocked at the tragic outcome of the evening. The rest of the ensemble hold their own against Outhwaites’s Beverly: we dislike and feel sorry for Craig Hamilton’s Laurence in equal measure. Omar Malik’s stolid and sexy Tony is charismatic but we don’t know whether we should like him or not. This also goes for Lauren Patel’s irritating Angela, getting drunker and more annoying with each gin she swallows. Pandora Colin’s Sue provides a perfect contrast to them all. Nobody gets swallowed and each character has their moment.

It’s very funny. It’s also more disturbing than I expected a drinks party to be. At the end of the performance the whole audience erupted in cheers and applause which were very well deserved.

Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne – until 1 August 2026

Reviewed by Mike Linane

5*****

Everybody over the age of 35 will remember where they were when they first heard the news.

On the morning of 11 September 2001, the world changed forever.

As the United States closed its airspace for the first time in history, 38 international aircraft carrying almost 7,000 passengers and crew were unexpectedly diverted to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland.

A community of just 9,000 people suddenly found itself welcoming thousands of strangers from every corner of the glove. What happened over the next five days became an extraordinary story of compassion, generosity and human connection.

Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of the people of Gander and the ‘place people’ whose lives became forever intertwined. Filled with humour, hope and unforgettable music, the show celebrates the kindness that can emerge in the face of uncertainty and reminds us that, even during the darkest times, humanity has an incredible capacity for goodness.

Come From Away is not a musical with lots of pretty costumes or big production numbers – it doesn’t need any of that as it is a simple story, told in a simple but compassionate way.

Don’t worry if you think the basis for this musical is a bit sombre and downbeat – this show is anything but that (although it doesn’t ignore what was actually happening in the world outside of Gander at the time either). This show is full of heart, emotion, love, kindness and lots of humour.  You will sit there with a big smile on your face for most of the time as your faith in your fellow man is restored in you.

The Rattonians who perform this musical have an incredible reputation in the theatre world already. They always put on shows that could easily transfer straight into the West End immediately and this musical is no exception. There isn’t a dud member amongst the cast of 21 all of whom play more than one role.

This is a true ensemble piece of theatre where everyone gets their chance to shine in the spotlight but special mention must be made of the vocal coach (name not given in the programme) as the harmonies that are achieved by this cast are incredible.

Director Alex Adams (who also appears as Kevin J and others) must be congratulated on producing a very tight production which involves a lot of moving of on-stage props all of which appeared to happen seamlessly, quickly and with no one getting hurt in the process.

It’s a pity this show has such a short run as I’m sure it would have been enjoyed enormously by all the visitors still to visit Eastbourne this summer.

Come From Away runs at the Royal Hippodrome Theatre until Saturday 1^st August and is a show you need to see whether you live locally or come from away.

The Lowry, Manchester 22^nd August – 19^th September 2026

Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre 12^th October  2026 – 3^rd January 2027

First there was the television film, then came a sequel followed by another and now, celebrating 20 years since the initial film, comes High School Musical live on stage. Based on the hit Disney Channel original movie, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL follows Troy, Gabriella and the students of East High as they navigate first love, friendships and self-discovery, all while juggling classes, basketball games, auditions and the expectations of their peers. Featuring all the beloved songs from the original film, this fresh new production is High School Musical like you’ve never seen it before. This is an immersive production that will feature an actual basketball game and, beware, an infamous kisscam feature.

Directors William Whelton and Joseph Houston promise a show like we’ve never seen before with a state of the art light and video concept which means that wherever audience members look there will be something original and interesting to see.

Starring as Coach Bolton at the Lowry in Manchester is Jason Donovan (although not performing on September 19^th) whilst Harry Judd from McFly takes over the role for the London run at the Troubadour Theatre in Wembley. Directors Whelton and Houston were keen to have an original cast member included in this new production and have cast KayCee Stroh, who played Martha Cox in the original trilogy of films, as Ms Darbus who is East High’s homeroom and drama teacher and takes drama way too seriously. She is in constant conflict with Coach Bolton over what is more important for their students – drama or sport. Stroh will play this role for the entire run of the show at both venues.

They join the previously announced Tobias Turley (ITV’s Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream), Leonor Correia (Six), Caitlin Tipping (Frozen) and Luke Bayer (Titanique) as Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay and Ryan respectively.

The show features all the hit songs from the original film, including Breaking Free, We’re All In This Together, Stick to the Status Quo, Get’cha Head in the Game and many more.

The supporting ensemble cast are played by Char Burnett as Taylor McKessie, Jordan Benjamin as Chad Danforth, Simeon Beckett as Zeke Baylor, Olivia O’Connor as Martha Cox, Yna Tresvalles as Kelsi Nielson, Curtis Patrick as Jack Scott and Alexander Black, Eleanor Bye, Harriet Caplan Dean, Alison Driver, Connor Luke Drury, Mary Francis, Sania Gil-Lubeiro, Tamsin January, Joseph Lennox, Lucas Marlotti, Katie Mulligan, Andre Phipps, Meg Silsby, Kade Stenson, Ethan Vijn and Eddie Zickerman.

This show promises to be the must see show of the autumn and winter for those wanting to relive their youth and also those wanting to take their children along so that they can discover for themselves what got their parents so hot and bothered a mere twenty years ago. This will be a night out to remember!

President Hotel, London WC1N 1DB – reduced family tickets available until 1st September 2026

Reviewed by Julia Spargo

4****

I am a lifelong Fawlty Towers fan. At age 13 I could recite the scripts of all the episodes. I loved Andrew Sachs, who played Manuel in the television series, which ran from 1975 to 1979. So, thus far, I have stayed clear of any shows, spin-offs or experiences featuring the well-loved British sitcom.

Until I was invited to attend Faulty Towers The Dining Experience with my family. The experience takes place in the dining room of the President Hotel, just off Russell Square in London. It was the school holidays. There was food involved. My children were unfamiliar with Fawlty Towers. What could possibly go wrong?

Answer: everything, but in the best possible way.

Arriving at the President, we were greeted by staff and shown to the bar. We were told we would be shown to our seats by the cast as part of the experience. I gave my kids a quick precis of the characters: Basil is a very rude hotel owner. I’m glad I led with this. My daughter was having the children’s menu. He looked her up and down, raised one eyebrow at me and said, “You’re really pushing this one aren’t you. Chicken nuggets indeed. Tsk.” It was a good indication of what was to come.

Manuel (Nick Moon) went all-out to keep guests (noted by my kids as predominantly over 50) entertained. Bread rolls to go with the tomato and basil (naturally) soup were lobbed over diners’ heads. Butter was thrown onto the centre of the table. I am not sure the parsley garnish actually made it into anyone’s bowls but I found some in my hair. One group’s water was served by Manuel who was standing in the centre of their table. Audience participation was expected. One bald diner’s head was polished by Manuel’s tea towel. Sybil checked her hair in it moments afterwards. My daughter, who uses her knife and fork the wrong way round, had them snatched and replaced the correct way by Basil, who muttered through gritted teeth, “Most people have this mastered by the time they are four.” We get this brand of humour. We laughed. One table did not last the distance. This was not a huge surprise. Fawlty Towers is regularly listed as one of the most quintessentially British sitcoms. I am not sure the guests at the table were familiar with it. They probably had quite a shock.

For the enthusiasts, however, all the usual gags are there. A couple of familiar scenes from the television program were reenacted to great cheers from the diners. Slapstick, farce, snobbery; it was all there. By the end of the two hours we were exhausted. As my daughter exclaimed, despite having been mocked more than once, “That was fun!” It was. A great way to pass a summer holiday evening, particularly with the family discount currently available until 1st September. Just brace yourselves.

Evolution London in Battersea Park – until 13^th September 2026

Reviewed by Mike Linane

5*****

First there was the stage show, then the record-breaking Hollywood film and now comes the immersive movie musical.

So what’s this all about I hear you ask. When you arrive at the venue you walk into a proper fairground setting with lots of rides you can go on and side stalls where you can try to pick up a duck by a stick with a hook on the end of it or pick a winner on the Kentucky Derby, you know the kind of thing. Straight back to your childhood. The rides and stalls aren’t free but are very reasonably price.

You can also buy food – hamburgers, fries, ice cream sundaes and there is also a bar for liquid refreshment. It’s good to arrive early so you can immerse yourself in all this fun and take yourself back to those summer nights of the late 1950’s.

Then on a big screen we see trailers for films of the 50’s and when the doors open and you are free to enter the auditorium where the show is to take place – prepare yourself to go straight back to your high school days at Rydell High. The theatre is decked out in different sections all that have stages within them where during the course of the evening various parts of the show will be performed. There is the Main Gym where most of the show takes place, but also the Rydell Autoshop (Greased Lightning) the Pink Clubhouse (all of the girlie songs), the National Bandstand, the Benefit Beauty School and the Shake Shack – you get the idea.

Seating is in two sections: the Drive In where you get to sit behind 50’s vintage car fronts (and gives you the best view of the show, and also the Frosty Diner where you sit in a re-imagined American Diner. As the show is played in the round there really isn’t a bad seat in the house.

Or if you are feeling energetic enough you can stand throughout the show and join in with all the fun, singing and dancing. You are actively encouraged to join in with everything as much as you want to. Even if you are in the seating areas you are encouraged to go down on to the dance floor or even the actual stage at times to join in.

If you decide to stay in your seats don’t worry, many of the cast come round to you and interact with you throughout the show. You can order food and drink to be brought to your table or you can go to the fully-functioning diner counter to buy your own.

All this to keep you amused and the show hasn’t even started yet!

So what is the actual show all about? Well, there are plenty of large cinema screens placed all round the auditorium on which the original film of Grease is played, but whilst this is going on beneath the screens on one of the many stages live actors come out and also perform the show at exactly the same time. This is a really original concept and is so clever. No matter where you look there is always something going on around you.

The whole point of the evening is to have fun and the entire cast work their socks off to ensure that you do just that. If you don’t want to dance just sing along and wave your hands in the air.

For those worried about being so active during these hot summer nights, worry not, the theatre is fully air conditioned and lovely and cool.

Ricky Wilson, of the Kaiser Chiefs band, is the star of the evening coming out to perform as the Teen Angel but it is invidious really to single him out because all of the rest of the cast are just as good whether they are playing a main role or are there as backing support.

This is the most fun you are going to have at any trip to the theatre in London this summer and I urge you to dress up in costume (if you so desire), get out those dancing shoes and ra-ra skirts, and get yourself along to Evolution London for a night of entertainment that you won’t forget in a very long time.

The Winter Gardens Blackpool – until 1 August 2026

Reviewed by Annabel Southern

5*****

Annie the Musical returned to The Winter Gardens as part of its latest UK tour, starring Claire Sweeney as the unforgettable Miss Hannigan.

A much-loved family musical, Annie is set in 1930s America and follows the determined young orphan Annie as she searches for her parents and dreams of a better life. Its uplifting themes of hope, resilience and optimism shine through iconic songs such as You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile and Tomorrow.

Claire Sweeney’s Miss Hannigan is gloriously cantankerous, balancing spiteful humour with impeccable comic timing. Her performance is both entertaining and memorable, while the entire cast delivers strong performances that draw the audience into Annie’s world from the very beginning.

The true stars of the show, however, are the young performers portraying the orphans. They are professional and polished, engaging the audience from the moment they step on stage as theatre-goers settle into their seats. Their singing and dancing are superb, and their on-stage chemistry with Miss Hannigan creates both hilarious and touching moments throughout the production.

Special mention must also go to Sandy, Annie’s faithful four-legged companion, whose appearances delighted younger audience members and earned audible gasps of excitement.

The standing ovation at the curtain call was richly deserved. Packed with memorable songs, outstanding performances and plenty of heart, this touring production proves that Annie remains a timeless musical that continues to charm audiences of all ages.

Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 1st August 2026

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

4.5****

Like many, many people I loved Yes Minister and the follow up Yes Prime Minister. So I was understandably excited to see this new stage play based on those beloved characters; I’m Sorry Prime Minister.

The show is a compact one – a one room set with (at most) 4 characters on stage – most of the time just 3. There’s not much in the way of action (well, the characters are rather old by the time we get to this iteration) so that’s not surprising. Speaking of which…

The story follows ex-PM Jim Hacker’s attempts not to be evicted from his rather cushy position as fellow at a University, with all the perks that includes (like a free house). Trouble is, he’s been rather loose and free with his speech so the students are revolting (he’s sure of that much). After a rather tricky ultimatum he does the sensible thing for a change and calls in the cavalry – Sir Humphrey, his old sparring partner.

Robert Kitson gives us a very different feeling Hacker to the original. I suppose it’s some years down the line so it’s understandable. Even so, it was a rather different approach that was fun but didn’t seem 100% in keeping. I did thoroughly enjoy the depiction of the inevitable health problems that plague persons of a certain age. And Robert did imbue the titular character with much charm and warmth.

Clive Francis brought Sir Humphrey to life with a marvelously impish quality. More playful than I remember but there were enough of the mannerisms to spark that fuzzy place in the heart. Especially wonderful was Clive’s delivery of the trademark long, meandering sentences that only one who has swallowed a dictionary for breakfast can muster. And some glorious slapstick with some errant underpants.

Princess Donnough was in many ways the pivotal character of the whole affair – being the thoroughly modern young lady in Hacker’s life who begins to teach him some harsh but long overdue life lessons. Very nicely played with just the right amount of subtlety to glue events together. An enjoyable performance.

William Chubb was mistaken early on as the Grim Reaper and I’m not sure they were far wrong. As the baddie of the piece Sir David was a fine adversary played with aplomb in this tale of the generational clashes of culture…

…which is at the heart of this play – explorations of the near history of British politics (yes, Brexit looms large), freedom of speech, woke-ness and the difficulties the older generations have with the demands of the younger generation (nicely harking back to other such TV classics as Bless This House). If it sounds rather dry and dull then please be totally reassured – it’s anything but! It was riveting throughout and I was hanging on every word of a witty and thought provoking script from writer and Director Jonathan Lynn.

So, it wasn’t perfect – although with such an iconic original to live up to it was never likely to be – but it was thoroughly engaging and enjoyable. It also had an ending that provided the feel good factor that nostalgic revisiting of past classics does best. Frankly, it gets my vote – and there’s not many ex-PM’s that can say that.

Garrick Theatre, London – until 30th August 2026 (mornings and afternoons)

Reviewed by Phil Brown

3***

Brainiac Live is a hugely popular and literally explosive live family science show inspired by the cult classic British TV series Brainiac: Science Abuse (on Sky One from 2003 to 2008).  It’s been entertaining and educating audiences worldwide since launching in London in 2008, and in 2025, won an Olivier Award for Best Family Show. 

The emphasis is definitely on fun and family – you are very unlikely to see lone adults at this show unless, perhaps struggling teachers desperately looking for inspiration on how to jazz up their science classes.  In fact, if your child is old enough to attend the show on their own, they are likely a bit too old for the content which involves a fair amount of flame, bangs and smoke (but no mirrors – yet).  it has stood the test of time remarkably well, but then, like fart jokes, apparently sensible grown-ups flirting dangerously with scary activities never really goes out of fashion.

Originally the brainchild of Dan Colman (producer), this version of Brainiac Live has been co-written by lead Brainiac maniac Andy Joyce (aka Brainiac Ned).   He is joined on stage by the excellent backroom boffin lookalike Rik Warren (aka Brainiac Ed) and Tracy Rahi (aka Brainiac Raz).  A fourth member – Brainiac Dave (played by Holly Glenn) makes cameo, laboratory technician like, appearances from time to time.  Together, they put on a brisk, well designed and rehearsed entertainment that packs in scientific content with considerable humour, and combines managed mayhem on stage, with continuous audience engagement.  As the opening page of the excellent programme says – it’s the show that laughs in the face of science or more colloquially by Brainiac Ned – the show that farts in the sleeping bag of science.

It’s certainly a well judged fumes cabinet of fun especially for an audience largely composed of kids probably between 5 and 11 years of age.  (It’s no coincidence that the best time to present a live family science show is during school holidays).  There are hints of pantomime and slapstick to this one hour show which runs through 10 or 11 energetic “experiments” in that time, ranging from humans running through things like plasterboard (why should superheroes have all the fun), through blowing up a hot water bottle by overinflation, to the airzooka challenge involving firing massive smoke rings yards into the audience – a particular favourite and an effective climax with a lot of audience participation. 

Other well received segments include liquid nitrogen (LN) producing cumulus clouds of gas on stage, and then turning Brainiac Ed’s breath in a balloon into a liquid, as well as the use of calcium carbide plus fire to launch Brainiac Ed’s old socks plus a Brainiac T-shirt from a phalanx of rocket tubes into the audience.  Apparently 10 litres of LN are used every show.   

I particularly enjoyed the absolutely hilarious Misheard Lyrics sketch and the Audience Hearing test where the sound started at a frequency of 8000Hz (I failed even that) and went up to 20000Hz.  And I’m sure plenty of keyboard warriors in the room will get a kick out of how fast it’s possible to spin an office chair – 23 times in 15 seconds since you ask (using CO₂ and rockets for propulsion).

And the solution to any dead time during equipment take-down and set-up moments between sketches is neat and clever – screen based “brain burners” or what the rest of us call puzzles – so no loss of momentum.  The programme contains a number of these as well as experiments to try at home and fun facts about the show.

On this evidence, the 2025 Olivier award looks well deserved.

Overall, Brainiac Live is a fun filled and stimulating event where the performers seem to be having as good a time as the audience – and why wouldn’t they – exploring “what if” and “what about” to the limit, whilst messing around with fire, smoke and explosions.  The Brainiacs are particularly good at making everyday science seem much more playful than daunting and really just an extension of natural curiosity.  Whilst relentlessly engaging the audience for a reaction, a common Brainiac exhortation is “come on, you can do better than that”.  In a grander way that’s precisely what we need from future generations.  I hope it’s a message that sticks in the mind of anyone who is inspired by the show to try and make sense of how the world works.

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre – until 1^st August 2026

Reviewed by Heather Chalkley

4****

The Director Paul Jepson wants to remind us; it all started with a protest. Based on the original film, this production plays homage to 9to5, the organisation formed over 50 years ago in Boston. The members, mainly women clerical workers, formed the voice protesting against the inequalities and harassment in the workplace. Their aim was to improve the lot for working women.

The caustic humour drives home the reality for office based women of the era. The big characters of Violet, Doralee and Judy give you different perspectives and experiences of the misogynistic power play within every big company at that time. The passion comes through in her voice as Jade Marvin (Violet) delivers a strong performance, expressing the frustration of being overlooked for promotion through songs like Around Here. Kayla Carter (Judy) brilliantly transforms from a happy innocent to this independent woman who can see clearly now what is rightfully hers.  Carter grows Judy’s character through the music coming into her own with Get Out Stay Out. The misunderstood Doralee (Karla Tracey), always smiling, explodes with anger when she discovers the truth about the office rumour mill. Backwoods Barbie is a perfect song for Tracey’s (Doralee) lyrical country music voice. 

The humour running throughout the show is the perfect tool to convey the message. Mainly male characters are the stooge for punchlines, creating caricatures out of their exaggerated behaviour. Tim Rogers (Franklin Hart, Jr) is particularly good at this, spending quite a lot of time without any trousers on! The ensemble gives it weight with an outstanding performance from Jessica Martin (Roz), singing Heart to Hart, a woman besotted with her boss. 

Much credit goes to musical director Andrew Hilton, who does Dolly Parton’s original score justice. You can feel Dolly’s presence running throughout. Add the brilliant choreography of Lisa Steven’s and you have a well put together production. The Creative Team have managed to fit a big production onto a local stage, which is no mean feat. In keeping with Landmark Theatre’s philosophy of bringing big theatre to small places, making it accessible for all. 

Park Theatre, London – until 22nd August 2026

Reviewed by Celia Armand Smith

4****

Written in 1960 by Micheál Mac Liammóir, The Importance of Being Oscar is a thoughtful and affectionate tribute to Oscar Wilde and his work. Performed by Alastair Whatley, the one man play blends biography, performance, and works by Wilde, charting his rise to aesthete and playwright, his devastating fall and the enduring legacy that followed his tragic death. An extraordinary life told in an engaging way through extracts of his poetry and letters, and reflections from those close to him.

As Oscar Wilde and a colourful assortment of characters, Alastair Whatley delivers a compelling and accomplished performance. He sparkles with a lightfootedness as he performs scenes from The Importance of Being Earnest, The Picture of Dorian Gray and Wilde’s early poetry. The second half of the play is much darker as we relive his trial and imprisonment, and he heartbreak he suffered. Whatley’s reading of the poems De Profundis and The Ballad of Reading Gaol are heavy with emotion and his eyes glisten in the spotlight. Michael Fentiman’s direction keeps the production simple and uncluttered yet pacy, allowing Wilde’s words (and the words of his nearest and dearest) to take centre stage.

Madeleine Girling and Ben Jacob’s stage and LX design are simple and elegant, and work together to put the person Wilde in the spotlight rather than the dramatist, dandy, and wit that he was so often caricatured as.

At nearly 2 hours long with an interval, The Importance of Being Oscar never quite escapes the feeling of being an enjoyable illustrated lecture but maybe that is what Micheál Mac Liammóir intended when he wrote it – to engage an audience with the man rather than the myth. It is an intelligent and respectful celebration of Oscar Wilde and will surely delight everyone from Wilde enthusiasts to those who can just about reference “a handbaaaaaag”.