Author: Red Bus Londinium
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In Clay, Upstairs at the Gatehouse *****
Based on the true story of Marie-Berthe Cazin, a ceramic artist in 1930s Paris, In Clay (most recently at Upstairs at the Gatehouse) is a tender and moving one-woman musical. As she waits for her friend – fellow artist Henrietta Tirman – Cazin tells us her life story and examines its triumphs, trials and frustrations.…
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Review: Don’t.Make.Tea., Soho Theatre ***
Birds of Paradise theatre are a Scottish touring group with disabled and non-disabled actors and a disability-led managing team. This structure brings a backdrop of authenticity to Don’t.Make.Tea. at the Soho Theatre which, while it is a farce, touches on some very real modern issues. The audience did not always find the play easy. You…
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Review: Shifters, Bush Theatre ****
Tender love story Shifters by Benedict Lombe has been a sell-out success at the Bush Theatre and it seems hard to believe we might not see it in another incarnation soon. The Bush, under the artistic direction of Lynette Linton is going from strength to strength and Shifters is another triumph for them. Des(tiny) (Heather…
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Power of Sail, Menier Chocolate Factory ***
Review: “Power of Sail” at Menier Chocolate Factory explores free speech limits, examining tolerance and political choices through engaging character interactions.
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Just for one day, Old Vic ****
Just For One Day at the Old Vic revisits the seminal Geldof fundraising concert of 1985, the events that led up to it and all that came after. It is estimated that Live Aid was shown live in 150 countries and although I managed to live in one of the few places not showing it,…
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Most Tony nominations of all time play (Slave Play) on sale
At the MacGregor Plantation the Old South is alive and well. The heat in the air, the cotton fields and the power of the whip. Yet nothing is quite as it appears… or maybe it is. The most Tony Nominated play of all time (described as iconic, controversial, ground-breaking) comes to London. Jeremy O.Harris’s play…
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The King and I, Dominion Theatre ***
The King and I (touring) is now playing at the Dominion Theatre where it offers a traditional staging of this Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Led by Helen George (of Call the Midwife fame) and Darren Lee (an experienced “King”), the performance ably presents the story. All of the cast are strong singers. There is, however,…
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Review: Metamorphosis, Lyric Hammersmith **
Lemn Sissay, Lyric Hammersmith, Frantic Assembly, Kafka: this play had excellent credentials and there was every reason to hope for a profound and interesting show. Unfortunately, directorial choices had the cast hollering and the audience left feeling battered by the one-note performances. Any nuance of dark and light was gone with moments which might have…
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Ready for Christmas? English Ballet Nutcracker on sale…
It may be only February, but now is the time to grab the seats you want at the English Ballet nutcracker. Book now for Southampton and London
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Bronco Billy, Charing Cross Theatre ***
Review: Bronco Billy, a vibrant musical adaptation, entertains with strong performances, bright choreography, but lacks the moody depth of the original film.
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Park theatre fundraiser boasts surprise stars
The Park theatre offers the chance to see some top class celebrities. Every performance of Whodunnit [Unrehearsed] 3 features the voice of Ian McKellen with a different celebrity in each performance stepping in as the Inspector without any rehearsal and without ever having seen the script! Possible celebrities include: Amanda Abbington, Clive Anderson, Gillian Anderson, David Baddiel, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Christopher Biggins, Marcus Brigstocke, Simon Callow, Asim Chaudhry, Michelle Collins, Nina Conti, Victoria…
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Spymonkey’s The Frogs, Kiln Theatre ***
Spymonkey’s The Frogs, now running at the Kiln Theatre is a return after some years for the Spymonkey troupe. If you love physical theatre and are a Spymonkey fan who wants to see the next step on their journey, you will be in for a treat. The movement, timing and costumes are top class and had…
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Review: Before After, Southwark Playhouse ***
Before After, now running at the Southwark Playhouse started life in workshops in 2014 and most famously was livestreamed from the Southwark in 2020. It is now a two-part musical with live band. Its start in life will no doubt draw in the curious as will its strong cast. Grace Mouat (SIX, Legally Blonde – Regent’s Park Open…
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Abba Voyage: tips and thoughts
Abba Voyage is a ground-breaking spectacle and it would be remiss of me to suggest any less. The use of technology to recreate an Abba concert experience is nothing short of ground-breaking and almost impossible to wrap your head around. There are some changes I would have preferred – fewer slow songs, no songs that…
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Stratford East Pay What You Can
At Stratford East you can “pay what you can” (from as little as £6) on selected performances. https://www.stratfordeast.com/your-visit/pay-what-you-can/
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Southwark Playhouse: Pay as You Go (suspended)
** January 2026: This scheme has been suspended and audiences have not yet been told what will replace it** March / April 2026: I have reached out to the theatre twice to find out what might replace this scheme but have not had a response. At Southwark Playhouse, you can spend £75 to get a…
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Sunset Boulevard wins big at What’s On Stage awards
The annual What’s on Stage awards took place last night with Sunset Boulevard winning big in seven categories including Best Direction and Best Performer in a musical. Guys and Dolls won three awards including best musical revival with Operation Mincemeat winning best new musical. Cabaret was declared the Best West End show. Alas, Sunset Boulevard had…
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The Missing, Michael Rosen
Michael Rosen’s uncles were there before the war and they weren’t after. This mystery was never explained or explored in his childhood and this book documents Rosen putting the story together as an adult. For a 10 – 14 year old child, this book works on many levels. Rosen has included many of the materials (photos, postcards,…
Red Bus Londinium Life 