Category: Regional

The Nottingham Theatre Royal’s press night for Hairspray unfolded under unique circumstances, with a remarkable twelve understudies, alternates, and swings stepping in for the evening’s performance. This kind of reshuffling can create uncertainty, but the cast rose to the occasion, showcasing both dedication and resilience. Their efforts underscored the immense skill and flexibility required of performers in…

KENREX, a compelling new piece by Jack Holden and Ed Stambollouian, tells the shocking, true-crime-inspired tale of a community forced to take the law into its own hands. Set in the 1970s and 80s, in the quiet town of Skidmore, Missouri, the play follows Ken Rex McElroy, a man who has terrorised his hometown for…

The current UK tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, stopping this week in Stoke, is a dazzling spectacle that delivers on many fronts, though with a few pacing hiccups. The production, directed by Thom Southerland and boasting a stellar cast, brings Ian Fleming’s magical tale to life with stunning visuals and earworm melodies that will…

“Pride and Prejudice* (Sort of)” is a breath of fresh air at the Nottingham Theatre Royal, offering a bold and cheeky twist on Jane Austen’s timeless romance. Direct from its acclaimed West End run, this production won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy, and it’s easy to see why. Blending Austen’s original wit with…

Adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and directed by Alastair Whatley, this latest staging boasts some powerful performances, but it struggles under the weight of a plot that meanders, dragging the show to a lengthy three-hour runtime.

The highly anticipated 2024/25 UK and Ireland tour of Hairspray is now touring to Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre, this vibrant production remains a joyous celebration of Tracy Turnblad’s journey through ambition, love, and social change. The tour promises a fresh yet faithful rendition of this beloved musical, with a talented mix of seasoned performers and new…

Becoming Nancy, which has had its UK premiere at Birmingham Rep, is a musical adaptation of Terry Ronald’s novel, directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell. Becoming Nancy follows the story of David Starr, a talented sixth-former in 1979 East Dulwich who is unexpectedly cast as Nancy in his school’s production of Oliver!. The unconventional casting…

At its core, Come From Away is a musical that celebrates the resilience, kindness, and compassion of humanity. Set in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, it tells the remarkable true story of 7,000 air passengers who were unexpectedly grounded in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, and the locals who opened their homes…

Heathers the Musical is a contemporary rock musical that follows the story of Veronica Sawyer, a high schooler who yearns to fit in but becomes entangled in a deadly scheme with her rebellious boyfriend, JD, and the notorious clique of mean girls known as the Heathers. This darkly comedic musical explores themes of teenage angst,…

Commencing its first UK tour, Four Felons and a Funeral has opened at Birmingham Hippodrome. Following the road trip of four dysfunctional friends who steal their friend’s ashes, Four Felons and a Funeral is beautifully written new musical which has heart, comedy and queerness by the bucketloads. Exploring grief, loss, love and identity, this 75-minute…