Category: THEATRE

What to expect this Festival Season from the National Theatre London

The Lehman Trilogy 2024 L R Howard W Overshown Aaron Krohn © Mark Douet 50A6969.JPG

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Updated: 04/11/2024

The festive season is upon us, and the National Theatre is rolling out a dazzling array of experiences to enchant theatre lovers and newcomers alike. Whether you’re seeking world-class performances on stage, festive dining, or wish to enjoy a show from the comfort of your home, the National Theatre has something to offer everyone this holiday season. South Bank Spectacles Kick off your festivities at the National Theatre’s South Bank home, where Noel Streatfeild’s beloved book comes to life in the first major stage adaptation of Ballet Shoes. Adapted by Kendall Feaver and directed by Katy Rudd, this enchanting family-friendly production is set against a backdrop of dinosaur bones and fossils, following the journey of three adopted sisters discovering their identities. Tickets are available from £20, making it a perfect treat for audiences aged 7 and up. Additionally, get ready to laugh till your sides hurt with a reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. Directed by Max Webster, this classic comedy of mistaken identities features a stellar cast, including Sharon D Clarke and Ncuti Gatwa. This production will also be captured for National Theatre Live, allowing audiences worldwide to experience its charm from 20 February 2025. West End Wonders Over in the West End, the critically acclaimed production of The Lehman Trilogy is captivating audiences at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. With its sweeping narrative of a family and a company that changed the world, this five-time Tony Award® winning play is a masterclass in storytelling. Directed by Sam Mendes, it’s a must-see… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LONDON, THEATRE

Yentl at the Sydney Opera House: Queer, Quirky, and Utterly Captivating

Yentl Gallery 16x9 2

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Updated: 21/10/2024

Who knew Yiddish could be this much fun? The latest Yentl production at the Sydney Opera House, directed by Gary Abrahams and produced by Moira Finucane, breathes new life into the 1962 Isaac Bashevis Singer tale, and it’s an absolute riot. It’s not every day you get full frontal nudity and emotional turmoil sprinkled with comedy—but hey, here we are. In this story reimagined with modern flair, Amy Hack dazzles as Yentl, the woman who defies Orthodox Jewish tradition by disguising herself as a man to study religious scripture. Her performance is heart-wrenching, but also hilarious, thanks in large part to Evelyn Krape, who narrates and plays multiple roles, including Yentl’s father. Krape’s witty quips and goofy antics lighten the mood just when things get heavy, ensuring you don’t get lost in the drama. Whether she’s poking fun at the solemnity of faith or teasing Yentl’s romantic entanglements, she keeps the audience giggling. Hack’s emotional portrayal is backed up by the impeccable cast—Nicholas Jaquinot as Avigdor and Genevive Kingsford as Hodes are particularly strong, creating the perfect love triangle. And let’s not forget, these actors learned Yiddish for their roles, adding authenticity and nuance to the performance. Whether in moments of passion or quiet reflection, the cast pulls you into their world, making it feel as though you’re right there in the shtetl with them. While the storyline remains true to the original Yentl—love, faith, and the search for identity—the modern twist of queerness adds depth to the narrative. The exploration of gender, tradition, and… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY, THEATRE

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What to see at National Theatre London this season

National Theatre Macbeth FIENNES ONE 0091

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Posted: 18/10/2024

As the festive season approaches, theatre lovers can rejoice as National Theatre at Home unveils a captivating lineup of productions set to grace screens this winter. With an array of exhilarating dramas and heartwarming comedies, the platform promises to illuminate chilly evenings with world-class performances, all from the comfort of home. Kicking off the seasonal offerings is a fresh take on Shakespeare’s Macbeth, featuring Ralph Fiennes, known for his roles in The Menu and Straight Line Crazy, alongside Indira Varma of Game of Thrones fame. Released on 31 October, this cinematic rendition, filmed live at Dock X in London and directed by Simon Godwin, offers a spellbinding experience just in time for Halloween. November brings an opportunity for audiences worldwide to enjoy Nye for free, as part of the ‘Take Your Seats’ initiative. This epic Welsh fantasia, featuring Michael Sheen as Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan, delves into the life of the man who founded the National Health Service (NHS). Available on the National Theatre YouTube channel from 7pm GMT on 7 November until 11 November, it’s a must-watch for fans of stirring historical narratives. The festive cheer continues in December with Noël Coward’s Present Laughter. Directed by Matthew Warchus and filmed during its sold-out run at The Old Vic in 2019, this comedy is available from 6 December. Audiences can revel in Andrew Scott’s Olivier award-winning portrayal of Gary Essendine, a flamboyant actor on the brink of a tour, joined by the equally celebrated Indira Varma and Sophie Thompson. Also joining the platform on 6 December… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, FEATURES, LONDON, THEATRE

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CATS the musical is coming back to Sydney

Rum Tum Tugger and 2022 International Tour Company c Alessandro Pinna

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Posted: 17/10/2024

Step into a world of enchanting felines and timeless melodies as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical, CATS, returns to Theatre Royal Sydney. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in June 2025, this legendary production is set to captivate audiences once more, in the very theatre where its Australian journey began back in 1985. CATS first leapt onto the stage at the New London Theatre in 1981, revolutionising musical theatre with its dazzling fusion of music, dance, and T.S. Eliot’s whimsical poetry from Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. Since then, it has mesmerised over 81 million viewers across more than 50 countries, earning accolades including the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Musical. On Broadway, it reigned supreme for 18 years, collecting seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and establishing itself as a defining piece of the British “mega-musical” phenomenon. Producer John Frost of Crossroads Live reflects on the show’s enduring allure: “CATS is a legendary show that I’ve admired for over 40 years. A sparkling fusion of music, dance, and verse, it was revolutionary when it first opened and enticed new audiences into the world of musical theatre. I can’t wait to bring the original production of CATS back to Australia where it all began, at Theatre Royal Sydney, to celebrate its 40th anniversary in Australia.” The magic of CATS lies in its heartwarming tale of the Jellicle cat tribe. Each year, these unique felines gather for the Jellicle Ball, where their wise leader, Old Deuteronomy, makes the pivotal Jellicle choice, deciding which cat will… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, LIFESTYLE, THEATRE

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Lehman Trilogy is the play to see in London this season

The Lehman Trilogy 2024 L R Howard W Overshown Aaron Krohn © Mark Douet 50A6969.JPG

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Posted: 13/10/2024

The return of The Lehman Trilogy to London’s West End is nothing short of a theatrical triumph. Having garnered critical acclaim and five Tony Awards®, this production reclaims its rightful place on the stage at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, dazzling audiences with its epic narrative and stellar performances. With its limited run until 5 January 2025, this is an unmissable opportunity to witness a play that has captivated over half a million viewers worldwide. Penned by the masterful Stefano Massini, adapted by Ben Power, and brought to life by the visionary director Sam Mendes, The Lehman Trilogy is a sweeping saga that chronicles the rise and fall of a family that not only changed the world but also shaped modern financial history. The story begins on a cold September morning in 1844, with a young Bavarian immigrant dreaming of a new life, and unfolds into a gripping tale spanning 163 years, culminating in the dramatic collapse of Lehman Brothers. This production boasts a formidable cast, with John Heffernan delivering a magnetic performance as Henry Lehman. Heffernan, known for his roles in Edward II and Oppenheimer, brings depth and nuance to the character. Alongside him, Aaron Krohn shines as Mayer Lehman, drawing on his rich experience with Sam Mendes’ previous works, including Cabaret and The Bridge Project. Howard W. Overshown rounds out the trio with his compelling portrayal of Emanuel Lehman, further solidifying his reputation from notable performances in Richard III and A Soldier’s Play. The ensemble is supported by a creative dream team, including set… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LONDON, THEATRE

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Royal Shakespeare Company tells the story of Pericles

365635 Pericles print image landscape no title 2024 2024 Web use

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Posted: 24/08/2024

Get ready for an unforgettable theatrical voyage as the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) sets the stage for its latest production, Pericles, a tale of love, hope, and the miracles that bind us. Directed by Co-Artistic Director Tamara Harvey, this production marks her directorial debut with the RSC, infusing Shakespeare’s poignant work with a fresh and vibrant perspective. Prepare to be swept into a world of intrigue as Prince Pericles faces a life-threatening dilemma. After solving a perilous riddle set by a king, Pericles finds himself on the run, embarking on an epic voyage that will test his courage and resilience. This journey sees him battling princes, marrying his true love, and embracing fatherhood. Yet, it’s not all smooth sailing—Pericles must also navigate the treacherous waters of storms, shipwrecks, abduction, and devastating loss. Adrift in an ocean of grief, the pressing question remains: will Pericles ever see his family again? The curtains will rise at the iconic Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, where audiences can immerse themselves in this stirring narrative from July 26 to September 21. Leading the cast is the versatile Alfred Enoch, recognized for his captivating performances in both television—like How to Get Away With Murder—and on stage, including roles in Red and Romeo and Juliet. Joining Enoch is an impressive ensemble featuring Rachelle Diedericks as Marina, Leah Haile as Thaisa, Chukwuma Omambala as Cleon, Christian Patterson as Simonides, and Gabby Wong as Dionyza. Together, they are set to breathe life into a tale that resonates deeply with contemporary audiences. The RSC is renowned… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, LONDON, THEATRE

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Lord of the Rings musical tries for a comeback

1. LOTR Chicago Shakespeare Theatre Spencer Davis Milford Frodo and Tony Bozzuto Gollum Photo by Liz Lauren

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Updated: 15/08/2024

In its previous on stage versions, it received a mixed review. Can the latest iteration of LOTR on stage cut through the last legacies? The enchanting world of Middle-earth is making its way to Australia in a spectacular fashion with “The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale.” This ain’t your regular run-of-the-mill musical; it’s got elves, dwarves, and hobbits. The adventure kicks off with Bilbo Baggins’ eleventy-first birthday bash in the Shire, where he gifts his nephew Frodo a seemingly innocent gold ring. Little does Frodo know, this shiny trinket is about to launch him on an epic and perilous journey across Middle-earth to the darkest depths of Mordor. With his loyal Fellowship by his side, Frodo sets out to vanquish the evil threatening their world. Now, you might be wondering, “A musical, really?” Oh yes, and it’s not just any musical. Picture this: a dynamic folk-inspired score performed live on stage, weaving together original music and storytelling in a way that would make even the sternest of dwarves tap their feet. The auditions have already kicked off in Australia to find the next generation’s Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, Gollum, Galadriel, Gandalf, Arwen, and Aragorn. If you’ve always dreamt of being a part of this legendary tale, now’s your chance. Torben Brookman, on behalf of Australian co-producer GWB Entertainment, couldn’t contain his excitement. “This is a production that will delight The Lord of the Rings fans of all ages, whether you are 8 or 80, there is something for everyone in this brilliant… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY, THEATRE

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