Tag: London theatre

What to see at National Theatre London this season

National Theatre Macbeth FIENNES ONE 0091

by

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

Tags: , , ,

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

by

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

Tags: , ,

Choreographers of Canada bring Frontier to Sadler’s Wells

Dancers ballet Canada Sadlers Wells

by

Posted: 09/07/2024

Grab your tickets and get ready to witness a spectacular ballet extravaganza at Sadler’s Wells from Wednesday 2 – Sunday 6 October 2024! The National Ballet of Canada is pulling out all the stops for the UK premiere of Frontiers: Choreographers of Canada, featuring an incredible triple bill of works by three of Canada’s most visionary choreographers. Kick-start your evening with Crystal Pite’s Angels’ Atlas, a breathtaking ballet that originally premiered in Toronto. This award-winning piece transforms the stage into a hypnotic play of light and movement, paired with a transcendent soundtrack by Owen Belton, Tchaikovsky, and Morten Lauridsen. It’s like stepping into another world—a world that prompts you to ponder humanity’s place within the vast cosmos. Next, experience the groundbreaking creation of Emma Portner’s islands, a hypnotic duet that simultaneously mesmerizes and challenges conventional ballet norms. With an eclectic mix of contemporary tunes and an avant-garde soundscape by Forest Swords, this performance promises to be unlike anything you’ve seen before. You might recognize Portner from her collaborations with Justin Bieber and her groundbreaking work in theatre, and now she’s dazzling the ballet world with her vision. Rounding off the trio of masterpieces is James Kudelka’s Passion, a spellbinding abstract love story set to Beethoven’s sublime concerto. The chemistry between the classical and contemporary couples is electric, weaving an intricate narrative of passion and relationships that will leave you breathless. Having served as The National Ballet of Canada’s Artistic Director, Kudelka’s influence and distinctive choreographic style remain integral to the company’s legacy. Don’t miss this… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, DANCE, FEATURES

Tags: , , , , , ,

East London Shakespeare Festival (ELSF) brings Much Ado About Nothing to London

a group of people holding up a group of posters

by

Updated: 24/06/2024

There are lots of events in London parks throughout the summer, but few are so purposeful in their mission in injecting the wholesome feeling that comes from community theatre as the East London Shakespeare Festival. In parks dotted all around London this summer, the Shakespeare theatre company will be showing one of the bard’s most popular plays, Much Ado About Nothing. And if you’ve got kids, bring them along! The group is keen on getting kids involved to plant those seeds of interest and enjoyment of Shakespeare’s work from a young age. They put on some crafty options that kids go wild for. It’s the kind of thing that just makes you smile. And the cast do a truly excellent job of blending contemporary reality with Shakespearean whimsy that you can very easily get into. Throw in a little crowd participation and dance choreography that is as funny as it is engaging, there really is something for everyone. If you’re not a theatre or community theatre-goer particularly, my suggestion is to throw off your preconceptions, go and surprise yourself. In Shakespeare’s delightful comedy, Much Ado About Nothing, audiences are transported to the enchanting setting of a modern-day Messina where sun-soaked mischief and romance intertwine under the Mediterranean stars. Filled with witty banter, clever trickery, and heartwarming moments, this opulent tale showcases the triumph of love amidst playful deceptions, showcasing the vibrant tapestry of human emotions and relationships set against a backdrop of timeless charm and laughter. The East London Shakespeare Festival is known for its… Read More

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

Tags: , , ,

4 reasons to get excited for ‘Frontiers: Choreographers of Canada’s at Sadler’s Wells

Screenshot 20240411 114451

by

Updated: 14/04/2024

This exceptional triple bill showcases the extraordinary talents of three distinguished Canadian choreographers: Crystal Pite, Emma Portner, and James Kudelka, promising an unforgettable journey through the world of contemporary ballet.

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

Tags: , , , ,

East London Shakespeare Festival announces Much Ado

SIX Musical women theatre singing

by

Posted: 31/03/2024

The East London Shakespeare Festival (ELSF), under the imaginative steersmanship of Ursula Early and Rosie Ward, co-artistic directors and the creative force behind the company, is poised to bring a fresh breeze of dramatic art to the parks and open spaces of East London this summer. Their adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing not only promises to be a visual delight set against a modern, summery Messina backdrop but also aims to strike a chord with audiences through its contemporary approach to Shakespeare’s work. The choice of the play speaks volumes about ELSF’s commitment to delivering performances that resonate with love, laughter, and the complexities of human relationships, drawing a direct line to the comedic heart of Shakespeare’s timeless narratives. This summer’s production is not just a retelling but a reimagining, infused with modern romantic comedy elements, promising an engaging blend of Shakespeare’s classic wit with the allure of contemporary romance narratives. The decision to integrate the character of Margaret as Messina’s resident lounge singer, thereby incorporating the Balthasar role, is a testament to ELSF’s innovative approach to adapting Shakespeare for modern audiences. This inventive twist not only adds a unique flavour to the production but also sets the stage for a truly immersive experience, underscored by music and the Mediterranean ambiance. Furthermore, ELSF’s ambition to make Shakespeare accessible and enjoyable to a wider audience, particularly to the residents of East London, reflects in their extensive community engagement program designed to run alongside the tour. By offering a plethora of activities and engaging directly with… Read More

Category: CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON, THEATRE

Tags: , , , , ,

Elixir Festival is on at Sadler’s Wells

elixir festival 3037549b

by

Posted: 16/02/2024

This April, Sadler’s Wells becomes the beating heart of a unique celebration with the return of its much-anticipated Elixir Festival. Over two transformative weeks, the festival will dismantle the preconceptions surrounding dance and age, featuring a blend of performances, workshops, artist talks, and films. With its bold programme, Elixir poses a potent question to the public and the dance community alike: how do we articulate the evolution of our bodies and minds through the art of movement? The festival commences with a triple bill in the esteemed Sadler’s Wells Theatre, including the London premiere of the co-produced common ground[s], a profound duet by Germaine Acogny—often hailed as the ‘mother of contemporary African dance’—and Pina Bausch’s acclaimed associate, Malou Airaudo. This opening act sets the festival’s tone, promising a series of captivating narratives that speak to the essence of our shared human experience. Moreover, the roster features the world premiere of Ben Duke’s whimsically titled a trio for two dancers and a tortoise and concludes with Louise Lecavalier’s Blue, distilling the essence of her acclaimed piece, So Blue, into a striking solo performance. Adjacent to the main stage, the intimate Lilian Baylis Studio will host an exchange of talent and tales between Sadler’s Wells Company of Elders and ZooNation Youth Company. The studio will reverberate with the timeless rhythms of Merce Cunningham’s Story, reflecting the festival’s overarching theme of generational dialogue, while intergenerational duets and intimate explorations into the perspectives on ageing bodies will inject personal narratives into the festival’s artistic discourse. A vibrant contrast to… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, LONDON, THEATRE

Tags: , , , ,

Aladdin on London’s West End just hit a major milestone

Aladdin Prince Edward Theatre Photographer Deen van Meer. © Disney

by

Posted: 21/06/2019

It was never going to be an easy feat to bring the magic of the blue, dusty, lamp-bound genie, a flying Arabic carpet and a mythical city to the small stage in the centre of London, but they did and now Aladdin has just turned three. Calling the Prince Edward Theatre ‘home’, the cast of Aladdin, led by Trevor Dion Nicholas as the wildly popular genie and Matthew Croke as Aladdin and Jade Ewan as Jasmine, Aladdin has been selling out the theatre to the tune of two million audience members since it first took to the stage. And to mark the occasion and the achievement, the audience of their third-year performance, were treated to a post-curtain appearance by the genie, who declared that each audience member that night would receive a limited edition poster commemorating the occasion. It’s a nice way to commemorate the accomplishment for the production that has cleverly and tastefully adapted the classic ’92 animated movie to the live stage with all the bells ‘n’ whistles you’d expect. Aladdin features the timeless songs from the 1992 animated film as well as new music written by Tony, Olivier and eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Little Shop Of Horrors). And the whole production even does a stellar job of reproducing the famed ride on ‘Carpet’, the magic carpet, which is a spectacle for every kid – and adult – in the room. Aladdin is on every night, so check out timings and book tickets at the Prince Edward Theatre website.

Category: CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON, THEATRE

Tags: , , , , ,

Copyright © 2024 · All Rights Reserved · THE F

About · Terms of Use · Cookies · Privacy · Instagram · Facebook ·