These Theatre Thoughts

  Tickets: Paid For Date: 24th February 2023  Seat: C24 (Stalls) Before I start on my actual review, I want to say one thing: support your local theatres ! They are such a vital part of the community; for many, this is their only chance to see some great shows and experience the theatre. So book some tickets if you see something advertised that you might like. It will likely be cheaper than you think it will be, and you'll have a great time.  Now, on with the review.  First Thoughts  A Night on Broadway gave me an entertaining Friday night. It didn't give me star-quality performances or even exceptional singing (barring a few standout numbers and voices). But does it matter? If someone enjoys a show and is entertained for a couple of hours, isn't that the important thing? I think in this context, yes, that's the important thing.  This is a professional production (it's a show produced by Paul Gostling ), and leafing through the nicely printed programme, yo...

Tickets: Gifted Date: 18th February 2023  Seats: A1, A2 (Dress Circle) Trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6y09atmhSk Matilda is one of those stories that everyone knows. Whether that's because of the Roald Dahl book, the original 1996 film with Danny Devito and Pam Ferris, the new musical version of the film, or any of the myriad other tellings and re-tellings, the story of the little girl with the big brain and the kind-hearted but timid teacher coming up against the seemingly unstoppable and terrifying force that is Miss Trunchbull (and her chokey) and getting the better of her once and for all is a rousing tale of good versus evil - the oldest story in the book.  So it makes sense that Matilda the Musical is a sell-out at every performance and has been ever since it opened in 2010 in Stratford-upon-Avon before moving to London in 2011.  I had seen it once before, but that was in 2015, and I couldn't quite remember how some of the set pieces looked or wha...

L-R: Vivian Panka, Maddison Firth, Jasmine Beel Photo credit: Pamela Raith Tickets: Gifted Date: 16th February 2023  Seats: J5, J6 (Stalls) Trailer:  https://youtu.be/rUco8XjgTvg Heathers finishes its sell-out run with this particular cast at The Other Palace on 19th February 2023, and although I had seen it before back in August, I was keen to see it again (or at least, again in that fantastic venue, as it is going on tour, and I do already have tickets...).  It was well worth it. I will admit, I have a soft spot for Heathers, even though I'm well aware that it's not exactly everyone's cup of tea. It's dark. Really dark. With its themes of suicide, murder, eating disorders, bullying, homophobia, date rape, gun violence, and - without giving too much away - massive great bombs (and a Norwegian in the boiler room - that will make sense if you see it), it's certainly not for everyone.  If that description makes Heathers sound thoroughly unpleasant, that wasn't my...