Avenue Q Production images, Photo Credits: Matt Martin With music and lyrics by Jeff Marx & Robert Lopez (cocreator of the Book of Mormon and songwriter for Disney’s Frozen) and a book by Jeff Whitty, Avenue Q opened off Broadway at the Vineyard theatre in 2003 before transferring to Broadway in July of the same … Continue reading Avenue Q
Abigail’s Party
Abigail's Party Production Photos I first saw Abigail’s Party in 1977 when it was adapted for television as part of the BBC’s Play for Today series, which went on to become a classic piece of television drama and established Mike Leigh as one of my favourite playwrights and directors. Set in the 1970s Abigail’s Party … Continue reading Abigail’s Party
Fame – The Musical
Fame - The Musical Production Images To celebrate its 30th anniversary Fame the musical is currently touring the UK. With music by Steve Margoshes and lyrics by Jacques Levy, Fame the musical opened on Broadway in 1988 and is based on the 1980s film of the same name. The story follows the hopes, dreams, love … Continue reading Fame – The Musical
Rock of Ages
Rock of Ages production images Written by Chris D’Arienzo, Rock of Ages is a jukebox musical comedy based on the classic rock anthems of the 1980s. Nominated for 5 Tony awards Rock of Ages opened on Broadway in 2009 closing in 2015. Set in 1987 on Sunset Strip in Hollywood, the story tells of a … Continue reading Rock of Ages
Dirty Dancing
Dirty Dancing Photo credit: Alastair Muir I first saw Dirty Dancing the movie, starring Patrick Swazye and Jennifer Grey, at our local cinema in 1987 and have been a fan of the movie ever since. Yes, I am one of those people who can quote lines from the film and who knows all the words … Continue reading Dirty Dancing
Orange Polar Bear
This innovative original work is a collaboration between Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Hanyong Theatre company and the National Theatre of Korea in association with Birmingham City University. The Orange Polar Bear by award winning playwrights Sun-Duck Ko and Evan Placey was created following a series of workshops with groups of young people in Birmingham and Korea … Continue reading Orange Polar Bear
War Horse
Coinciding with the centenary commemorations of the end of the first World War, the National Theatre’s acclaimed play War Horse is currently on its second national tour of the UK. Based on the children’s book by Michael Morpurgo, War Horse tells the story of Albert and his horse Joey. When war breaks out Albert’s father … Continue reading War Horse
The Lovely Bones
I always remember the first time I read The Lovely Bones and Lucky by Alice Sebold and how I was immediately captured by Alice's words and her powerful narrative. When I heard that this bestselling novel was heading to the stage for the first time, I knew I had to see it. The Lovely Bones … Continue reading The Lovely Bones
Motown – The Musical
Motown - The Musical Photos: Tristram Kenton The first time we went to see Motown The Musical was in London celebrating my father’s retirement. Despite my horrific hangover, (which actually got better with the wonderful sounds of the Motown soundtrack), we loved this show. The London production of “Motown the Musical” opened on 11 February … Continue reading Motown – The Musical
The Wipers Times
The Wipers Times, Birmingham Rep In 1916 whilst stationed in the front-line in Ypres Belgium, a group of soldiers from the 12th battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire regiment) came across an old printing press, during a routine patrol. Sargent Tyler, a printer by trade, salvaged the press and the decision was made … Continue reading The Wipers Times
