Browse Reviews
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Matilda was magic on stage. As an all-rounded show, musicals don’t get much better. The theatre was filled with adults and children who gasped, clapped, cried and jumped of fright in unison. Tim Minchin is a wordsmith, and his work resembles the sharp wit... moreMatilda was magic on stage. As an all-rounded show, musicals don’t get much better. The theatre was filled with adults and children who gasped, clapped, cried and jumped of fright in unison. Tim Minchin is a wordsmith, and his work resembles the sharp wit and tinkering tunes of Stephen Sondheim, together with a unique Minchin sense of fun and childlike humour.
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My only contact with Ghost, the musical before watching the show was hearing the song, “With You,” performed in a charity concert. I was in tears by the end of the song; its subtle meaning and fragile delivery was powerful and took me to that vulnerable p... moreMy only contact with Ghost, the musical before watching the show was hearing the song, “With You,” performed in a charity concert. I was in tears by the end of the song; its subtle meaning and fragile delivery was powerful and took me to that vulnerable place where I couldn’t avoid wondering how I would deal with the loss of my husband. After hearing the song, I was inspired to see the show, even though Ghost will be in Melbourne in less than a year. Sadly, “With You” was the highlight of the show for me. One good song and some impressive illusions are about as good as it gets. less
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Sweeney Todd has created a lot of buzz in London this season. The Sondheim favourite isn’t a stranger to West End audiences; it gets revised every four or so years. What has got tongues wagging this time is the cast – Mrs Lovitt performed by the lady of l... moreSweeney Todd has created a lot of buzz in London this season. The Sondheim favourite isn’t a stranger to West End audiences; it gets revised every four or so years. What has got tongues wagging this time is the cast – Mrs Lovitt performed by the lady of laughs, Imelda Staunton, who pops up in just about every British movie, and aging romantic heartthrob, Michael Ball playing a middle-aged Anthony…eh, Sweeney? Sounds odd. But the combo works a treat.
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Ragtime is one those musicals where its music and message stay with you long after the curtain, or - in the case of the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production - lights go down. The shows dialogue on racial harmony is so articulate and the almost sung-t... moreRagtime is one those musicals where its music and message stay with you long after the curtain, or - in the case of the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production - lights go down. The shows dialogue on racial harmony is so articulate and the almost sung-through score is so emotionally moving that a good production almost always makes for a special night at the theatre. Sitting in a roofless theatre in one of London's most beautiful parks is special, either way, but what makes this production impressive is its unique post-modern creative vision and cast of inspiring performers. Having a canopy of stars twinkle above your head doesn't hurt, either. less
