Take a look at what I’ve been up to over the past week and check out some of the theatre news you may have missed!
Sex, deception, greed and corruption at the National Theatre
I went to see Man and Boy at the National Theatre which feels especially timely. Its portrait of corporate power-play, where sex, deception, greed and corruption are pieces on a chessboard, resonates strongly.
You can read my ★★★★ review of the show here.
Cynthia Erivo plays all the role in Dracula
I’ve also seen Cynthia Erivo this week in the one-person play of Dracula which is dividing audiences during its preview period so far.
Brought to London, from Australia, by the producers of the recent production of The Picture of Dorian Gray at Theatre Royal Haymarket (now playing on Broadway until 29 June 2026), this one-hour fifty-minute production sees Cynthia play twenty-three roles, including the title character.
It’s playing until 31 May 2026 at the Noel Coward Theatre. I’ll let you know what I thought of it after it has officially opened.
Feminist Girl Group Flat and the Curves tell us about the people you meet in the loo!
The hilarious feminist group Flat and the Curves played another smashing show at the Crazy Coqs this week which I also went along to see. It’s a real ‘girls night out’ vibe which isn’t for the faint hearted.
From songs about ‘being taken up the shard’ to ‘the people you meet in the loo’ and even ‘pussy power’, if you’ve not seen them before then check them out!
A trip to the theatre can be a game of luck
Hugh Bonneville is starring as childrens author C.S. Lewis in Shadowlands, now playing at the Aldwych Theatre (where TINA used to be).
I went to see it this week and found it to be a thought provoking play which is a joy to watch (if you can see it – read more about that in my ★★★★ review of the show here).
But, these old, creaky, West End venues were not designed for the evolution of humanity and no matter how much you pay for your ticket, you never know who will be sitting in front of you. Unfortunately for me, at this performance, a very tall man with a penchant for leaning to one side, obstructed my view for the majority of the performance, meaning I missed a lot of the action taking place on stage.
Poor Unfortunate Soul!
I finally got around to seeing Unfortunate – The Untold Story Of Ursula The Sea Witch at The Other Palace which was huge amounts of fun!
It’s playing until 5 April 2026 and I highly recommend it!
Billy Elliot Returns To The West End Stage
BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL returns to the West End for the first time in over 10 years, playing a limited season at the Adelphi Theatre 12 February – 31 July 2027.
Jennifer Saunders stars as Mrs Rafi, one of the greatest comic roles in British theatre
Jennifer Saunders stars as Mrs Rafi, one of the greatest comic roles in British theatre, in the first major revival of Edward Bond’s intoxicating The Sea for almost two decades, at Theatre Royal Bath from 22 October to 7 November 2026.
It is 1907, the height of the Edwardian era. A wild storm shakes a small East Anglian seaside village to its core. Amidst the confusion, Mr Hatch, the local draper, wrestles with the possibility that aliens from outer space may be ready to invade, and the village’s self-appointed ‘First Lady’ Mrs. Rafi, prepares her ladies for an amateur dramatic performance of Orpheus and Eurydice…
Carrie Hope Fletcher – An Evening of Music and Storytelling
Carrie Hope Fletcher announces The Ghost Light Tour – An Evening of Music and Storytelling, visiting thirteen venues from 8 October 2026.
Carrie, one of the UK’s most-loved musical theatre stars, is set to light up cathedrals, across the UK with her breathtaking new Ghost Light concert tour, including a stop in London.
First look at Jinkx Monsoon as Judy Garland in the upcoming revival of End of the Rainbow
FIRST LOOK images have been released of award-winning actress Jinkx Monsoon as Judy Garland in the upcoming revival of Peter Quilter’s END OF THE RAINBOW, playing at Soho Theatre Walthamstow from 15 May until 21 June 2026. sohotheatre.com
Dear Evan Hansen star Ben Platt comes to London’s Menier Chocolate Factory this summer
Tony, Emmy and Grammy Award-winner Ben Platt (Dear Evan Hansen, Parade), will make his Menier stage debut in Midnight at The Never Get 11 July – 12 September 2026.
Ben Platt said
“I’m thrilled to be undertaking my first full run on the London stage at the Menier as it transforms into the nightclub setting of The Never Get. It’s truly wonderful to work with Mark, who is not only a genius songwriter, but who has also become a true friend. It’s a very special piece, my first wholly original musical since Dear Evan Hansen, and we look forward to working with the generationally talented David Cromer to create this singular experience.”
