Theatre
West End Wilma: Elf the Musical, Kenneth Branagh at the Garrick and more
Get the latest theatre news from our blogger West End Wilma…
Hello dears!
It’s just 43 days until Christmas! I’m currently trying to decide whether it’s worth sending Christmas cards this year. Are we living in an age now where paper cards are becoming obsolete and an e-card will be appreciated just as much? It would certainly save on stamps but I’m not sure I want to let go of the tangible aspect of it all.
Elf the Musical, one of the most anticipated shows of 2015, opened last week for a Christmas season at the Dominion Theatre. The show stars Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh and ITV Superstar winner Ben Forster. I went along to see if it is filled with all the Christmas cheer you would want from a festive musical. Read my review here.
Orange Is The New Black actress Uzo Aduba is set to star in The Maids at Trafalgar Studios from 25 February 2016. The show will also feature Zawe Ashton from the popular British TV show Fresh Meat. Set in a luxurious bedroom, two maids fantasise about killing their employer, playing out dangerous and sadistic scenarios as they plan her violent death. An intense psychological thriller seething with unique theatricality and brimming with intrigue, The Maids is a vicious analysis of the class system, and a provocative exploration of gender and sexuality. This is one play I certainly won’t be missing!
Every Stagey person’s favourite show, Jest End, returns to the West End. The hit comedy musical show that exposes the latest gossip and celebrates the hits and flops of Theatreland is back for a limited run at Waterloo East Theatre between Nov 24 – Dec 6. Jest End is London’s answer to Forbidden Broadway and has been going from strength to strength since the birth of the show at Jermyn Street Theatre 2007. With a theatrical tongue placed firmly in the cheek of the West End, Jest End will take on the latest and most popular musicals in this fantastic new production, including; Wicked, Bend It Like Beckham, Matilda, Les Misérables, Billy Elliot, Sunny Afternoon, The Phantom of the Opera, Jersey Boys and many more.
This week the Kenneth Branagh season of plays opened at the Garrick Theatre with The Winter’s Tale (starring Dame Judi Dench). In repertory with this play is Harlequinade/All On Her Own starring Zoe Wanamaker. Read reviews of both shows here.
This week I’m off to see the UK Tour of Annie the Musical at the New Wimbledon Theatre starring Craig Revel Horwood, plus I’ll be seeing the alternate Donna (Shona White) in Mamma Mia! and friend and fellow blogger/actress Katie Brennan in her Twenty Something – Quarter Life Crisis Cabaret show.
Speak to you next week! Let me know what you’re seeing this week on Twitter or Facebook.
Wilma xx
West End Wilma
www.westendwilma.com
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