That Was the Week That Was (August 8-14)

Confession time: as much as I try to keep abreast of everything that’s happening in the theatre — and aim to keep YOU abreast of it, too, via my weekly advance diary of openings inn London and beyond — occasionally things elude me entirely. This week it was Kae Tempest’s Paradise, that apparently opened at the National on Wednesday (August 11).

I say apparently, because I can find no press release in my inbox from the NT that states when the press night was going to be, nor an invitation to that press night. Now it may well be that I’ve fallen off the NT invite list, given that I no longer review for a national outlet, but there’s a PR failure somewhere along the line when I don’t even seem to know about it. I didn’t even realise that Lesley Sharp (pictured above), a favourite actor of mine, was in it, until I started reading reviews of it.

That may or may not be my own failure. But it also goes to show that no matter how informed you think you may be about the theatre, the news doesn’t always reach you. And if I’m not being reached, I have to wonder how many other people are missing out.

MY COLUMNS OF THE WEEK

Sunday August 8

My column is here: https://shentonstage.com/that-was-the-week-that-was-august-1-7/

My weekly THAT WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS round-up of my week in columns, reviews and tweets from London to the regions and beyond is here, https://t.co/hDvMUEd2Rt. Plus how CABARET at @PlayHouseLDN is putting the premium into premium pricing (pictured: Eddie Redmayne as the Emcee) pic.twitter.com/0iqaAHUkXt
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 8, 2021

Monday August 9
My column is here: https://shentonstage.com/august-9-update-latest-scheduled-new-returning-shows/

My weekly updated feature on shows returning and newly announced to open in London, in the regions and on Broadway is here: https://t.co/ttzwRfqrXd

This week's openings include CAROUSEL at @OpenAirTheatre tonight (left), & @thewindsorslive at the Prince of Wales tomorrow (right) pic.twitter.com/46q0jdS2Dc
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 9, 2021

Friday August 13

My column is here: https://shentonstage.com/august-13-friday-diary-constellations-laura-osnes-and-us-theatres-tentative-comeback/

My Friday diary column for ShentonSTAGE today is on the multiple casts of the West End's CONSTELLATIONS, @LauraOsnes refusing to be vaccinated, & the US's 'tentative' theatrical return. https://t.co/75vmeEJRYC pic.twitter.com/l6BtTOZWIE
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 13, 2021

MY REVIEWS AND REVIEW TWEETS OF THE WEEK

Carousel (Open Air Theatre):

My review: https://shentonstage.com/review-carousel/

My full review of CAROUSEL at @OpenAirTheatre for ShentonSTAGE is here (5*): https://t.co/2zxzhN8D3j pic.twitter.com/Js61pqf5l7
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 10, 2021

Just bought a rain jacket in the hope that having done so I’ll ward off the rain for CAROUSEL at @OpenAirTheatre — though it looks like there’ll be some singin’ in the rain there even if it doesn’t! pic.twitter.com/muHs49z8M1
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 9, 2021

Just seen CAROUSEL at @OpenAirTheatre: R&H’s most moving and beautiful musical as I’ve never seen – or heard- it before, relocated to England and set in the North, with brass band, accordion & banjo. It re-charges the show with fresh energy; not everyone will like it, but I did! pic.twitter.com/jaY81z2vuN
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 9, 2021

A wonderful bridge between the 1992 @NationalTheatre production and now is provided by the glorious JOANNA RIDING — a heartbreaking Julie Jordan then and a no-nonsense Nettie Fowler now. One of our greatest musical theatre actors: a performer of true grit and generosity. pic.twitter.com/CcaEfaFdca
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 9, 2021

While Declan Bennett @thisainttherapy’s Billy Bigelow cuts a more contemporary looking (and sounding) Billy Bigelow than I’m used to, he’s got a raw edginess that makes him a compellingly anguished figure too. pic.twitter.com/eB2UGr5eOA
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 9, 2021

The Windsors: Endgame (Prince of Wales Theatre):

My review: https://shentonstage.com/review-the-windsors-endgame/

My review of THE WINDSORS ENDGAME @thewindsorslive for ShentonSTAGE is here: https://t.co/aGDIf8TTz1 pic.twitter.com/ladVXUQxUm
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 11, 2021

Just seen @thewindsorslive, a summer filler at the Prince of Wales until @BookofMormon resumes. So a deliberately bad-taste show has been temporarily replaced by a no-taste one: a TV spin-off that outstays its welcome despite the best efforts of a stellar cast. pic.twitter.com/0TlKVb0XDK
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 10, 2021

2:22 A Ghost Story (Noel Coward Theatre):

My review: https://shentonstage.com/review-222-a-ghost-story/

My review of 222: A GHOST STORY @222aghoststory that opened last night at the Noel Coward Theatre for ShentonSTAGE is here: https://t.co/9ZgkJHpoLt pic.twitter.com/8Q5zyPPBBq
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 12, 2021

I can happily report Lily Allen is just fine — sometimes she screeches a bit, but that’s an understandable reaction to the improbable writing. But a strong cast in which she is joined by @mrjakedwood @juliacchan & @hadleyfraser, & director @dunster_matthew, keep it simmering. pic.twitter.com/tL3u4YLR48
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 11, 2021

Nice to be quoted in this round-up of reviews for @222aghoststory. Thanks, Adam. https://t.co/hrfZojCirE
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 13, 2021

Constellations (Vaudeville Theatre):

On train back to London, after a night back home in West Sussex, for a double bill of @DonmarWarehouse’s revival of CONSTELLATIONS. @russelltovey & Omari Douglas @marsdoug this afternoon (left); then Anna Maxwell Martin & Chris O’Dowd @BigBoyler) this evening (right) pic.twitter.com/6jKQJhrwwQ
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 12, 2021

I’ve now seen six different casts perform @mrmrlonghurst’s production of Nick Payne’s CONSTELLATIONS — the original @royalcourt premiere (Rafe Spall/Sally Hawkins), original Broadway cast (Jake Gyllenhaal/Ruth Wilson), & now the four companies of this @DonmarWarehouse revival. pic.twitter.com/QtViOthly9
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 12, 2021

But I was also utterly charmed by Anna Maxwell Martin & Chris O’Dowd @BigBoyler) this evening. Laughs land in different places; each actor invents their own physical language. This couple’s tenderness and warmth shone through. pic.twitter.com/6DlBKGrgsb
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 12, 2021

Changing the Sheets (Playground Theatre, London W10)

https://twitter.com/ShentonStage/status/1425483161195188230?s=20

The Wedding Singer (Royal Academy of Music)

Delighted to have been at @RoyalAcadMusic this afternoon to see @BruceGuthrie’s affectionate, resourceful student production of 2006 Broadway musical THE WEDDING SINGER: a show that gently satirises the 80s as GREASE did the 50s or HAIRSPRAY the 60s. pic.twitter.com/8oqlyqk7O5
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 14, 2021

Three different companies rotate the leads, while offering cover tracks to the other casts. This means students at @RoyalAcadMusic get a range of different performing experiences. There’s a lot of serious talent here!
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 14, 2021

REVIEWS OF OTHERS:

Good point in Tim Bano's review of @PhantomOpera for @TheStage: https://t.co/pAiXmHUXJ4 pic.twitter.com/G6MyAvebwG
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 13, 2021

I *love* Lesley Sharp, but am grateful to @avawongdavies & @TheStage for saving me having to see PARADISE at @NationalTheatre. This review gives me such a clear sense of what it's like that I know I'd find it unbearable. https://t.co/Ggb95ki6Et pic.twitter.com/dce5EjFVFg
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 13, 2021

Also very pleased that @TomWicker didn't make good on his threat to retire as a critic and is back reviewing for @TheStage. His review of the latest pairings of @DonmarWarehouse's CONSTELLATIONS is really thoughtful. https://t.co/oqfdCWBGqT pic.twitter.com/DhtCP2NzRX
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 13, 2021

Two paragraphs that illustrate precisely why @susannahclapp is currently the best theatre critic writing: she's so utterly precise on actors. But she is also perfection on noticing trends and patterns in a creative life like Ian Rickson. pic.twitter.com/k0uyrA8vyP
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 15, 2021

LONDON HEADLINES OF THE WEEK

BACK TO THE FUTURE THE MUSICAL @BTTFmusical, at Adelphi Theatre from August 20, opens Sept 13, in rehearsal: 2/2 featuring Roger Bart @rogerbartoffic. Pics: Sean Ebsworth Barnes. pic.twitter.com/3LZM4n2X5E
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 10, 2021

Sarah Ruhl’s DEAR ELIZABETH to be revived by @GateTheatre in new, larger socially distanced space for the theatre at Camden’s @TheatroTechnis, from Sept 1-18; featuring two unrehearsed actors who meet the script for the first time when they perform it! pic.twitter.com/gvPPmcbCJr
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 12, 2021

EDINBURGH FRINGE HEADLINES OF THE WEEK

The audiences at this year's @edfringe "are nicer than ever – after the past year, they’re just delighted to be listening to someone other than their partner," says comedian Fern Brady in @guardian. https://t.co/evrqrmBKBe pic.twitter.com/YqwCBv7FfQ
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 13, 2021

BROADWAY HEADLINES OF THE WEEK

Disappointing news — sadly, I never got to see it, either. pic.twitter.com/GrxIPD42zx
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 9, 2021

VERY happy to see @birdlandjazz in nyc announcing this. I hope London entertainment venues enforce this too! pic.twitter.com/94ByfXVCID
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 11, 2021

Happy New York theatre-adjacent news! @JoeAllenNYC is re-opening (and will require diners to provide proof of vaccination) https://t.co/GhQFty0uUP
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 11, 2021

Don’t rain on her parade! @BeanieFeldstein follows in @Sheridansmith1’s footsteps to star in nyc transfer for Michael Mayer’s revival, originally premiered at @MenChocFactory then transferred to West End by @SFP_London. https://t.co/loR7AwutYE
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 12, 2021

The state of play(s) across the pond: @latimes theatre critic @CharlesMcNulty describes the mood as “tentative”. And Jeffrey Eric Jenkins @Crrritic replies: “university research scientists said a year ago that it would be 2023 before things get substantially less dangerous” https://t.co/AFrHxQWmVr
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 12, 2021

EXECUTIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS OF THE WEEK:

Upheaval at another leading London drama school: Sarah Frankcom, formerly artistic director of @rxtheatre, steps from @LAMDAdrama after 2 years following complaints on managerial style. https://t.co/hIXnm1uURi pic.twitter.com/GkusGPPhyl
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 10, 2021

Atri Rohan Banerjee @atri_rohan on Sarah Frankcom’s sudden departure from @LAMDAdrama, & how it has been (mis?)represented. https://t.co/4mEt1Kej1x pic.twitter.com/l7OIiLcMLg
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 11, 2021

Congratulations to @Fiona_Allan, who is to depart as artistic director and CEO of @brumhippodrome & return home to her native Australia to join @OperaAustralia. During her time in the UK, I've come to know and love her at Cardiff's @theCentre & then @CurveLeicester. https://t.co/kLBJy8TkML
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 11, 2021

HOLLY RACE ROUGHAN, currently associate artistic director of @HeadlongTheatre, is to step up to become artistic director from August 23, the first woman to hold this position at the company. pic.twitter.com/dGt32k0IsA
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 11, 2021

COVID NEWS TWEETS OF THE WEEK

Now @AnythingGUK has been hit by a covid-related cancellation. https://t.co/h8iUL0CD9B
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 12, 2021

Broadway's @LauraOsnes (left) let go from concert of CRAZY FOR YOU in Hampton's on August 28 (& replaced by @SierraBoggess, right), after she refuses to get COVID vaccine. I hope she's also replaced for @Bonnie_clydeLDN at @TheatreRoyalDL in January…. https://t.co/lEEYmpbK6Z pic.twitter.com/zmuMNwMZZf
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 13, 2021

Spot-on words from @BetteMidler…. https://t.co/19rfb3ZUYx
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 13, 2021

Another Covid-related cancellation, this time at @KingsHeadThtr for the remainder of its run of ALL THAT. pic.twitter.com/PsVtEo0RmV
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 13, 2021

This should be outside EVERY theatre in the nation. pic.twitter.com/PdJPpPs3Il
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 13, 2021

INTERVIEWS OF THE WEEK

Alexandra Burke:

And here’s my interview with @alexandramusic back in 2018 for @TheStage: https://t.co/4dcoCGrFFj pic.twitter.com/DlT3g3D9CJ
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 9, 2021

Drew McOnie:

Great interview with @DrewMcOnie ny @lyndseywinship for @guardian on his life as an adrenalin junkie, but now seeking more balance: I know the feeling! And just as Drew has achieved it by moving to Brighton, I'm doing so by now living in West Sussex! https://t.co/S3maO8B23D pic.twitter.com/n6dhnYl59l
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 10, 2021

Russell Tovey/Omari Douglas:

Lovely interview with @russelltovey and Omari Douglas @marsdoug in @ESCulture on appearing in CONSTELLATIONS — and breaking new ground as they perform a gay variant on BSL for the first known time on stage at one point. https://t.co/O8qpMkVA3J pic.twitter.com/F0zMIo1DOz
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) August 13, 2021

THEATRE BIRTHDAYS OF THE WEEK