MY COLUMNS AND REVIEWS OF THE WEEK
- Monday October 11:
My column for today is here: https://shentonstage.com/that-was-the-fortnight-that-was-september-27-october-10/
My regular That Was the Week That Was round-up of my columns, reviews and tweets, plus theatre news in London & beyond, is here, today covering not just the last week but the last fortnight of people, places and things visited by me and others: https://t.co/ABmsAABzcI pic.twitter.com/HRadgUhQWW
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 11, 2021
- My updated list of returning and newly announced theatre shows: shentonstage.com/october-11-update-latest-scheduled-new-returning-shows/
My weekly updated list of returning and newly announced theatre shows in London, selected productions regionally, and on Broadway is here: https://t.co/Vpc5cs6Iiu
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 12, 2021
incl the stage debut of Jodie Cromer in PRIMA FACIE in the West End & @RuthieHenshall in PASSION at @hopemilltheatr1 pic.twitter.com/IIXL5wqiHS
Tuesday October 12:
- My ShentonSTAGE newsletter: https://shentonstage.com/shentonstage-daily-for-tuesday-october-12/
My ShentonSTAGE Daily Newsletter, e-mailed to subscribers, is here: https://t.co/iX87CRnhSK Includes my current most essential theatres, like @TheatreWindsor (pic: me with cast of THE CHERRY ORCHARD), @E_N_O at @LondonColiseum & @AlmeidaTheatre; I am visiting each this week. pic.twitter.com/FvQUc3LRA3
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 12, 2021
Friday October 15:
- My Friday Diary column: https://shentonstage.com/friday-diary-chekhov-in-windsor-philip-glass-at-eno-and-playing-catch-up/
My weekly Friday diary column for ShentonSTAGE is about THE CHERRY ORCHARD at @TheatreWindsor with @IanMcKellen (pictured: curtain call on Wednesday), SATYAGRAHA at @E_N_O, EAST IS EAST at @NationalTheatre and SHINING CITY at @StratfordEast. https://t.co/0MvzD4H5Fq pic.twitter.com/vOYXPlLyWZ
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 15, 2021
- My ShentonSTAGE newsletter:
https://shentonstage.com/shentonstage-daily-for-friday-october-15/
My ShentonSTAGE Daily newsletter, emailed to subscribers on weekdays, is here for Wednesday and Friday: https://t.co/SoL4gGtsM3
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 15, 2021
Including the Groundhog Day of modern Britain, @timminchin, and picture of the day #EddieRedmayne. pic.twitter.com/6FJYq2IDBp
MY REVIEW TWEETS:
- East is East (National Theatre): https://twitter.com/ShentonStage/status/1448274481814851585?s=20
Weird moment of an (apparent) breach of theatrical etiquette at #EastIsEast at @NationalTheatre this afternoon: a woman in the 5th row seemed to be using her phone to film the show. In fact, she was visually impaired & using it to zoom in to see faces. Don’t jump to conclusions!
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 13, 2021
Also impressive: Tony Jayawardena @tonyjay78 and wonderful @SophStanton as the parents, & earthy @rachel_lumberg as the best friend of the matriarch. pic.twitter.com/OQj29J7ofZ
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 13, 2021
- The Cherry Orchard (Theatre Royal, Windsor):
But this CHERRY ORCHARD also replays multiple historical associations, including reuniting @IanMcKellen and Francesca Annis, who played Romeo and Juliet for @TheRSC together 45 years ago. These stunning actors remain at the top of their game; & are surrounded by an ace company. pic.twitter.com/9S7ossB0h2
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 13, 2021
At a time when the @NationalTheatre & @TheRSC have currently abandoned company shows, @BKL_Productions are an outlier, offering the only classical company in the land. And it is handsomely produced, with a stunning set from @LeeNewbyDesign. pic.twitter.com/0j1MG3RRMy
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 13, 2021
- Shining City (Stratford East Theatre Royal):
This afternoon I saw the quietly stunning revival of Conor McPherson’s contemplative drama SHINING CITY at @stratfordeast, recently dubbed by @thetimes as the coolest theatre in town. This extraordinary production confirms it. A haunting portrait of love and loss. pic.twitter.com/Bk4KPnGRE9
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 14, 2021
- Satyagraha (London Coliseum):
This lack of keeping to schedule, though celebratory, has real-life consequences for (some of) the audience at @E_N_O — I will just have to come back to a matinee to see it in full! What I saw (and heard) was sublime. Wish I could have seen it all! (Pic, a previous cast) pic.twitter.com/ViKAPCtJDm
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 14, 2021
- Home (Chichester Festival Theatre’s Minerva):
Am at my local @ChichesterFT, for @JoshRoche1’s revival of David Storey’s HOME in the Minerva. (It opened on Wednesday) The last time I saw this play was when the late Paul Eddington and Richard Briers starred in a 1994 West End revival directed by @davidleveaux. pic.twitter.com/Re5nEcAYEE
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 15, 2021
Just seen David Storey’s profound heartbreaker of a play, HOME, tenderly revived at @ChichesterFT’s Minerva. If the casting seemed to err on the “younger” side, it added a textured universality to the play’s themes of displacement & despair. Like a cross between Beckett & Pinter. pic.twitter.com/i6rYzRPfuD
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 15, 2021
- Macbeth (Almeida):
I’ve long rated James McCardle — so brilliant in the @ChichesterFT Chekhov’s that transferred to the @NationalTheatre (pic: as Platanov, left) in 2016 —but he’s matured now into a properly formidable actor (pictured right). pic.twitter.com/R7iO0Vxaeg
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 16, 2021
REVIEWS AND REVIEW TWEETS OF THE WEEK
- Susannah Clapp in The Observer:
Theatre reviews in @ObsNewReview by @SusannahClapp:
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 17, 2021
Maryland at @royalcourt (not star rated)
Macbeth at @AlmeidaTheatre ★★★
White Noise at @_bridgetheatre ★★★https://t.co/nvAeSnR2Qc pic.twitter.com/Kmf20Idrcd
Other reviews/tweets by critics:
I know that there’s a regular cry to “BURN. IT. DOWN” in the theatre, but if the @royalcourt is now on fire, are they succeeding? https://t.co/HXQJOmsjo0
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 11, 2021
Shocking tale of succession to the role of chief drama critic at @ST_Culture, when Harold Hobson succeeded James Agate. His chief qualification? He was straight.
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 12, 2021
I wonder if that’s how #QuentinLetts got the job, too? https://t.co/eWFNQS9hEV
So good to have @NickRKenyon back in the reviewing seat, now for @telegraph, as its opera critic after his tenure as artistic director at @BarbicanCentre. He really knows his stuff, as this review of SATYAGRAHA at @E_N_O today proves. https://t.co/brvMEaLQ17 (extract below) pic.twitter.com/7oYrq7qxbN
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 15, 2021
A (very) alternative take on THE LEHMAN TRILOGY from Charles Isherwood for @broadwaynews: https://t.co/xD5EvSwkMt pic.twitter.com/WcPouaiAek
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 15, 2021
COVID NEWS TWEETS OF THE WEEK:
Large events — with attendance of 500 or more indoors — in Wales will require COVID passports or a negative lateral flow test from today. If only this was done in England, too, we may get safer theatres, too…. @julianpbird @EleanorLloyd @fiona_allanhttps://t.co/2qAwKuZjPq
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 11, 2021
Very true. And yet theatres are still making mask wearing a matter of “personal choice”. @julianpbird @EleanorLloyd @Fiona_Allan https://t.co/wfAtH2ivK4
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 11, 2021
Hear hear to this. I wish theatres would listen, too….@SOLTnews @uk_theatre@julianpbird @EleanorLloyd @Fiona_Allan https://t.co/u3qdbu1Ocm
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 11, 2021
This!
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 12, 2021
WHY is it such a hardship for people to take the most simple precautions?
Theatres WILL shut again if this carries on.
Thanks — @SOLTnews, @uk_theatre, @julianpbird, @eleanorlloyd, @fiona_allan. https://t.co/BRxg08biuo
She duly replied: “Thanks so much. Sadly I also feel unwilling to support our industry?”
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 13, 2021
CC @julianpbird @EleanorLloyd @Fiona_Allan
Uh-oh. This from Dr @SarahJTodd in a thread of the rising ER crisis in hospitals, to @sajidjavid, @BorisJohnson.
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 14, 2021
“COVID numbers are ramping up again.
Where are you?
The winter wave looks like a tsunami on the horizon.”
I wonder what @sajidjavid makes of this. Are we heading for another lockdown? https://t.co/EIh3FObiH8
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 15, 2021
LONDON HEADLINES OF THE WEEK
THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH at @AlmeidaTheatre extends to November 27; it will also be live-streamed from the venue, from Oct 27-30 (on sale from 3pm today). Tickets for extension week on sale to general public from Oct 21. Statement from artistic director @rupertgoold below. pic.twitter.com/2qknGnUD17
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 12, 2021
The @DonmarWarehouse has completed its essential building works and refurbishment. Press statement and foyer pic below (2/2) pic.twitter.com/u21nFTqFao
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 12, 2021
The great Dame Siân Phillips and Charlotte Emmerson to appear in Beckett's FOOTFALLS and ROCKABY at @JSTheatre from Nov 3-20, press night Nov 5, https://t.co/kVVF4GXqn6 then at Bath's @UstinovStudio, Nov 24-Dec 4, https://t.co/CffKEcW6Ve. pic.twitter.com/vN3VQXJxbl
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 13, 2021
Musical adaptation of Kahlil Gibran’s Broken Wings by @NadimNaaman and Dana Al Fardan to receive fully-staged premiere production at @CharingCrossThr from Jan 21-March 5, opening Jan 26. Press statements from Nadim and producer Katy Lipson @AriaEnts below. https://t.co/3sigmfxKfB pic.twitter.com/o2NSGuEI2O
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 13, 2021
I can’t wait to see @MountviewLDN’s LES MIS (running NOV 1-6; I’m going on NOV 3, matinee). https://t.co/vdA2qw2e2Y
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 13, 2021
New-ish cast for @playgoeswrong in West End, now in its 7th year at Duchess Theatre: Oliver Clayton plays Jonathan and Elena Valentine join from Nov 9, Tom Bulpett and Damen James join from Nov 30. pic.twitter.com/76jqa41X1R
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 15, 2021
INTERVIEWS OF THE WEEK
- Tim Minchin (self-authored):
Wise words on the fame game (and pain) from @timminchin: “There is a reason why famous people are often screwed up: it’s not that wankers become famous, it’s that fame makes you a wanker.” https://t.co/jWsG1eIr1e pic.twitter.com/WW5Aglvpw6
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 12, 2021
- Katy Owen from Wuthering Heights:
Lovely interview with @Wise_Children actor Katy Owen on working with Emma Rice and being back onstage in WUTHERING HEIGHTS, at @BristolOldVic from Oct 20, and coming to @NationalTheatre as part of UK tour from Feb 3-March 19. https://t.co/U5jw2FrQCI
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 13, 2021
- Eddie Redmayne on Cabaret:
#EddieRedmayne on doing some serious “shape shifting” in CABARET at @PlayHouseLDN, in @BritishVogue, via @AttitudeMag. https://t.co/v12EdZ5FRV pic.twitter.com/cDK8cCj1Hg
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 13, 2021
REGIONAL/ TOURING AND FESTIVAL HEADLINES OF THE WEEK
Casting for the title roles in THE OSMONDS: A NEW MUSICAL @OsmondsMusical, UK tour at @CurveLeicester from Feb 3: Ryan Anderson as Merrill, Jamie Chatterton @Jchatterton10 as Alan, @alexanderlodge as Jay, @NattrassDan as Wayne, Joseph Peacock as Donny. https://t.co/1W6afqeGDp pic.twitter.com/hgckCDCf5F
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 12, 2021
Bravo to @BillElms, Liverpool-based producer and PR, who is to becomeArtistic and Communications Director at the city’s @EpsteinTheatre, as part of a new management team there. https://t.co/4gLjf3G4nM
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 13, 2021
A bit of @crucibletheatre history! Wow! https://t.co/dvC5xKIyro
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 13, 2021
BROADWAY (AND BEYOND) HEADLINES OF THE WEEK
LA’s Mark Taper Forum at @CTGLA commits to the full 22/23 season comprising “entirely women-identifying or non-binary playwrights and to also have it be a BIPOC-majority season.” @jeremyoharris to allow SLAVE PLAY to continue in 21/22 season. https://t.co/Dhk9Vyhbif pic.twitter.com/ZtpR7uTgIv
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 13, 2021
This is what happens when theatre producers put profits before people. This 10 and 9 show week for @WaitressMusical on Broadway over the premium “holiday” weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas really piles on the pressure. I suppose they’re not entitled to a life! https://t.co/M12zkROlSp
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 13, 2021
This happened yesterday! https://t.co/xmlgCBzzll
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 14, 2021
THEATRE BIRTHDAYS OF THE WEEK:
Theatre birthdays (OCT 11): @Dawn_French, 64 (pic: as Bottom in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM in West End, 2001); Jane Krakowski, 53 (pic: in NINE, on Broadway (pictured with Antonio Banderas); John Nettles, 78; Sam Walters, founder and former artistic director, @OrangeTreeThtr, 82). pic.twitter.com/DN7dIvsv5Y
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 11, 2021
Theatre birthdays (OCT 13): @keviclifton, 39 (pic: backstage selfie at @Sadlers_Wells during SINGIN' IN THE RAIN this year); Paul Simon, singer, songwriter, composer THE CAPEMAN, 80; pic: Broadway's Marquis Theatre, 1998) pic.twitter.com/kZ1UzeSV8F
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 13, 2021
Theatre birthdays (OCT 15): Stephen Tompkinson, 56 (pic: in 2020/21 tour of EDUCATING RITA); Dominic West, 52 (pic: in 2015 LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES at @DonmarWarehouse, with Janet McTeer) pic.twitter.com/m1EANSyWwK
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 15, 2021
Weekend theatre birthdays: SAT (OCT 16) Peter Bowles, 85 (pic: in Simon Gray's THE OLD MASTERS, with Edward Fox, 2004); Alison Chitty, designer, 73; Gary Kemp, 62; Angela Lansbury, 96 (in BLITHE SPIRIT at Gielgud Theatre, 2014); Tim Robbins, 63; Laura Wade, playwright, 44 pic.twitter.com/GvJu88umuK
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 17, 2021
Weekend theatre birthdays (SUN OCT 16): @Markgatiss, 55 (pic: in The Boys in the Band at @ParkTheatre in 2016); Felicity Jones, 38 (pic: in Luise Miller at @DonmarWarehouse, 2011); Matthew Mcfadyen, 47; Sir Cameron Mackintosh, @CamMackLtd, 75; Michael McKean, 74 pic.twitter.com/u0RD4rIIAN
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 17, 2021
FAREWELL OF THE WEEK:
Farewell to Jim O’Quinn, founding editor of @AmericanTheatre, who has died, aged 75. This thread offers a brief snapshot of his influence and impact. https://t.co/QjpBFVJ9Xg
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 13, 2021
AND FINALLY, SOME FAVOURITE (AND SOME DESPAIRING) TWEETS OF THE WEEK
How @BorisJohnson has governed from the start….. https://t.co/k8mWOM0NNy
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 13, 2021
GORGEOUS.
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 13, 2021
Looking forward to seeing @springmeister onstage tonight in THE CHERRY ORCHARD at @TheatreWindsor. https://t.co/V0FXUAlmyp
Britain under @BorisJohnson in a nutshell.
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 14, 2021
It couldn’t be a better moment for a revival of @timminchin’s musical version of #GroundhogDay. @Groundhogdaybwy https://t.co/1SiHbTl63e
Despite the current state of the UK, @Conservatives are STILL leading the polls. It’s like being in an abusive relationship you can’t get out of. https://t.co/GANgHLhCg6
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 14, 2021
An upsetting thread. But this is the reality for many in theatre today. (Including me, though I know I can never give up my passion for it). https://t.co/vCUwmeOabs
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 15, 2021
Gorgeous speckled clouds over the churchyard across the road from our house! pic.twitter.com/WrCO5Kwjaa
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 17, 2021
At long last! Looks like I'll finally (!) be able to get back to NYC: its been two years since I was last there, the longest in my adult life! I can't wait! https://t.co/PklrzEUg8R
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 15, 2021
At LONG last!!! Have just booked my first trip back to NYC in over two YEARS…. flying the day after we're finally let back in (on Tuesday November 9)…. and using the new @JetBlue service from Gatwick for the first time, too! pic.twitter.com/dPpfNuLipt
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 17, 2021