MY COLUMNS AND REVIEWS OF THE WEEK
- Monday October 25:
Last week’s That Was the Week That Was column for Oct 18-24): https://shentonstage.com/that-was-the-week-that-was-october-18-24/
My weekly THAT WAS THE WEEK column, rounding up my columns and tweets of the week, plus those of others, is here: https://t.co/4DnYimyywU
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 25, 2021
Including a lot on the rising COVID statistics, and what impact this could have on the West End, where this pub sign I saw also applies. pic.twitter.com/MGwOn2uqSN
ShentonSTAGE Daily Newsletter for today: https://shentonstage.com/shentonstage-daily-for-monday-october-25/
My ShentonSTAGE Daily Newsletter today is about the rising cases of COVID across the UK, and the implications for the theatre, as experienced in the last week by @petermarksdrama visiting London, and performers like @Steph_McKeon. https://t.co/94dLEzFjIB pic.twitter.com/g7nIcyYCzw
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 25, 2021
- Tuesday October 26:
My weekly updated list of new and returnng shows in London, on Broadway and beyond: shentonstage.com/october-25-update-latest-scheduled-new-returning-shows/
My ShentonSTAGE Daily Newsletter: https://shentonstage.com/shentonstage-daily-for-tuesday-october-26/
My ShentonSTAGE Daily Newsletter (sent to subscribers, em ShentonStageMailingList@gmail.com to enrol) is here: https://t.co/VzLrN1xk6q Includes this week's openings, plus a heartfelt thanks to those supporting me in urging COVID safety in theatres. pic.twitter.com/HQgpJLSDk5
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 26, 2021
- Wednesday October 27:
My ShentonSTAGE Daily Newsletter: https://shentonstage.com/shentonstage-daily-for-wednesday-october-27/
My ShentonSTAGE Daily Newsletter (to subscribe, e-m ShentonStageMailingList@gmail.com) is here, about @SOLTnews & @UK_Theatre's failures to introduce mask mandates & compulsory vaccine checks, as the UK records 263 COVID deaths yesterday. https://t.co/KZOvWhCOLt pic.twitter.com/ErNipIeTDv
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 27, 2021
- Thursday October 28:
My ShentonSTAGE Daily Newsletter: https://shentonstage.com/shentonstage-daily-for-thursday-october-28/
My ShentonSTAGE Daily Newsletter (emailed to subscribers: to join, send request to ShentonStageMailingList@gmail.com) is on @Kennywaxltd's "hammer blow" to theatre and @ETTtweet's CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, pic below, that I saw yesterday at @MASTStudios.
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 28, 2021
https://t.co/4yv1mRnoZQ pic.twitter.com/O8fa6T4ukg
- Friday October 29:
My Friday diary column: https://shentonstage.com/friday-diary-covid-passports-for-wales-the-other-palace-changes-hands-again-and-mums-the-word-for-a-critic
My FRIDAY DIARY column for ShentonSTAGE is on COVID passports being introduced for Welsh theatres, The Other Palace Theatre changing hands again, and a critic for whom mum should have been the word. https://t.co/3B0cWRccry pic.twitter.com/TRlbm4wwLH
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 29, 2021
MY REVIEW TWEETS:
- Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (English Touring Theatre, seen at Southampton’s MAST Studios on Wednesday October 27):
Just seen @ETTtweet’s riveting production of CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF that perfectly captures the brooding, desolate sense of isolation, loss & desperate estrangement of the characters from each other & themselves at Southampton’s @MASTStudios, full of bold modern choices. pic.twitter.com/tZlRmig1Fw
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 27, 2021
Gorgeous work, too, from Siena Kelly as Maggie, & a quietly wonderful Sam Alexander as Gooper: acute studies in desperation. pic.twitter.com/30Xk7m7BA4
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 27, 2021
- Satyagraha (London Coliseum, last performance on Thursday October 28):
Just seen the last night of utterly transfixing Phelim McDermott @openspacer production of Philip Glass’s SATYAGRAHA for @E_N_O, a meditative masterpiece in haunting melodies and exquisite visual images. (I was also at the first night!) A theatrical and musical masterwork. pic.twitter.com/qQrJ0DtHLO
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 28, 2021
- Love and Other Acts of Violence (Donmar Warehouse, seen on Thursday October 28):
It taking me a while to process LOVE & OTHER ACTS OF VIOLENCE that I saw at @DonmarWarehouse yesterday: part dystopian romance, part cautionary historical reminder, it is set in the near future in the first part, then the past in second, for grim parallels. Haunting & harrowing. pic.twitter.com/sdU11gSfXG
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 29, 2021
- HMS Pinafore (London Coliseum, opening night October 29):
There’s a running gag in HMS PINAFORE that’s reminiscent of one in ONE MAN TWO GUVNORS — whose physical comedy was also the work of @CalMcCrystal — that may be at the expense of the old & infirm, but had me once again helpless with laughter. @LizzieGee1’s choreography is a riot! pic.twitter.com/CESFXLP2WX
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 29, 2021
- The Magician’s Elephant (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, October 30):
THE MAGICIAN’S ELEPHANT at @TheRSC’s Stratford-upon-Avon’s HQ is dressed to the nines — and has a 10/10 elephant — but it ends up with nowhere to go, which sadly may be its fate. It’s a sweet Xmas show, but despite a few lovely tunes, it won’t linger long in my elephant memory. pic.twitter.com/m0NgfusOtb
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 30, 2021
- What’s New Pussycat? (Birmingham Rep, October 30):
Caught WHAT’S NEW PUSSYCAT? @whatsnewmusical at @BirminghamRep last night, a bright, colourful jukebox confection that improbably maps the song catalogue of Welsh troubadour @RealSirTomJones to the story of Henry Fielding’s 18th century romantic chancer, all relocated to the 60s. pic.twitter.com/zkvLLk4x7R
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 31, 2021
.@arlenephillips provides the delightful period choreography, Jon Bauser the witty set, Janet Bird the irresistible 60s costumes and @GarethOwenSound the superb sound for a West End-ready show; is would sizzle there, but would it sell? pic.twitter.com/DP8R50rtaI
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 31, 2021
REVIEWS AND REVIEW TWEETS OF THE WEEK
- Susannah Clapp in The Observer:
Theatre reviews in @ObsNewReview by @susannahclapp:
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 31, 2021
The Walk @walkwithamal ★★★★★
Wuthering Heights at @BristolOldVic ★★★★
https://t.co/Ewad12Ozwa pic.twitter.com/ARtokA6HM7
- Cinderella in New York Post:
Is @ALWCinderella headed for Broadway? Not without a serious re-work, says @nypost critic Johnny Oleksinski. https://t.co/Bq9cMkq5R9 pic.twitter.com/0HzcEwZdH8
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 26, 2021
- Caroline, or Change on Broadway:
Reviews round-up for CAROLINE, OR CHANGE that opened at @roundaboutnyc's Studio 54 on Broadway last night, with Sharon D Clarke reprising the title role of Caroline that she played at @ChichesterFT & @Hamps_Theatre: https://t.co/d5xrTChaPa pic.twitter.com/Xv6BYSOOAm
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 28, 2021
COVID NEWS TWEETS OF THE WEEK:
OF COURSE THEY SHOULD!!!
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 26, 2021
Let's get this thing trending…..! https://t.co/9NySS69MU8
This is very similar to the West End, where @OfficialALW once said no one has caught COVID in a theatre, so they're entirely safe; now, no one REQUIRES mask wearing in them, only (sometimes) are politely requested, but no problem if you don't comply! cc @julianpbird @EleanorLloyd https://t.co/m0FPl7iWTw
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 26, 2021
Public opinion on current COVID safety provisions: seems that the majority WANT masks back. Yet still @SOLTnews @uk_theatre won't mandate it…. cc @julianpbird @EleanorLloyd @Fiona_Allan https://t.co/G6QONF2KZ9
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 26, 2021
Powerful words from @Laughfrodisiac on her experience of watching THE NORMAL HEART at @NationalTheatre with a mostly unmasked audience. It really is the most extraordinary of ironies and indictments on theatregoers! A MUST-READ. https://t.co/q20usY0nv9 pic.twitter.com/x9uhkGPyTL
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 26, 2021
If only @SOLTnews @uk_theatre would pay heed…. cc @julianpbird @EleanorLloyd @Fiona_Allan https://t.co/xFhUpdIam1
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 26, 2021
Today's @independent front page headline online. So we're going to wait another two weeks — but limits on indoor mixing now under consideration. Presumably this means theatres will have to shut again? pic.twitter.com/zYA3XotXVz
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 27, 2021
After @SOLTnews CEO @julianpbird called opening theatres at full capacity in June “a lifeline for the industry”, producer (and former SOLT president) @Kennywaxltd says bringing back working from home would be a “hammer blow” for theatres in today’s @EveningStandard. pic.twitter.com/cD25nuGwmG
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 27, 2021
If only the West End could say the same thing….. But no, it can't. Not everyone is masked. Not everyone is vaccinated. (Not even the actors, in some cases.(
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 27, 2021
cc @julianpbird @EleanorLloyd @EquityUK https://t.co/fg2wpX8YHr
Test and Trace: @didoharding's mates who benefited. @BorisJohnson, who is so fond of 'spaffing' the country's money and assets, really allowed a lot of spaffing to go on….. https://t.co/NnoQxpPaxW
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 28, 2021
Covid passports being extended to theatres, cinemas and concert halls in Wales from Nov 15.https://t.co/Ys7mpUkQIw
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 29, 2021
Time for England to follow suit?
cc @julianpbird @Fiona_Allan @EleanorLloyd
The booster programme appears to be functioning brilliantly. Had this text today. But I *had* my booster 9 days ago! (Oct 20)
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 29, 2021
I wonder if this part of @didoharding’s £37billion wasted on her mates? Or @MattHancock’s pub friends instead? pic.twitter.com/1h7mUTikYX
Today’s mask compliance at @TheRSC’s Royal Shakespeare Theatre (matinee) and @BirminghamRep (tonight): less than 10%. No reminders to wear them at either venue. But rigorous checking of bags. The priorities seem wrong. @julianpbird @Fiona_Allan
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 30, 2021
Why vaccine passports are a good idea, and offer TRUE freedom: "The real test of freedom is not flashing a certificate but for society to function without another devastating lockdown. And freedom to live is far better than freedom to die." — @ianbirrell. https://t.co/0DJMSRQnxb
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 31, 2021
LONDON HEADLINES OF THE WEEK
Rehearsal pics for @_bridgetheatre's stage adaptation of @PhilipPullman's THE BOOK OF DUST, from Nov 30, opens Dec 7. Pics by Manuel Harlan, featuring Naomi Frederick (left), @Julie_Atherton, Pip Carter (top right) & the company (bottom right). https://t.co/XBvREoLUGa pic.twitter.com/0PHzKT6YFY
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 25, 2021
Today is #WorldOperaDay2021 — I'm at @E_N_O twice this week (reprising SATYAGRAHA on Thursday, and going to the opening of HMS PINAFORE on Friday), and tonight I'm hosting an (invitation only) Opera Preview talk for ENO supporters on next month's THE VALKYERIE. pic.twitter.com/avkSt7CAAT
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 26, 2021
Response by @EquityUK to the early closure of @TheRSC’s THE MIRROR AND THE LIGHT. This is the same Union that won’t mandate that actors are vaccinated. https://t.co/1BZeK0CYSK pic.twitter.com/1lQ15tOvFX
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 26, 2021
This happened last night. Welcome back, @DEHWestEnd. https://t.co/jopPRmubWo
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 27, 2021
Even the Front-of-House for @moulinmusicaluk makes the Piccadilly Theatre look like an inviting space…. could this be a first? https://t.co/v5Ge3T02Tb
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 27, 2021
A quick replacement for THE MIRROR AND THE LIGHT at the Gielgud…. @222aghoststory to re-open there. https://t.co/dW6h6MvoiU
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 28, 2021
Victoria’s OTHER PALACE THEATRE has been acquired by @BKL_Productions from @LWTheatres. https://t.co/2z4Rl0CcPd pic.twitter.com/N5BMp5xBFV
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 28, 2021
Revival of INTO THE WOODS at @oldvictheatre, which was to have run from April 16-July 9, will no longer take place there. https://t.co/uDyVj1FWdJ
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 28, 2021
“Climate dramaturg” announced by @DonmarWarehouse: Zoë Svendsen will undertake an 18 month collaborative action research project – Climate Conversations – bringing together artists & producers to reframe conversation around the climate crisis & the process of making theatre. pic.twitter.com/TFvgPX3Jyk
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 29, 2021
The @JamieLloydCo is to revive CYRANO DE BERGERAC with James McAvoy, at @HPinterTheatre from Feb 3-March 12, before Glasgow’s @KingsandRoyal (March 18-26), and @BAM_Brooklyn (April 5-May 22), then THE SEAGULL with Emilia Clarke, at @HPinterTheatre June 29-Sep 10, opens July 6. pic.twitter.com/7p0zYIQgGT
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 29, 2021
Looking forward to seeing this at @MountviewLDN on Wednesday afternoon. (And also going to @ArtsEdLondon on Friday afternoon for BANDSTAND). https://t.co/xU7XOxqztP
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 31, 2021
INTERVIEWS OF THE WEEK
- Will Gomperz, Barbican Centre:
Will Gomperz, former arts editor of @BBC, now joint interim MD of @BarbicanCentre, on his vision for it: “The journey is to turn the Barbican from being an international arts centre into an international arts, education and enterprise centre.: @thetimes: https://t.co/HkGNVfSvaj pic.twitter.com/UsWl0gQy0Q
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 25, 2021
- Beverley Knight, The Drifters Girl:
Great interview in @guardianstage with the great @Beverleyknight on @thedriftersgirl, the new musical she is starring in as Faye Treadwell, manager of The Drifters, currently at @TheatreRoyalNew, en route to the West End's Garrick. https://t.co/r5ZWrFHjnE pic.twitter.com/mfXZU43mII
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 25, 2021
COLUMNS OF THE WEEK:
Are shows in danger of suffering "cultural death by a thousand cuts" by "panic-catering to the potentially aggrieved", asks @domcavendish, as Broadway makes changes to shows like @HamiltonMusical, @BookofMormon, @TheLionKing & @mockingbirdbway. https://t.co/A3rtUIHGtS pic.twitter.com/69nlqEGrr8
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 26, 2021
I'm always reminded of how @MrJasonRBrown's SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD received just 27 performances (including previews) in its 1995 Off-Broadway debut run at WPA. But it lived on — because Bill Rosenfield @Gibson54 recorded it for RCA. JRB once told me, "I owe my career to Billy."
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 28, 2021
REGIONAL HEADLINES OF THE WEEK
Pics of @TheRSC's THE MAGICIAN'S ELEPHANT, opening at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, on Thursday (Oct 28); I'm going on Saturday! Pics: Manuel Harlan. pic.twitter.com/o6TRrkxdrY
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 25, 2021
THE MAGICIAN'S ELEPHANT opens at @TheRSC's Royal Shakespeare Theatre tonight…. looking forward to seeing it on Saturday! https://t.co/HFbcBjcT00
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 28, 2021
Strange that @BirminghamRep has been shut for over 18 months and still looks like this…. British builders? pic.twitter.com/dXiNJQ1DLM
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 30, 2021
Looking forward to seeing @DrewMcOnie’s MERLIN for @northernballet! (Am planning to catch it at Southampton’s @mayflower from Dec 2-4).
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 31, 2021
VIDEOS (and remaining tour dates): https://t.co/cvFTmblkQ7 pic.twitter.com/mGgTDrhtky
BROADWAY (AND BEYOND) HEADLINES OF THE WEEK
So happy I am going to be in nyc when this happens…..! https://t.co/BAtWwx2eVm
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 25, 2021
Ouch! I was really looking forward to @FairycakesPlay at Off-Broadway's Greenwich House Theatre; now, not so much. @FeldmanAdam nails it, in rhyming verse, for @TimeOutNewYork: https://t.co/oEJuJNkjEh pic.twitter.com/wH0yXQF8sc
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 25, 2021
Oh no! @DanaHBway & @IsThisARoomBway to shutter on Broadway Nov 14. (Though I’m relieved I’ll arrive just in time to see them…..) https://t.co/eimpG9FVAO
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 25, 2021
Hear hear to this!
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 26, 2021
I’m going to go to these the moment I get to nyc on Nov 9. https://t.co/gZ9LyhP4vu
Interesting: now that @BroadwayLeague is no longer releasing statistics for individual shows, they are, however, releasing aggregates across the week. https://t.co/lDKAP118uP
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 28, 2021
We absolutely do not talk about BABY enough! Am looking forward to seeing the Off-Broadway revival by @OOTBtheatrics with @JuliaMurney next month…. But Liz Callaway @LizGoesOn in this clip from the original production is priceless! https://t.co/w0u9dipaz0
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 31, 2021
VIDEO TRAILERS OF THE WEEK
VIDEO and tracks released for @NationalTheatre's HEX: Rosalie Craig @Rosiemae sings PROBLY https://t.co/AbDzFpvAgw and @katronney sings SIXTEEN https://t.co/Jwv6tNaqo0. Recordings, plus one more song here: https://t.co/eBaeax7vWy pic.twitter.com/Z4E2WdFs5D
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 25, 2021
THEATRE BIRTHDAYS OF THE WEEK:
Theatre Birthdays (OCTOBER 25): Glynis Barber, 66 (pic: in BEAUTIFUL at Aldwych Theatre, 2015); Phil Daniels, 63 (pic: in @mrJamesGraham's THIS HOUSE at @NationalTheatre, 2013); Dominic Droomgoole, former artistic director of @The_Globe, now @ClassicSpringCo), 58; pic.twitter.com/igFGKbBqx3
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 25, 2021
Theatre Birthdays (OCT 26): Roger Allam, 68 (pic: in A NUMBER at @_bridgetheatre, 2020); @joanneclifton, 38 (pic: in THE ADDAMS FAMILY, at @RoyalNottingham frm Nov 5); Maurice Gran, screenwriter, 72; Seth MacFarlane, 48; Judith Mackrell, former dance critic for @guardianstage, 67 pic.twitter.com/ZHf3FJMHVw
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 26, 2021
Theatre Birthdays (OCTOBER 27): Peter Firth, 68 (pic: as the original Alan Strang in EQUUS on Broadway in 1974, opposite Anthony Hopkins); Fran Lebowitz, 71 (pic: with @BetteMidler) pic.twitter.com/Sy0uacgzHN
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 27, 2021
Theatre Birthdays (OCTOBER 28): Jane Alexander, 82; Mark Haddon, 59 (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time); Dame Cleo Laine, 94 (pic: album cover for COLETTE); Dame Joan Plowright, 92 (pic; in MRS WARREN'S PROFESSION at NT, 1985); Julia Roberts, 54; Matt Smith, 39 pic.twitter.com/cylUA2AzHu
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 28, 2021
Theatre birthdays (OCT 29): Richard Dreyfuss, 74 (pic: in COMPLICIT at @oldvictheatre, 2009); David Farr, 54 (former artistic director @LyricHammer); Michael Jayston, 86; Rufus Sewell, 54; Jack Shepherd, 81 (pic: in GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS at @NationalTheatre, 1983) pic.twitter.com/LzA5ez8g5k
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 29, 2021
Theatre birthdays (SUN OCT 31): Sanjeev Bhaskar @TVSanjeev, 58 (pic: as King Arthur in SPAMALOT in West End in 2008); MIchael Kitchen, 73; Stephen Rea, 75 (pic: in CYPRUS AVENUE at @royalcourt in 2016) pic.twitter.com/2hJ9CWpduv
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 31, 2021
AND FINALLY, SOME FAVOURITE (AND SOME DESPAIRING) TWEETS OF THE WEEK
Very true in life as well as on Twitter! https://t.co/RIe6X3hNPn
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 26, 2021
This is just beautiful. The true healing powers and joy of a musical. https://t.co/IsrGNHDz5R
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 26, 2021
Brilliant @guardian cartoon today. @BorisJohnson, by way of Seurat. pic.twitter.com/B8lCzXa8DK
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 27, 2021
What a sky! https://t.co/NfRNCWH94z
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 27, 2021
And people complain about premium pricing in theatre! £90.45 basically buys you the right to STAND in a remote part of the park for hours on end. https://t.co/O9xxjkpjTS
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 28, 2021
This ran in @PrivateEyeNews about me seven years ago!
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 29, 2021
Funny how, far from shaming ME, the shame belonged entirely to the SUNDAY EXPRESS….. pic.twitter.com/r6ZTB4jCMD
What an embarrassment! (So relieved I am no longer this paper’s theatre critic…..)(ps they don’t have one now, that’s how far it has sunk) https://t.co/zAMRzgG1Qv
— Mark Shenton ? (@ShentonStage) October 31, 2021