Red Bus Book Lover

Very amusing night at Mamma Mia the party - lots of hen nights and family groups having a very rousing time dancing away to ABBA. Very smooth moves from some of the waiters!

Davros, in particular, was formidable and really quite scary! It was also terrifying to run away from Cyberman and be face-to-face with a Dalek. A great evening for Dr Who fans, maybe not for those who are not so keen. Bring money for a drink in the bar with live alien entertainment.

How would we resist ya?

Small Island at the National Theatre was an absolutely incredible performance. Cleverly cast, confidently acted and with amazing set and scenery. So important to remember how hard and how unfair things were for the Windrush generation.

Wow! Wow! This musical about Mandela seems like it will be an Autumn must-see. Soooo grateful I got to hear him speak when his statue was unveiled in Westminster.

For someone brought up on Irish music, Seven Drunken Nights was a real treat. It was also interesting when think about debates around audience etiquette in recent days.  Ged Graham skilfully worked with the audience so it was obvious when singing along was appropriate and when it was not. As a result, a good time was had by all with everyone's needs met.

A stimulating, thought-provoking, touching and stunningly performed afternoon of theatre. I was challenged, amused, shocked and entertained. Black Love is an exciting piece of theatre in an unusual format.

I have a lot of sympathy with Liz Carr's view about offering facemask-only performances. While I am back going to the theatre, I know there are people who are staying away as they are less confident health-wise. In the same way there are signed, audio-described and relaxed performances, mask-only performances might enable a missing minority to attend theatre again.

Tickets on sale from Thursday at https://www.cuffeandtaylor.com/

A winner in my eyes! I haven't seen Cabaret so I am sure the actual Olivier winner was also very worthy, but I will definitely vouch for Victoria Hamilton-Barritt who is the wickedest of wicked stepmothers in Andrew Lloyd Webber's new version of Cinderella.

Congratulations to the Bush Theatre on their Olivier award. A reminder of what wonderful work goes on outside the West End. (And that Shepherd's Bush isn't just about the Westfield centre!)

Well done to all.

Interesting to see the hole in the O2 from the inside - is getting much smaller and looks more controlled than when Storm Eunice first did its worst.

Have just (very belatedly) come across the West End Wilma awards.  What an excellent idea - something to celebrate and acknowledge those that sometimes get ignored such as understudies and rising stars.  I see the public can now nominate and my mind is whirring about who or what I might suggest?

I had a great time at all three shows.   Pride And Prejudice* (*Sort Of) was perhaps the one I found most exceptional.  It would be very bittersweet if they win given their run was sadly cut short due to Covid.  It is tough out there for performers, producers and theatres.

Thinking back with my husband about a very compelling afternoon of theatre we had at the Playground - Shroud was hard hitting, powerfully acted and left us with plenty to think and talk about.  Still thinking about it two months later! 

Black Love therefore has big shoes to fill, but I am full of hope that it will do just that!