The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
As part of my internship at the Donmar Warehouse, I get to see the first preview of every show with the rest of the staff. I've never read the Muriel Sparks novel this is based on, but I absolutely loved this play. Lia Williams is fantastic as Jean Brodie and the whole cast are really splendid.
Les Miserables
I ended up seeing Les Mis on Barricade Day (the anniversary of the June Rebellion of 1832 that the barricade bits of Les Mis are based on) with Rhiannon and Bee and we had the best time. Unfortunately, Killian Donnelly was out but this past company was absolutely incredible. I think I may write an entire post soon about how my love for Les Mis has evolved as I've grown older.
Journey's End (RADA) - Review
Because Rhiannon goes to RADA, I tend to go along to see their shows and I was blown away by Journey's End. It's a classic WWI play (my fave!), but they set it in the modern era which made the casting of women in traditionally male roles feel more natural. It was honestly within the top 3 things I saw this month, easily.
My Name is Lucy Barton - BWW UK Review
I've wanted to see Laura Linney in something for years as she's basically a Broadway legend, so it was amazing to see her in this moving one-woman piece at the Bridge Theatre. The play, while emotionally exhausting, was a great showcase for Linney's talent.
Julie - Review
Despite the clumsiness of the modernisation, I loved Julie at the National Theatre. Vanessa Kirby is an incredibly talented actress and she commands complete attention the entire time she's on the stage while giving real depth to the spoiled rich girl she's portraying. The design of the show by Tom Scutt makes it worth seeing as well.
3 Winters (RADA) - Review
I wasn't as impressed with 3 Winters as I was with the other two RADA shows that I saw in their early summer season, but it was an interesting tale of three generations in Croatia. I certainly learned a lot about the politics of a country I previously knew nothing about.
Machinal - BWW UK Review
I wasn't a fan of Machinal at the Almeida despite how fascinating the true events its based on are. I felt that in making the period ambiguous, they lost a lot of the punchiness of the show and somehow lost its relevance as well.
It's Only Life - Review
I had never seen a song cycle show before and this charming one about love, loss, and hope completely warmed my heart. The cast were so talented and I loved the design. It was also a bit exciting for me because it was the first thing I was given a press ticket to for my own blog!
Heathers - Review, Video
If you follow me on social media, you may already know that I've fallen completely head over heels for this darkly funny show which is full of absolute bops. The entire cast (from my ultimate fave Carrie Hope Fletcher to Jamie Muscato to the whole ensemble) are absolutely incredible. Can we get a cast album soon, please?
Kinky Boots
I returned to Kinky Boots for my seventh (!!!) time to see the latest cast as I'd interviewed all three of the leads for BroadwayWorld UK. Kinky Boots never gets less exciting for me. Every time I see it, I leave feeling so upbeat and renewed.
The Rink
I got to see the last performance of The Rink at Southwark Playhouse with my friend Julie and we were both so impressed. Caroline O'Connor is surely one of the most impressive actresses out there and I was shocked by how much I adored this show about a mother and daughter and a skating rink. The dancing was particularly amazing. I'm really hoping they bring this show back to Broadway because I would love to see it have a longer life.
The Tempest - BWW UK Review
This production of The Tempest is a promenade production at St Paul's Church in Covent Garden going between three outdoor locations and the church itself. However, it's otherwise fairly bland particularly after having watched the filmed version of the Donmar's The Tempest, set inside a women's prison.
Fun Home - Review Coming Soon
I'm actually seeing this today, so review pending! But I've heard fantastic things about this production and I was sad to have missed the show on Broadway, so I can't wait.
For King and Country - Review Coming Soon
I actually haven't seen this yet at the time of posting either, but I'm seeing it on the last day of June. It's a World War I court room drama at the Southwark Playhouse so I'm sure I'm going to love it. Keep an eye out for my review coming soon!