Musical theatre fans are in for a treat this month as West End leading lady Sophie Isaacs (Six, Heathers, Kinky Boots) prepares to headline SingFest, a spectacular singalong concert taking place on 15 February at the iconic Cadogan Hall. The event promises a night of high-energy performances and community spirit, all while raising vital funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity and the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Isaacs will be joined by an impressive roster of West End talent, including friends and former castmates from the original London productions of Heathers and Kinky Boots. The guest list features: Carrie Hope…
Author: The Reviews Hub
The Reviews Hub
The Reviews Hub was set up in 2007. Our mission is to provide the most in-depth, nationwide arts coverage online.
Exciting casting news has been announced for the upcoming UK revival of the cult classic musical Little Shop of Horrors. Directed and choreographed by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, this highly anticipated production is set to open at Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester before transferring to the Liverpool Playhouse for the festive season. The production will feature two different leading ladies taking on the iconic role of Audrey across the run – Maisie Smith will star as Audrey during the Manchester season, running from 25 September to 29 November 2026 and Jessie Elland will step into the role for the Liverpool engagement, running…
In a significant boost for the UK theatre landscape, Papatango has announced a revitalised and expanded format for its prestigious New Writing Prize. The changes come as a direct response to the shrinking number of opportunities available to emerging writers in the current climate. Despite receiving no funding from Arts Council England, Papatango is doubling down on its commitment to new talent. The redevelopment of the Prize is designed to counter the trend of declining productions for new plays, which the company notes have dropped by 30 per cent since 2019. Artistic Director George Turvey and Executive Producer Chris Foxon…
Cameron Mackintosh, in association with Michael Harrison, has announced that Miss Saigon will return to the West End for a strictly limited eight-month season at the Prince Edward Theatre, opening in May 2027. The engagement marks more than a decade since the musical was last seen in London and brings the production back to the same theatre where it previously enjoyed success. The announcement follows the continued success of the new production’s sell-out UK and Ireland tour, now booking through to August 2026, with additional return dates in Manchester and Birmingham added due to strong demand. Commenting on the show’s…
The hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie will return to theatres across the UK with a special 10th anniversary tour, marking a decade since the show first premiered at the Sheffield Crucible. The new tour will open at Leeds Grand Theatre from 15 to 23 January 2027, before visiting venues nationwide. To celebrate the milestone, the production will feature a brand-new song written by composer Dan Gillespie Sells and writer Tom MacRae. Confirmed dates on the tour include Storyhouse, Chester (26–30 January), Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury (2–6 February), Sunderland Empire (9–13 February) and Festival Theatre, Edinburgh (16–20 February), with further stops…
The showbiz autobiography genre is now so ubiquitous that we know what to expect: a heavily edited version of events, often ghost-written. If you want to really know that celebrity, the truth won’t be found in their book. The preservation of image, and ego, forbids it. Scottish actor Scott Kyle’s autobiography goes well and truly against the grain. It’s Not Where You Start begins not with triumph, but with the rug being well and truly pulled out from beneath him. Fresh off an award-winning run of Des Dillon’s play Singin’ I’m No A Billy He’s a Tim, the playwright pulls…
Travelling to New York or overseas to take in marvellous theatrical productions is an exquisite idea. It lets you witness some of the best plays that have ever been made, though you must remember some key theatre etiquette principles when travelling to see these performances. The chances are you’ve just arrived from a plane or train and want to go straight to the theatre – before you do this, make sure you read through this list of things to avoid doing or risk getting thrown out. Don’t Bring Your Travel Luggage With You Some people plan their trips so they…
In this compelling piece, Katharina Reinthaller, Co-Director of Voila! Europe Theatre Festival, explores the profound emotional and political power of performing in one’s native language. She reflects on how reclaiming linguistic identity on stage can restore visibility, dignity, and a sense of belonging for artists who often feel sidelined in an English-centric arts world. Her insights offer a passionate call to honour multilingual voices and the rich cultural perspectives they bring to the theatre. Servus. Hello. Buenas. Salut! سلام These are the languages I speak, in order of fluency. Starting with German, or more particularly ‘Wienerisch’ (Viennese), my mother tongue,…