A remarkable true story birthed this modest Canadian musical, which went on to storm Broadway in 2017, and now makes it West End debut at a time when its heartfelt message seems more necessary than ever. In these murky, cynical times, Irene Sankoff and David Hein’s show feels like coming up for air.
Read my full BroadwayWorld review here
In a programme interview, Patricia Resnick – writer of both the original 1980 film and this 2008 musical adaptation – notes that Jane Fonda wanted to convey a political message about workplace sexism, but realised couching it in comedy would make it more palatable. Like composer Dolly Parton herself, who appears on video to top and tail the stage show, it’s a considered combination of sugar and steel.
This year’s unofficial Arthur Miller season – following The Price and ahead of All My Sons at the Old Vic and Death of a Salesman at the Young Vic – now turns to his 1980 work, The American Clock, inspired in part by Miller’s own memories of the 1929 Wall Street Crash and subsequent Great Depression. It’s also based on Studs Terkel’s oral history Hard Times, and the combination is an uneasy one: a Miller-esque American family used as microcosm, but also constant diversions to other people and places in a sprawling three hours.
Strictly Come Dancing fans went into mourning today following news that popular professional dancer Pasha Kovalev is leaving the BBC show. As his statement attests, Kovalev had an incredibly successful eight years, notching up 93 perfect 10s from the judges, reaching four finals, and triumphing in 2014 with Caroline Flack.
Fasten your seatbelts! Ivo van Hove has taken on the ultimate quotable backstage melodrama: Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s 1950 Oscar-winning film about a celebrated actress and her young wannabe assistant. And the modern star power is assured: Gillian Anderson succeeds Bette Davis, while Lily James follows in the scheming footsteps of Anne Baxter.
The actress discusses Anne Washburn’s new Trump-era play Shipwreck at the Almeida.
Jamie Lloyd’s outstanding season of Pinter shorts – chock-full of mini revelations, innovative stagings, and a thrilling range of work from both actors and creatives – finishes on a high note with this thoroughly entertaining pair.
BroadwayWorld reviewers share their suggestions for romantic dates or a fun night out.
West End favourite Jenna Russell made a surprisingly belated solo concert debut at Leicester Square Theatre, but, judging by this entirely winning performance, she’s a natural.
The actress discusses channelling Dolly Parton in 9 to 5 the Musical.
