Author Archives: Playhouse Pickings

A greatest hits package showcasing the unique talent of a boy from Pinner who could knock out a decent tune! When Reg Dwight first took the stage as a teenage keyboardist with Bluesology few could have imagined what lay ahead. But a sliding doors moment arrived when he placed an advert for a songwriting partner.Continue reading “Review – 4**** The Rocket Man: A Tribute to Sir Elton John – Adelphi Theatre”

A rousing tribute to one of rock music’s greatest showmen and a sharp reminder of how a great band should sound. The decline of modern pop music will force many to look back to a time when vinyl was king. When the highlight of the week was the chart countdown on Sunday evenings. Queen wereContinue reading “Review – 4**** Radio Gaga – Adelphi Theatre”

A spurned wife and a ruthless journalist cross swords when a marriage crumbles in the glare of public scrutiny. One of the most enduring images of the 1990s was Princes William and Harry walking behind the coffin of their mother Diana, Princess of Wales. Two young boys crushed by duty and destined to grieve inContinue reading “Review – 3*** The Interview – Park Theatre 200”

The Scottish play feels fresher than ever, standing loud and proud in a most perfect setting on the Thames. There are roughly 400 productions each year of plays attributed to William Shakespeare. The universal themes of love, power and ambition are as relevant today as they were when first written. But few productions can offerContinue reading “Review – 4**** Macbeth – Shakespeare’s Globe”

A magical combination of classic songs and mind blowingly talented performers leaves theatre goers begging for more. Perfection is a rare commodity but there are times when the right ingredients come together and create a flawless work of art. The Temptations were the greatest vocal group of all time. With their close harmonies they turnedContinue reading “Review – 5***** Ain’t Too Proud – Prince Edward Theatre”

A new musical hits these shores and benefits from an impossibly talented cast that quickly get to grips with a tale of justice and revenge. It’s rare that a musical is based on a series of comic books. However, Death Note breaks largely new ground and comes from the Japanese manga (‘cartoon’) created by TsugumiContinue reading “Review – 4**** Death Note – London Palladium”

Fantastic staging pays tribute to the genius of Queen and some of the finest songs ever committed to record. Jukebox musicals have a natural simplicity as the greatest hits of an artist are cherry picked for maximum effect. The songs of Queen have a theatrical quality about them and fit the genre especially well. TheContinue reading “Review – 4**** We Will Rock You – London Coliseum  “

A brilliant exposition of the toughest job in English football, and the psyche of a nation that learnt to love its national team once again. Where the England football team are concerned people fall into three distinct groups – the committed fans, casual supporters and those who genuinely have no interest in the game. TheseContinue reading “Review – 5***** Dear England – National Theatre”

A remarkable period in British social history is vividly captured by a sharp and evocative production. Almost a hundred years have passed since the General Strike of 1926. There are few if any living memories of nine historic days in May. It might be confined to the history books and flickering sepia images. Yet inContinue reading “Review – 4**** When Winston Went to War with the Wireless – Donmar Warehouse”