Man of La Mancha, London Coliseum - ★★★★ - Until June 8, 2019


I have to confess that Man of La Mancha is a personal favourite - an imaginative musical reworking of Don Quixote. However, the show for me works far better in a much smaller venue than the vast London Coliseum. Nevertheless with a large cast and superb orchestra it certainly tried to fill the space. The direction by Lonny Price was straight-forward and effective. However, I hated the dreadful set; what on earth was happening on that back wall? A windmill projection unworthy of even a village hall said it all for me. The big draw is Kelsey Grammer as Cervantes/Don Quixote. He delivers the dialogue very well, but is less assured when singing. I also felt that his frequently static performance didn't command the stage as it should. Nevertheless, his final scenes were tremendously effective. Not unsurprisingly the incomparable "Impossible Dream" brought down the house. For me, the real star was Danielle de Niese as the trollop, Aldonza, who is, in Quixote's imagination, the epitome of purity. She sang magnificently and hurled herself fearlessly into this most physical of roles. Peter Polycarpou and Nicholas Lyndhurst offer excellent support. Overall a worthy, but flawed attempt to revive a classic.

Reviewed by D.S.J.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆ 

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WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until June 8, 2019
Mon - Sat: 7:30 pm, Wed & Sat: 2:30 pm
London Coliseum
Nearest tube: Covent Garden
https://www.eno.org/whats-on/man-of-la-mancha
Map & Location: St Martin's Ln, Charing Cross, London WC2N 4ES, UK

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Sir John Soane's Museum Guided Tour - FREE - ★★★★★

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This is one of our favourite museums in London. The quirky and crammed home of John Soane, architect of the Bank of England. It has some wonderful treasures, including Hogarth's "The Election" and "The Rake's Progress." The sarcophagus of Seti I is in the basement along with the parlour of his imaginary friend, Brother John. Don't miss the opening of the display walls in the gallery now done on the hour and half hour. Also, try to be there for the free Private Apartments tour, limited to 8 people and requiring  sign up on site.
Reviewed by J.C.

 Our Score: ☆☆☆☆☆

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Private Apartments Tours: 1:15 pm & 2:00 pm Sir John Soane's museum, Lincoln's Inn Fields Nearest tube: Holborn https://www.soane.org
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Afterglow, Southwark Playhouse - ★★★★★ - Until July 20, 2019

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Reviewed by J.C.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆☆ 

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WHEN, WHERE, GETTING TH…
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