Thriller Live, Lyric Theatre - ★★★★ - Until April 26, 2020


For over ten years this is a show that has been providing electrifying entertainment. It is a retrospective of the music that defined a generation. Michael Jackson has become a controversial figure but his music and choreography still amazes and delights. From the early years with The Jackson Five and the catchy tunes of "ABC" and "Blame It On The Boogie" to the experiences that were "Bad" and "Thriller" the vocals and dancing still captivate an audience. These works are performed by probably the hardest working cast in the West End. The energy is nothing short of spellbinding. All of the cast brought themselves totally to this evening, but for us the stand-outs were Vivienne Ekwulugo who has a beautiful voice and a presence that brings amazing depth to MJ's stylings. And then there is Florivaldo Mossi's rendition of "Billie Jean" who's incredible Moonwalk sequences were just amazing! "They Don't Care About Us" and "Earth Song" reminded us that there was also a socially relevant side to Jackson's music that still resonates with a lot of what is going on today. All this is done with some lightning fast costume changes and a great lighting design. The audience participation here was real and not forced. Everyone wanted to share the experience and everyone leaves this show with a smile on their face.

Reviewed by J.C.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆ 

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WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until April 26, 2020
Tue - Fri: 7:30 pm
Sat: 4 pm & 8 pm
Sun: 3:30 pm & & 7:30 pm
Lyric Theatre
Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus
https://thrillerlive.com/west-end/
Map & Location: 29 Shaftesbury Ave, Soho, London W1D 7ES, UK

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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: ☆☆☆☆☆

WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE: Wed - Sun: 10 am - 5 pm (last entry at 4:30 pm) Closed: Dec 24, 25, 26, 31 & Jan 1
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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The Time Machine, The London Library - ★★★★ - Until April 5, 2020

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Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk, Victoria & Albert Museum - ★★★★ - Until June 21, 2020

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On Blueberry Hill, Trafalgar Studios - ★★★★★ - Until May 2, 2020

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Martha, Josie and the Chinese Elvis, Park Theatre - ★★★★★ - Until January 4, 2020

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The title says it all. You know you're in for a lot of fun and this play lives up to its billing. What do you give to your dominatrix when she turns forty? It's a question we've all asked ourselves, and what we get here is an amusing and provocative answer. This is a piece that looks at and laughs at role playing, how it can liberate us and how it can trap us. Everyone from Chinese Elvis to dominatrix, Josie, has an alter ego that either supports them or constrains them. Coming to terms with the authentic self and enjoying the possibility of playing with the notion of other selves is both the challenge and the solution. This is a very funny play with a lot of heart and wisdom that is beautifully performed by a cast which never misses a beat. Sioned Jones is quite wonderful as the obsessive compulsive cleaner who grows into a new persona and Andrew P. Stephen is delightful as the dry cleaner who accepts his complexity. Kellie Batchelor is completely believable as the age-c…
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The British Theatre Challenge 2019, Brockley Jack Theatre - ★★★★ - Until October 5, 2019

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The British Theatre Challenge produced by Sky Blue Theatre is a world-wide contest for new playwrights. The competition accepts entries of short, unpublished plays by young writers, and from the hundreds of submissions, five are selected. These are then presented for review by an audience who rank their favourites. This is a delightful evening in the theatre offering a chance to see five fresh, original works. This year's productions were the amusing and topical Antisocial Media by Julie Barnett, the thought-provoking For Abby by Holli Harms, the clever and innovative Cougar by Michael Fenlason, the dark metaphor of Trick or Treat by Ron Asher, and the humorous and socially conscious Fabio the Great by Elspeth Tilley. All of the plays were well worth producing, and the variety and ingenuity of the writers provide for a thoroughly enjoyable evening in the theatre. We won't tell you how we voted. Go and support these emerging artists and make up your own mind!

Reviewed by J.C.

 Ou…
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Opera Undone: Tosca & La bohème, Trafalgar Studios - ★★★★ - Until March 7, 2020

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