MickeyJoTheatre

This week, the West End welcomed CLARKSTON, a play written by American playwright Samuel D Hunter, to the Trafalgar Theatre. This production, directed by Jack Serio, stars Joe Locke, Ruaridh Mollica, and Sophie Melville in a story about contemporary working class Americans reflecting on the pioneer age. Check out this full review for Mickey-Jo's thoughts on the play, its themes and performances, a...

It has finally been announced that the BEETLEJUICE, the stage musical adaptation of the cult film, will transfer to the west end next year. The production will open at the Prince Edward Theatre in London in May 2026. Check out this theatre news recap for Mickey-Jo's full thoughts about this long awaited news, ideas about casting, and insight into why the run is limited... • 00:00 | introduction 02...

The final, full trailer has now been released for WICKED: For Good, the hugely anticipated second part of the long awaited film adaptation of WICKED. The musical, which opened on Broadway just over 20 years ago, has already been adapted last year with the first instalment of a two part film adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Join Mickey-Jo and fellow theatrical enthusiast (and hi...

This evening, Mickey-Jo saw a new production of Jason Robert Brown's THE LAST FIVE YEARS at Reading Rep Theatre in Berkshire. The new revival of the musical, which will go on to play at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester and Theatre Royal Bath, stars Martha Kirby and Guy Woolf. Check out Mickey-Jo's thoughts about this exciting new staging of the iconic show, and how it compared with the disappointin...

This season, the Tony Award winning star of stage and screen, Kristin Chenoweth is getting ready to return to Broadway in the new musical THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES. The actress, who is best known for having played the role of Glinda in the original Broadway production of WICKED, has however become the focus of controversy after sharing a comment in response to the death of rightwing political podcas...

Mickey-Jo recently shared some thoughts about a recent trend he had been noticing during curtain calls in the West End, and his comments proved polarising. By way of a fuller explanation, Mickey-Jo is sharing some expanded thoughts about applause at the theatre: when we do it, why we do it, and what his issue is. Share your thoughts about all things applause and curtain call in the comments! • 00:...

A new revival of Mel Brooks' hit musical comedy THE PRODUCERS has arrived in the West End. The production, which stars Andy Nyman and Marc Antolin, was first staged by Patrick Marber at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London before transferring to the Garrick Theatre. Check out Mickey-Jo's thoughts about the show, this new version of it, and whether it's really possible to creatively reinterpret a...

Mickey-Jo has been given the exciting opportunity to announce one of the cast members from the upcoming London Revival of INTO THE WOODS. The new production of the Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine musical, directed by Jordan Fein (Fiddler on the Roof) will play at the Bridge Theatre. Check out this exclusive first interview with the Katie Brayben (Tammy Faye, Beautiful, Girl From The North Countr...

This summer in London, one particular production dominated conversation among theatregoers, Evita at the London Palladium starring Rachel Zegler. But, alongside that heavyweight revival, were this summer's West End offerings a disappointment compared to the delights of last summer? Check out Mickey-Jo's thoughts around the trends as he compares the West End programming in Summer 2024 and 2025 and...

Last weekend, Mickey-Jo was at the opening night performance of HERE & NOW, a new musical featuring the songs of STEPS, at the Manchester Opera House. The show, which has been written by Shaun Kitchener, combines the iconic pop group's catalogue with an original story, and is embarking on a UK & Ireland Tour. Check out what Mickey-Jo thought of the show, its performances, and how it adapts...

After previously announcing it would close on October 19th, the Broadway revival of CABARET has now confirmed it will conclude its run almost a month earlier, on September 21st. This news comes amidst a decline in weekly grosses, the departure of current star Billy Porter, and reports of a lawsuit being brought against the show's producers by a disenfranchised investor. In this new video, Mickey-J...

Earlier this week, Mickey-Jo caught BORN WITH TEETH, a play by Liz Duffy Adams which brings the Elizabethan playwrights William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe into sizzling conversation. Starring Edward Bluemel and Ncuti Gatwa, the production, which is directed by Daniel Evans, recently opened at the Wyndham's Theatre in London. Check out this full review to find out whether Mickey-Jo enjoyed...

The hit Broadway comedy play, created by Cole Escola, went from a downtown success at the Lucille Lortel Theatre to a sold-out, Tony Award winning juggernaut that continues to be one of New York's hottest tickets. Much of its ongoing success, after the stellar original performance of Cole Escola, can be attributed to the show's brilliant casting of replacement stars, including Betty Gilpin, Tituss...

The musical HEATHERS, based on the 1988 cult film, announced yesterday that it would be launching a new US and UK Tour, as well as visiting Australia and New Zealand. The show, which is currently playing at New World Stages off-Broadway, will visit most of these theatres for the very first time as it reaches more fans around the globe. Check out this theatre news recap to find out what Mickey-Jo t...

The new musical WANTED (formerly titled Gun & Powder) is being sued by the actress Ciara Renée before it has even arrived on Broadway. Renée, who starred in the pre-Broadway production of the show at Paper Mill Playhouse, alleges that she has been recast for the upcoming transfer, while the p musical's producers allege that she failed to effectively collaborate and take direction during the de...

A few days ago, Mickey-Jo saw INTERVIEW at Riverside Studios, a new play based on the Dutch film. The production stars Robert Sean Leonard and Paten Hughes as a political journalist and an influencer turned actress. Check out this full review to find out what Mickey-Jo thought of the show... • 00:00 | introduction 01:49 | context / narrative 10:46 | themes / creative choices 17:54 | performances A...

After years of anticipation, the stage adaptation of Disney's THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME finally received its professional premiere, with a concert production at the Prince Edward Theatre in London. The production starred Ben Joyce and Oliver Hewing as Quasimodo, Christine Allado as Esmeralda, Zachary James as Frollo, Dex Lee as Phoebus, and Adam Strong as Clopin. Check out this full review for M...

The Netflix movie KPop Demon Hunters has recently become the streaming service's most successful of any genre, with multiple top 10 songs in the Billboard Hot 100 charts. With such unanticipated global success, Netflix are reportedly considering options for developing the film into a franchise, as well as the potential of a full stage musical. In today's video, Mickey-Jo is considering whether or...

The internationally acclaimed play EVERY BRILLIANT THING has finally arrived in the West Ens after more than a decade, and is playing a limited run from this summer at @sohoplace. The play, written by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe, recounts the many fantastic experiences which make life worth living in the face of demoralising mental health, and is performed with extensive participation from...

The Pulitzer Prize-winning play FAT HAM, by James Ijames, seen on Broadway in 2023, is making its UK Premiere at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon. The play, which reimagines Shakespeare’s Hamlet through a contemporary, queer, black cultural lens, is currently playing at the Swan Theatre. Check out what Mickey-Jo thought of Fat Ham, its writing, themes, and performances in this...

This week, the principal cast of Paddington the Musical was announced, with veteran West End stats joined by exciting newcomers. Amidst this announcement, there was one unanswered question, as the actor(s) who will portray Paddington Bear as well as the dedicated creative team bringing him to life are not going to be revealed until the show's first public performance... The brand new stage adaptat...

Last month, Mickey-Jo had the privilege of attending the gala performance of JUST FOR ONE DAY at the Shaftesbury Theatre in the West End, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Live Aid. Mickey-Jo first saw the show, which depicts the iconic simultaneous concerts in Wembley and Philadelphia, at the Old Vic Theatre where it premiered, whereupon he gave it a lukewarm review. He's thrilled to say...

It has been announced this week that THE MUPPETS are finally heading to Broadway. The newly announced production Rob Lake Magic With Special Guests The Muppets will play a limited run during the holiday season at the Broadhurst Theatre, and will feature the iconic characters alongside the acclaimed Illusionist. Check out today's theatre news recap to find out what Mickey-Jo thinks this could mean...

In the past few weeks, a concert production of Disney's THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, taking place at the Prince Edward Theatre in London, has come under fire for its casting of the title character. Journalists commentators and advocates from the disabled community have spoken out against the decision to cast an able bodied actor as one of two performers sharing the role of Quasimodo. In this theat...

The latest production of this summer's programming at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre is a long awaited revival of Lerner and Loewe's BRIGADOON. The new production of the show, in a new adaptation by Rona Munro, is directed by the venue's new artistic director Drew McOnie and stars Louis Gaunt and Danielle Fiamanya, as well as Georgina Onuorah, Cavan Clarke, and Nic Myers. Check out this new video...