Features

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella

“Woe, Woe and Thrice Woe”

Political chaos is spreading its net into theatres.
Alive in Wonderland

Personal Responsibility or Community Responsibility As a Person?

As if theatres didn't have enough problems, Boris Johnson's Terminus Day could really be the end.
Come From Away

Favourite soundtracks from the musicals

What are your favourite show soundtracks? Philip Fisher opens the debate.
Sea Change

Not Drowning but Waving—Dancing in ‘Sea Change’

After a lengthy rehearsal period, a reviewer has the chance to dance in Sea Change—the opening ceremony of the 2021 Manchester International Festival.
Alan Cumming in The Scottish Play

Test and Superspreader Events

As Terminus Day approaches, we review the current state of play for the events industry.
Matt Hancock

Forget an Orwellian future, 1984 is here

The Government seems more concerned about PR than supporting the arts, threatening the futures of many theatres.
Deansgate, Manchester

A Dancer Dances: taking part in ‘Sea Change’

A reviewer switches from observer to participant and reports on the development of Sea Change—the opening ceremony of the 2021 Manchester International Festival.
Witness for the Prosecution

Four More Weeks of Pain?

Philip Fisher takes a hard look at the impact of the cancellation of Freedom Day and reports on four different approaches.
The Jack Studio Theatre

[Comm]unity is Strength

National news editor and London reviewer Sandra Giorgetti talks to Jack Studio Theatre artistic director Kate Bannister on the venue's reopening this week.
Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella

Could Andrew Lloyd Webber be swapping Cinderella for Midnight Express?

Lord Lloyd Webber has announced that he will open Cinderella on 25 June, even if that means breaking the law and a potential prison sentence.
The new front of the Octagon building

Back in a theatre... at last

David Chadderton gives an account of his first visit to a theatre in more than 14 months, that still wasn't certain the day before the performance.
Rufus Norris and Lisa Burger

National Theatre Together - Press Conference 4 June 2021

Philip Fisher reports on announcements from the National Theatre that promise an optimistic future.
Octagon Bolton

A Chain of Moral Dilemmas

Our editor's trip to Bolton has become mired in political controversy.
Am Dram: A Musical Comedy

Curve season launch

After 430 days, 'dark', Curve Theatre, Leicester has launched its new season at a special event.
Free Thinking

Theatre Criticism

Philip Fisher ponders the future of theatre criticism following a debate on Radio 3.
Phantom of the Opera

Three days to go

Philip Fisher looks forward to the reopening of theatres and wonders why Lord Lloyd Webber has been forced to remortgage his house.
National Theatre Pericles

Theatre’s New Normal

Is Boris Johnson's plan that theatres will open at 100% capacity from mid-June realistic?
Tron Theatre

Social distancing headaches

Philip Fisher reports on the latest position on social distancing in Scottish theatres and contrasts it with the stance of the UK government.
RSC Garden Theatre

Is Outdoors the New Indoors?

Philip Fisher takes a look at outdoor offerings for summer 2021 including some new venues.
Dame Helen Mirren in Phèdre

National Theatre at Home

Philip Fisher reviews the National Theatre's new online video library.