MickeyJoTheatre
Mickey-Jo from MickeyJoTheatre reviews the latest shows from the West End, Broadway, and other global theatre scenes. As a leading voice in theatre criticism on social media, he pioneers a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel is the largest worldwide for dedicated theatre criticism, featuring reviews, news, interviews, and lifestyle content for over 95,000 subscribers.
Episodes
was Mickey-Jo wrong about INTO THE WOODS? | Mickey-Jo's new review of the musical revival's West End transfer
This week, Mickey-Jo headed back Into the Woods, this time to see the Bridge Theatre revival's production in its new home, transferred to the Noel Coward Theatre in the West End. This production of the Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine written musical, directed by Jordan Fein, stars Kate Fleetwood, Gracie McGonigal, Laura Pitt-Pulford, John Dagleish, Simbi Akande, Keith Ramsay, and more in a d
INTO THE WOODS cast on opening night | interviews with the stars of the West End Revival
After INTO THE WOODS opened at the Noel Coward Theatre, Mickey-Jo had the chance to visit the show's opening night party and interview the revival's company. Find out what Kate Fleetwood, Laura Pitt-Pulford, John Dagleish, and more had to say about their time in the production so far.sign up to Mickey-Jo's weekly substack newsletter: www.mickeyjotheatre.substack.comAbout Mickey-Jo:As o
RENT (Tom Stoppard Theatre, West End) - ★★★★★ REVIEW
A new production of Jonathan Larson's Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning musical RENT has just opened at the Tom Stoppard Theatre in the West End. The musical stars Gaten Matarazzo alongside Travis Ross, Alexa Lopez, Jeevan Braich, Danielle Fiamanya, Billy Nevers, Lazy Violet, Joaquin Pedro Valdes, and more. 30 years on from the landmark original production in New York, find out why Mickey-
As You Like It starring Jonathan Groff (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) - ★★★★ REVIEW
Earlier this week, the hotly anticipated new production of William Shakespeare’s AS YOU LIKE IT opened at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford upon Avon. The comedy stars Tony Award winning Broadway actor Jonathan Groff as Rosalind in an all-male production directed by Daniel Evans. Check out the full review to find out what Mickey-Jo thought of this production's concept, performances, a
is it gonna be a good year for Broadway? | early thoughts on the forthcoming season of new shows
The 2026-2027 Broadway season has officially commenced and is set to bring numerous exciting productions of plays and musicals. The new and revived shows include the likes of Paddington the Musical, Evita, Inter Alia, Paranormal Activity, Dolly, Damn Yankees, Other Desert Cities, A Few Good Men, The Sound of Music, Much Ado about Nothing, and more. Before Mickey-Jo has seen any of this season'
why actors can't always be perfect | Mickey-Jo's honest thoughts on the expectations of stage performances
Inspired by some recent social media discourse, Mickey-Jo has been thinking about whether audience members have the right to expect perfection from stage performers. Recent performances have come under intense scrutiny due to the propagation of bootleg recordings, but the truth is that onstage mishaps and mistakes are nothing new. From Angela Lansbury in Sweeney Todd to Billy Porter in Cabaret, Mi
Are London's latest plays worth seeing? REVIEWS of The Standard of Living and Hay Fever
Among the plays Mickey-Jo saw this week were the latest from James Graham: "The Standard of Living" at Theatre Royal Haymarket and a new revival of Noel Coward's "Hay Fever" at the Wyndham's Theatre. Find out what Mickey-Jo thought of each of these productions, including their creative choices, material, and performances... sign up to Mickey-Jo's weekly substack new
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? starring Gillian Anderson and Billy Crudup (@sohoplace, West End) - ★★★★★ REVIEW
Last night, Mickey-Jo saw a new production of one of his favourite plays: Edward Albee's WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? This new London production at @SohoPlace stars Gillian Anderson and Billy Crudup aa feuding spouses Martha and George and has already sold out the duration of its limited run. Find out whether this production lived up to Mickey-Jo's expectations and what these centra
Mickey-Jo saw the first preview of RENT... | everything you need to know about the West End musical revival
The hugely anticipated West End revival of the Pulitzer Prize winning musical RENT opened last weekend at the Tom Stoppard Theatre in London. The production stands to be the biggest major revival of the show since it was originally staged. The cast includes Gaten Matarazzo as Mark, Travis Ross as Roger, Alexa Lopez as Mimi, Billy Nevers as Collins, Lazy Violet as Maureen, Olivier Award nominee Dan
Mickey-Jo met the original West End GLINDA! | a chat with Helen Dallimore for WICKED's London Anniversary INTERVIEW
Ahead of WICKED's 20th anniversary celebrations this weekend in London, Mickey-Jo met the West End production's very first Glinda - Helen Dallimore. Having seen Helen and Idina lead the show, which was the first West End musical Mickey-Jo ever saw, it was hugely special to ask her about her memories of the audition process, rehearsals and opening night performance. Mickey-Jo also spoke wit
The Last Ship starring Sting (Theatre Royal Drury Lane, West End) - ★★★ REVIEW
Having been heavily revised since it first premiered more than a decade ago, the musical THE LAST SHIP is back in an international tour that has just reached London. The show, which features a score from recording artist Sting, who also appears in the production, is currently playing a brief run at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in the West End after travelling to the Netherlands, New York and Australia
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (UK Tour) - ★★★ REVIEW
This week Mickey-Jo headed to Woking Theatre to see the new production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. This revival of the play, adapted by Simon Stephens from the acclaimed book by Mark Haddon, began at the Birmingham Rep ahead of a UK Tour. Find out what Mickey-Jo thought of the new production including the different design and the choice to gender-swap the central characte
Jane Eyre (Southwark Playhouse Elephant, London) - ★★★★ REVIEW
More than two decades after its short-lived original Broadway run, the musical adaptation of JANE EYRE has finally received its UK professional premiere. Starring Charlie Burn and Ashley Gilmour, the production is running for a limited time at Southwark Playhouse Elephant and is co-directed by John Caird and Megan McGinnis. Check out what Mickey-Jo's thoughts of the newly intimate staging, the
the best (and worst) musicals by popstars | ranking original theatre scores from recording artists
Over the past 25 years, more and more original scores for stage musicals have been written by recording artists turned first time composers.From Sir Elton John and Dolly Parton to Hadestown and Spring Awakening, find out which Mickey-Jo thinks are the best (and worst) popstar penned original scores...check out Mickey-Jo's weekly substack newsletter:www.mickeyjotheatre.substack.com•00:00 | introduc
Q&A with the cast of the JANE EYRE Musical | post performance chat at Southwark Playhouse Elephant
The stage musical adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre premiered on Broadway more than 25 years ago, and has finally received its UK professional premiere.The show is playing at Southwark Playhouse Elephant, under the co-direction of John Caird and Megan McGinnis, with Charlie Burn starring as Jane alongside Ashley Gilmour as Rochester.On Thursday 17th September, Mickey-Jo joined producer Ad
who will star in NANNY MCPHEE? | thoughts on the upcoming West End musical adaptation of the film
It has been announced that a musical based on the NANNY MCPHEE films is coming to the West End next year.A world-class creative team has been assembled to bring Nanny McPhee to the stage including book by Academy Award®, BAFTA, Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor and writer Emma Thompson (who won an Academy Award® for Best Adapted Screenplay for Sense and Sensibility), music by singer-songwr
Thelma & Louise (Young Vic Theatre, London) - ★★★★ REVIEW
One of London's latest theatrical openings is a new musical adaptation of the Award-winning 1991 film THELMA & LOUISE.Playing at the Young Vic, the world premiere production stars Amy Lennox and Rachel Tucker in the leading roles.In this full review, find out what Mickey-Jo enjoyed about the show, how a road movie is realised onstage, and whether you should check it out for yourself...check ou
why a great show is closing on Broadway | thoughts on Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
In what is beginning to feel like a Broadway bloodbath, another musical has announced that it will soon be closing - the Tony-nominated original Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York).The show, previously seen in London at the Criterion Theatre, will have run for a year of performances at the Longacre Theatre in New York and is soon to be soon around the US on its first National Tour.With co
Were these plays brilliant or boring? LONDON THEATRE REVIEW ROUNDUP (Bloodsport, Electra / Persona, Man To Man, For Colored Girls)
Over the last week or so, Mickey-Jo has seen a handful of different plays at four different theatres across London. They were:• Electra / Persona at the National Theatre• for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf at the Yard Theatre• Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy at Stratford East• Man To Man at the Royal CourtToday Mickey-Jo is sharing his reviews of each of them,
Mickey-Jo met the stars of THELMA & LOUISE | a chat with musical's leading ladies Amy Lennox & Rachel Tucker - INTERVIEW
Ahead of its opening night, Mickey-Jo had the chance to sit down with the two leading ladies of the new musical adaptation of the award winning film, THELMA AND LOUISE.Amy Lennox (Cabaret, Kinky Boots) and Rachel Tucker (Wicked, Come From Away) are both established stage stars who have brought powerful performances to the stage and are no strangers to developing material.Check out what they had to
why SUNDAY IN THE PARK got cancelled | the real reasons why the revival at the Barbican is postponed
The much-talked about upcoming West End revival of SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE has officially been postponed and will not run next summer at the Barbican.The musical, written by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, was set to star Wicked movie alums Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey, who have both departed the production this Summer as ticket sales have been delayed.Find out why the show's Barbic
why & JULIET is closing on Broadway | why the jukebox musical is ending and thoughts on its legacy
Yet another Broadway show has announced it will close in the first week of 2027, and this time it's the long running jukebox musical, & JULIET.The show, which expands on Shakespeare's most famous romantic tragedy with the songbook of Max Martin, has been playing at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre in New York since late 2022.Here are Mickey-Jo's thoughts on why the show will end, as well as why th
Kimberly Akimbo (Hampstead Theatre, London) - ★★★★★ REVIEW
The musical KIMBERLY AKIMBO is making its UK Premiere at the Hampstead Theatre in London, starring Maria Friedman.The show, written by David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori, was previously seen on Broadway where it won awards including the Tony for Best New Musical.Find out what Mickey-Jo thought of the show which he saw thrice across the Atlantic, and how he felt about the creative choices of t
Burlesque (UK Tour) - ★★ REVIEW
After missing out on the chance to see it during its since cancelled run in Woking, Mickey-Jo headed to Cardiff earlier this week to watch the new UK Touring production of Burlesque.The musical adaptation, seen previously under different creative teams in Manchester and London, is based on the film of the same name starring Christina Aguilera and Cher.Amidst alleged backstage chaos, here are Micke
why is BEETLEJUICE closing in London?! | thoughts on the West End musical's box office challenges
The fan favourite musical BEETLEJUICE, which has haunted three Broadway houses finally made its way to the West End earlier this year, but will close earlier than planned.The musical adaptation of the classic film announced today that it will conclude its run at the Prince Edward Theatre in London in January 2027.Find out why the show is coming to an end and how this ties in to its international p
Oh, Mary! starring Jinkx Monsoon (Trafalgar Theatre, West End) - REVIEW
Jinkx Monsoon is the latest star of the West End production of Oh, Mary! The hit comedy play written by Cole Escola continues to run at the Trafalgar Theatre.Jinkx makes her West End debut in the show, which opened last year starring Mason Alexander Park, and won an Olivier Award for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play.After last week's gala night performance, here are Mickey-Jo's thoughts about Jin
why Jonathan Bailey has left SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE | thoughts on the revival's future
Following the recent news that Ariana Grande will not appear in next year's London revival of SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, it has been announced that Jonathan Bailey will also depart the production.Find out more about the potential reasons behind this decision, as well as its implications for the upcoming revival and whether it will still go ahead...sign up to Mickey-Jo's weekly substack newsle
Angels in America (Edinburgh International Festival) - REVIEW
In the midst of seeing 50+ shows in a week at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Mickey-Jo saw exactly one production from the Edinburgh International Festival - Angels in America.This condensed, single play version of the two part epic from Tony Kushner has been directed by Ivo Van Hove and is a remounting of an earlier run in Amsterdam.Find out what Mickey-Jo thought of this adaptation, these creati
Why is SIX closing on Broadway? Thoughts on the hit musical coming to an end in New York
It was announced earlier today that the Broadway production of SIX, currently playing at the Lena Horne Theatre, would end its run at the beginning of 2027.The musical, which began performances in 2020, but was unable to celebrate its official opening night until New York's theatres reopened in late 2021, is in its sixth year and has become a global phenomenon alongside its Broadway and West End s
Mickey-Jo met the cast of THE COMEDY ABOUT SPIES - Mischief Theatre stars on spy skills and onstage laughs
The Comedy About Spies, the hilarious show from Mischief Theatre is back in the West End for a limited run at the Adelphi Theatre.Mischief Theatre are the maniacal, award-winning minds behind The Play That Goes Wrong as well as The Comedy about a Bank Robbery, Peter Pan Goes Wrong, and many more.Find out which of their co-stars makes them laugh the most onstage, what we can expect from their zany
Mickey-Jo’s favourite HADESTOWN performances: thoughts on the West End, Broadway and international casts
With the proshot recording of HADESTOWN having recently been released in cinemas to tremendous success, theatre fans are once again talking about the Tony Award winning musical.Today, Mickey-Jo is sharing his thoughts on the most impactful performances I've seen in the show, between the West End, Broadway and international productions. Hear what Mickey-Jo has to say about alumni including Jac
Death Note: The Musical (Barbican Theatre, London) - ★★ REVIEW
After a semi staged concert presentation in 2023, DEATH NOTE the musical is back in London with a fully staged production at the Barbican Centre.Based on the hugely popular manga and anime, the musical stars Xander Pang as Light Yagami, Colin Ryan as L, Stephanie Zaharis as Misa Amane, Telly Leung as Ryuk, and Grace Mouat as Rem.Find out what Mickey-Jo thought of the narrative, score, staging, and
could WICKED close on Broadway? | thoughts on the musical's recent box office downturn and future
When a Broadway show becomes a long-runner, its lifetime spanning multiple decades, it's hard to imagine that it could ever close.However, recent grosses for the musical Wicked seem to suggest that the show, which was recently adapted for screen, has been slowing down at the box office, with some of its lowest weekly earnings in years.Today, Mickey-Jo is posing the question "what would it take for
Game of Thrones: The Mad King (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) - ★★★★ REVIEW
A brand new stage play based on the "A Song of Ice and Fire" stories by George RR Martin has opened at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford upon Avon.The hotly anticipated play, titled Game of Thrones: The Mad King, is adapted by Duncan Macmillan and directed by Dominic Cooke, and is an immediate prequel to "A Game of Thrones".Find out what Mickey-Jo thought of the story, the performances of
Cats (Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, London) - ★★★★ REVIEW
A new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS opened last night at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, in London.This new, outdoor production is directed and choreographed by the venue's artistic director Drew McOnie, and will embark subsequently on a UK Tour.Find out what this production of the show is like, how it compares creatively to recent revivals elsewhere and why the press night performance
Review Roundup (9 to 5, The Car Man, Love's Labours Lost and Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical)
Last week Mickey-Jo saw four completely different productions in the space of 72 hours:• 9 to 5: the Musical on tour• Love's Labours Lost at Shakespeare's Globe• Grease: the immersive Movie Musical• The Car Man at Sadler's WellsCheck out what Mickey-Jo thought of each of these productions, their new interpretations, and their creative choices...check out Mickey's weekly substack newsletter:www.mic
Mickey-Jo stood onstage for JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR | everything you need to know about the standing tickets
Mickey-Jo recently headed back to JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at the London Palladium, but this time he wasn't seated in the auditorium, but stood onstage.This production is offering dozens of audience members at each performance the chance to book onstage standing tickets and experience the show from an intimate, alternative vantage point.This experience came with many logistical requirements as well
why Ariana Grande has left Sunday in the Park with George | the reason for the star's musical exit
In a bombshell announcement, it has been confirmed this evening that Ariana Grande will not appear in next year's London revival of SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE.The pop star, who was set to make her London musical theatre debut alongside Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey, will no longer star in the show as she concludes a concert tour and faces increased public commentary.Find out more about the po
should controversial actors be fired? | thoughts on the backlash for Boy George and Geno Segers
The theatre industry has recently seen casting controversy on either side of the Atlantic, with Boy George departing from his planned stint in the West End revival of Jesus Christ Superstar days before he was scheduled to perform, and Geno Segers announced as Broadway's newest Hades in the Tony Award winning musical Hadestown.While the reaction online to political statements from each actor has be
Cleansed (Almeida Theatre, London) - ★★★★ REVIEW
Mickey-Jo headed to the Almeida Theatre, with some nervous anticipation, to see their new production of Sarah Kane's CLEANSED.This play, first seen at the Royal Court Theatre in the late 1990s, is preceded by its reputation for extreme cruelty and graphic violence, prompting audience members to faint, walk out and publicly decry it.Check out what Mickey-Jo thought of his first experience of the pl
the ODYSSEY vs the ORESTEIA | reviews of the 2026 film and play at the Bridge Theatre
Last week Mickey-Jo saw two of this summer's buzziest cultural arrivals: the new film adaptation of THE ODYSSEY written and directed by Christopher Nolan and the stage adaptation of THE ORESTEIA at the Bridge Theatre written and directed by Simon Stone.Today, Mickey-Jo is sharing his thoughts about each of these creative projects alongside one another, talking through their adaptations, endings, a
should Broadway stars do 8 shows a week? | thoughts on the expectations on theatre actors in 2026
A conversation has been taking place recently on social media about the stamina and fortitude of Broadway performers in 2026 vs their golden age counterparts.Today, Mickey-Jo is asking what's changed about Broadway and the world surrounding it in the last century that has prompted this shift. Additionally, Mickey-Jo is sharing his thoughts on why theatre actors perhaps shouldn't be performing 8 sh
why did critics hate TRAINSPOTTING the musical? | review roundup for the West End musical
A few days ago, TRAINSPOTTING the musical opened at Theatre Royal Haymarket in the West End.Among the reviews have been many of the most critical verdicts a new London opening has received in some time, prompting the question: why did the critics hate Trainspotting the Musical?sign up to Mickey-Jo's weekly substack newsletter:www.mickeyjotheatre.substack.com•00:00 | introduction02:34 | my review05
why has BURLESQUE been cancelled?! | the truth behind the show's postponement, cancellation & drama
There is yet more drama in the world of BURLESQUE the Musical as it was announced earlier this week that its two concurrently readying UK productions would each face some postponement.The show's London return, at the Arts Theatre at Marble Arch, has been delayed to 2027 and will no longer play at the same venue, while the UK tour has cancelled its first stop in Woking and will now begin performanc
Midnight at the Never Get starring Ben Platt (Menier Chocolate Factory, London) - ★★★★ REVIEW
Earlier this week, MIDNIGHT AT THE NEVER GET opened at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London.The new musical, written by Mark Sonnenblick, stars Ben Platt and sees the off West End venue reconfigured as an intimate 1960s Cabaret space.Check out Mickey-Jo's spoiler-free and spoiler inclusive thoughts in tandem about this affecting new musical with a pastiche score...•00:00 | introduction02:49 | ov
15 musical revivals we need to see | Mickey-Jo's Broadway and West End theatre wishlist
Mickey-Jo is answering one of his most frequently asked questions: which musical revival would you like to see next?Mickey-Jo is sharing 15 shows he would like to see revived either on Broadway or in the West End as well as his thoughts on how, where, and with whom they ought to be staged.Let Mcikey-Jo know which of these you would like to see as well as which revivals you are waiting for...check
why Mickey-Jo won't see HEATHERS again... | thoughts on the fan favourite musical in 2026
Mickey-Jo recently returned to HEATHERS THE MUSICAL, which is back in London once more at its new home - The Arts at Marble Arch.Having seen the show several times since it first arrived in the UK, Mickey-Jo was surprised by his reaction to the largely identical production and the feeling that the show was no longer one which he could enjoy.For Mickey-Jo's thoughts about this latest iteration of W
RIDE THE CYCLONE London cast Q&A | post show discussion at Southwark Playhouse Elephant, Summer 2026
Mickey-Jo recently hosted a post show Q&A with the company of RIDE THE CYCLONE after their performance at Southwark Playhouse Elephant.The cult hit musical received its UK premiere at the venue last year and has returned amidst huge popular demand for another engagement, with some additional cast members.Check out what they had to say about their discovery of the show, their favourite numbers
Off-West End Review Roundup (Ride the Cyclone, Hit Machine, The Jonathan Larson Project & Hole!)
This week Mickey-Jo saw 4 shows at Off West End Theatres:• The Jonathan Larson Project at Southwark Playhouse Borough • Ride the Cyclone at Southwark Playhouse Elephant • Hit Machine at Soho Theatre • Hole! at Soho TheatreCheck out what Mickey-Jo thought of the material, creative choices, and performances in each production.sign up to Mickey-Jo's weekly substack newsletter:www.mickeyjotheatre.subs
why are these musicals using AI?! | the growing problem with artificial intelligence on and offstage
With increasing frequency, theatregoers in the UK have been observing a rise in the number of theatrical productions utilising AI.This comes amidst a global increase in the prevalence of artifical intelligence, in spite of its environmental and social impact.Today, Mickey-Jo is sharing his unfiltered thoughts about the arrival of AI in the theatre industry, bith onstage via generative AI imagery,
Sweeney Todd starring Ramin Karimloo, Meow Meow (Birmingham Rep) - ★★★ REVIEW
A new production of the musical SWEENEY TODD, written by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler, opened earlier this week at the Birmingham Rep in the UK.The revival, which stars Ramin Karimloo and Meow Meow, features a condensed company and orchestra, offering a chamber-style reinterpretation of the usually grand piece, as well as shifting its setting around a century earlier.Find out more about this
why is CATS: the Jellicle Ball closing?! | what went wrong for the Broadway musical revival
It was recently announced that CATS: The Jellicle Ball, the groundbreaking, award-winning revival of the iconic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, would close early on Broadway.The production, playing until early August at the Broadhurst Theatre, was the best reviewed musical of the Broadway season and won multiple Tony Awards for its creative team, though notably not for Best Revival of a Musical.That,
Mickey-Jo and Aeron James are getting married! An update on their stagey wedding plans!
Good news! 3 years after they got engaged, Mickey-Jo and Aeron James are finally making wedding plans, and they're going to be tying the knot next year at a theatre!Today they are sharing some details of that upcoming wedding day, inspiration for a similarly theatrical wedding, including the types of theatres at which you can get married, and also letting you know their honeymoon plans and how you
Fun Home (Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester) - ★★★★★ REVIEW
Though it first premiered off-Broadway in 2013, Mickey-Jo had never seen FUN HOME on stage, and had been waiting to experience this celebrated show.He finally got the chance to see a production last week when it was revived at the Royal Exchange in Manchester, a unique regional venue in the UK.Check out what Mickey-Jo thought of this intimate production, its performances, and the show itself...che
Josh Radnor and Noah Galvin talk HIT MACHINE | the stage and screen stars on their UK theatre debut (INTERVIEW)
Mickey-Jo recently visited the Soho Theatre in London where the new play HIT MACHINE is readying to begin its sold out preview performances.The play stars Josh Radnor and Noah Galvin as brothers and musicians with differing success in the industry.Check out what they each had to say about their characters, how they arrived at this play, and what translating pain into art means for each of them.•ch
why this RENT revival could be huge | Mickey-Jo's thoughts on the upcoming West End production
The upcoming West End revival of the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning musical RENT has recently announced its cast.Joining Gaten Matarazzo as Mark will be Travis Ross as Roger, Bella Brown as Mimi, Billy Nevers as Collins, Lazy Violet as Maureen, Olivier Award nominee Danielle Fiamanya as Joanne, Jeevan Braich as Angel and Joaquin Pedro Valdes as Benny.Find out why this news is so exciting an
Jesus Christ Superstar starring Sam Ryder (London Palladium, West End) - ★★★ REVIEW
This week marked the arrival of one of the most anticipated shows of 2026 when the revival of the musical JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR opened at the London Palladium.The production, first seen in an earlier iteration at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, stars Sam Ryder and Tyrone Huntley alongside Desmonda Cathabel.Check out this full review to find out what Mickey-Jo thought of this latest staging of the
are too many MUSICALS based on MOVIES? | a history of film-to-stage adaptations and originality
Currently two things seem to be true: there are ever more stage musicals based on films, and there is ever more debate about whether there are too many of them.Today Mickey-Jo is glancing back at the history of the film-to-stage adaptations, the major examples that shifted how audiences engage with such shows including Disney's arrival on Broadway as well as musicals including Monty Python's Spama
the plays to see (and skip) in London - REVIEW ROUNDUP of Cyrano de Bergerac, The Truth, The Misanthrope, and A Midsummer Night's Dream
Summer in London brings a slew of new limited runs, and in the past few weeks Mickey-Jo has seen a handful of play revivals which he's been eager to tell you about.• A Midsummer Night's Dream at Shakespeare's Globe• The Truth at the Apollo Theatre• Cyrano de Bergerac at the Noel Coward Theatre• The Misanthrope at the National Theatre Check out what Mickey-Jo thought of each of these productions, t
meet the cast of DEATH NOTE: the musical | stars discuss the upcoming 2026 West End production
Mickey-Jo recently had the chance to meet the cast of DEATH NOTE: THE MUSICAL, which arrives in London later this Summer with a fully staged limited run at the Barbican Centre.The newly announced cast includes Xander Pang, Colin Ryan, Telly Leung, Stephanie Zaharis, Grace Mouat, Paolo Montalban, Chloe Saracco, and more.Check out what they have to say about their characters, the story's huge follow
Mickey-Jo almost married Daniel Radcliffe on Broadway | storytime and review of Every Brilliant Thing
Earlier this year, Mickey-Jo saw EVERY BRILLIANT THING on Broadway starring Daniel Radcliffe.The play heavily incorporates audience participation, and during this visit Mickey-Jo was very nearly a part of the show in a key role.As well as telling the story of how that almost happened and why it didn't, Mickey-Jo is letting you know how well he thought the production transferred from an intimate Lo
what's going on with shows in Australia?! | why so many touring musicals have been closing early
In the last few weeks, two more musicals have cancelled forthcoming dates of their Australian tour, citing low ticket sales and economic challenges.Waitress and Beetlejuice will close early, with Back to the Future the Musical and Dear Evan Hansen having shuttered similarly in the last couple of years.In this conversation, Mickey-Jo is trying to figure out what's going wrong in the Australian thea
the PHANTOM 40th cast is phan-tastic | thoughts on the Phantom of the Opera West End casting news
Yesterday, the West End production of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA announced the cast for their upcoming 40th Anniversary Celebrations.Broadway breakout star Jordan Donica will return to the musical, this time as the Phantom, with Beatrice Penny-Touré also returning as Christine Daaé and Rhys Whitfield as Raoul.They will be joined by new and familiar faces, including Joseph Millson and Sierra Boggess who
how does Theatre work in a heatwave? | audience advice and new onstage measures and changes
This week, the United Kingdom has once again been experiencing soaring temperatures, and theatres around the country have had to adapt.Today, Mickey-Jo is reporting from his own heatwave-hit home to let you know what to expect when theatregoing during high temperatures, as well as sharing some recent stories of how shows have adapted both on and offstage.•00:00 | introduction02:11 | audience advic
Pride (Dorfman Theatre, National Theatre, London) - ★★★★ REVIEW
Mickey-Jo saw his most anticipated new show of the year - a musical adaptation of the film PRIDE.The show, which is set in the 1980s, tells the true story of LGSM, a group of Lesbians and Gay men from London who supported a community of miners during Thatcher era strikes.Check out what Mickey-Jo thought of the show, its material, and the extent to which it measured up to the extraordinary film upo
Sinatra The Musical (Aldwych Theatre, West End) - ★★★ REVIEW
Following its world premiere production at Birmingham Rep, SINATRA the Musical has arrived in the West End.Playing at the Aldwych Theatre, the musical stars Joel Harper Jackson as Frank Sinatra, depicting a chapter of his career scored by some of his most recognisable hits.Check out what Mickey-Jo thought of the show and how it sits alongside other jukebox bio-musicals...check out Mickey-Jo's free
WARRIORS is opening on Broadway | is this new musical the next Hamilton?
It was announced this week that WARRIORS, co-written by Lin Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis, would begin performances in March 2027 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Broadway.The show, which is a stage adaptation of the film THE WARRIORS, began its life as a concept album which originally featured Amber Gray, Lauryn Hill, Kim Dracula Philippa Soo, and more.Check out my thoughts about the show, the de
the best and worst of WEST END LIVE 2026 | reviewing every musical performance
This weekend, Mickey-Jo headed back to one of the most anticipated, and best attended events in the UK theatrical calendar: West End Live!This annual free performance featured almost all of the musicals in the West End including Hercules, The Lion King, Les Misérables, Hamilton, Six, Matilda, Paddington, Beetlejuice, Titanique and more as well as various upcoming, regional and off-West End shows!I
SWEENEY TODD at the Birmingham Rep cast discuss revival | Ramin Karimloo, Meow Meow, & David Bedella INTERVIEW
Mickey-Jo recently had the enormous privilege of sitting down with Ramin Karimloo, Meow Meow, and David Bedella from Birmingham Rep's upcoming revival of SWEENEY TODD.Check out what the stage stars had to say about this exciting new production, tackling Sondheim, and even their favourite kind of pie.You can still get tickets to see the production at Birmingham Rep between 4 July and 15 August.chec
THE TRAITORS is 5 different plays?! | news on the West End stage adaptation of the hit TV series
Earlier this week it was announced that the stage adaptation of the Traitors would be a 5 part cycle, offering different endings on each subsequent night of the week.The Traitors: Acts of Betrayal will begin performances in May 2027 at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in the West End and will also allow audience members the opportunity to vote to affect the show on Saturdays.Check out Mickey-Jo's thought
Thespians (UK Tour) - ★★ REVIEW
Since its announcement last year, audiences have been eagerly anticipating THESPIANS, the first ever full stage musical from Mischief Theatre.Mischief are the award winning company behind hits such as The Play That Goes Wrong and the Goes Wrong Show, with their latest comedy play, The Comedy About Spies, returning to the West End this summer.Check out what Mickey-Jo thought about this latest offer
will PADDINGTON work on Broadway? | thoughts on the success of the hit West End Musical's transfer
It was announced yesterday that PADDINGTON The Musical, the multi-Olivier Award winning West End smash hit, would officially transfer to Broadway, opening at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre in Spring 2027.The stage adaptation of the Michael Bond story and the STUDIOCANAL films is directed by Luke Sheppard (The Little Big Things, Starlight Express) with Tom Fletcher and Jessica Swale having written the s
Operation Mincemeat (UK Tour) - ★★★★★ REVIEW
Last night Mickey-Jo finally caught the UK Tour of OPERATION MINCEMEAT, the award winning musical still running in the West End and on Broadway.The show, which included three of its co-writers among its cast for much of its early development, has recently welcomed many new cast members and thus the question, is it still brilliant without its original stars?Check out what Mickey-Jo thought of the s
Mickey-Jo saw Jamie Muscato and Joy Woods in CABARET | thoughts on the musical revival's new West End cast
Mickey-Jo was recently invited to attend a gala night at the West End production of CABARET, currently running at the Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre in London.The production, which has been directed by Rebecca Frecknall and originally starred Eddie Redmayne and Jessie Buckley has recently welcomed new stars Jamie Muscato (The Great Gatsby, One Day, Heathers) and Joy Woods (Gypsy, The Notebo
Jordan Luke Gage & Andrew Exeter on REDCLIFFE and the evolution of its design at Southwark Playhouse
Mickey-Jo recently had the opportunity to sit down with Jordan Luke Gage, the writer and star of the new musical REDCLIFFE, and Andrew Exeter, the show's set designer, to discuss its evolution. The original musical, based on a true, queer story, recently opened for a limited run at Southwark Playhouse Borough and is hosting unique Q+As after many of its Tuesday matinee performances.Check out what
the best shows at the Edinburgh Fringe? | Mickey-Jo's 2026 recommendations for plays and musical theatre
The arrival of Summer means that the start of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is looming, and after multiple requests I'm finally sharing my biggest guide to this year's plays and musicals ever!As well as sharing every production that caught me eye, and letting you know when and where you can find it, I'm affording a MickeyJo seal of approval both to shows I can already vouch for, and those I'm most
Kiss of the Spider Woman (UK Tour) - ★★★★★ REVIEW
Last weekend, Mickey-Jo caught the new UK revival of the musical KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN at the Southampton Mayflower Studios.The production marked Mickey-Jo's first experience with the show despite years of curiosity and now he's excited to share his thoughts on not only this revival but also the show's material...check out Mickey-Jo's free substack newsletter:www.mickeyjotheatre.substack.com•00
the real reason STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW is ending on Broadway and in the West End
It was announced earlier this week that STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW would close both on Broadway and in the West End at the end of this year.The production, which has enjoyed inconsistent box office success amidst the release of the final season, is to be released via Netflix as a professional recording, and may never be subsequently seen on stage.Check out this theatre news recap to find ou
REVIEW ROUNDUP (We Had a World at Hampstead Theatre and Under the Shadow at Almeida Theatre)
This week, Mickey-Jo's theatregoing began with two new plays at off West End venues - We Had a World at the Hampstead Theatre, and Under the Shadow at the Almeida.We Had a World, which Mickey-Jo first saw off-Broadway at New York City Center, is an autobiographical memory play in which Joshua Harmon recalls his grandmother and re-examines her character through his mother's eyes.Under the Shadow is
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Watermill Theatre, Newbury) - ★★★★ THEATRE
The Watermill Theatre in Newbury has just celebrated the opening of their annual summer musical, and this time it's a revival of CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG!The uniquely charming regional British Theatre stages actor musician productions which increasingly include promenade elements that see the audience travelling outdoors during the show.Check out this full review to find out how exactly the creativ
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