Alan Stuart Malin, Author at North West End UK

12Dec

By Alan Stuart MalinNo Comments

London

Beauty and the Beast – Richmond Theatre

Richmond Theatre's ‘Beauty and the Beast’ pantomime, penned by Alan McHugh and directed by Paul Robinson, offers a truly delightful seasonal treat, that combines the magic of traditional panto with the timeless tale of a cursed prince and his quest for love. This new production shines brightly with its blend of humour, heart, and magical enchantment, and whilst the pacing occasionally falters, and some routines feel a touch outdated for the modern stage, these moments are few, and do not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment, providing a perfect holiday outing for families and friends alike. The strong cast is exceptionally talented, delivering performances that are both vibrant and engaging. Each performer brings a unique energy to the stage, creating a dynamic ensemble that...

The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary – Southwark Playhouse

11Dec

By Alan Stuart MalinNo Comments

London

The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary – Southwark Playhouse

‘The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary’ playing at Southwark Playhouse, attempts a brave, comedic overhaul of Gustave Flaubert's sobering classic, with varying degrees of success. For those of you not familiar with the novel (which is, as pointed out at the start of the show, most of us), the story centres around a woman battling the constraints of the patriarchy. Emma is portrayed as profoundly disenchanted, bored with her uninspiring doctor husband, her mundane provincial village, and her stifling role as a dutiful wife in nineteenth-century France. The character extravagantly spends beyond her resources to flee the dullness and void of provincial existence. This narrative is upended by Ha Hum Ah Productions & Minack Theatre as the audience is ushered into a more modern and rau...

Dick Whittington and His Cat – Hackney Empire

7Dec

By Alan Stuart MalinNo Comments

London

Dick Whittington and His Cat – Hackney Empire

Hackney Empire’s 25th pantomime, ‘Dick Whittington and His Cat’, directed by and starring Clive Rowe, promised festive cheer and nostalgic charm. However, despite flashes of brilliance, this production falls short of being the “must-see” panto in London this year. The script, penned by Will Brenton, lacked substance, relying heavily on recycled gags and predictable puns. The pacing was uneven, with a bloated first act dragging on before a slightly more engaging second act. Even the customary audience participation felt half-hearted, a surprising miss for a genre known for its infectious energy and considering Hackney Empire’s successful track record for pantomimes! Photo: Mark Senior Performances were a mixed bag. Kandaka Moore, as Dick Whittington, showcased a stunning vocal rang...

3Dec

By Alan Stuart MalinNo Comments

London

Expendable – The Royal Court

Emteaz Hussain's ‘Expendable’ bravely tackles the harrowing realities of fear, misogyny, and the fractures within communities targeted by media and public hysteria. Inspired by the devastating fallout from child-grooming scandals in the North of England, the play presents a gripping exploration of these themes through the lens of one British-Pakistani family. The story unfolds entirely within the intimate confines of a kitchen-diner, meticulously designed by Natasha Jenkins. The set is more than a backdrop, it’s a character in itself, immersing the audience in domestic chaos with its scents of chopped onions, cooking pizza and antiseptic, and the hum of boiling kettles. Immersing the audience on both sensory and emotional level, this setting reinforces the play’s focus on a very pri...

Jack and the Beanstalk: What A Whopper! – Charing Cross Theatre

1Dec

By Alan Stuart MalinNo Comments

London

Jack and the Beanstalk: What A Whopper! – Charing Cross Theatre

For those who think pantomime is merely a children’s festive pastime, ‘Jack and the Beanstalk: What a Whopper!’ gleefully shatters all expectations with its unapologetically adult spin on the classic theatre genre. Written by Jon Bradfield and Martin Hooper and directed by Andrew Beckett, this production isn’t just sprinkled with innuendo, it’s flooded in wickedly clever humour and deliciously naughty smut, which keeps the audience roaring with laughter throughout. Photo: Steve Gregson From the moment the curtains rise it is clear that this is not your typical Christmas show. The plot, centered on Jack Trott’s (Keanu Adolphus Johnson) quest for something “truly giant”. Jack is poor, gay, and very horny, living 10 miles from the nearest Grindr user in the quaint Yorkshire Village of U...

15Nov

By Alan Stuart MalinNo Comments

London

Club Life – Omnibus Theatre

Fred Deakin’s ‘Club Life’ is more than a show, it’s an intimate love letter to the transformative magic of club culture. Part autobiography, part highly immersive, participatory theatre, and part living history, this production takes audiences on an exhilarating journey through Deakin’s personal and professional evolution, from awkward teenage house party DJ to the mastermind behind some of Edinburgh’s most iconic and infamous club nights. Set against the vibrant backdrops of 1980s and 1990s Edinburgh nightlife, ‘Club Life’ combines heartfelt storytelling with a celebration of the communal power of dance. As narrator, Deakin recounts his early forays into DJing, describing how playing music at parties gave him a sense of belonging. From there, the narrative crescendos into his universit...

17Sep

By Alan Stuart MalinNo Comments

London

Myra DuBois: Be Well – Hackney Empire

Myra DuBois returned to the stage at the Hackney Empire with her irreverent brand of comedy, leaving the audience in stitches, and occasionally wincing with disbelief. Presented as a "wellness sermon," ‘Myra DuBois: Be Well’ promised a fresh perspective on mental health, but what we really got was a night of rapid-fire wit, punchy audience reads, and the occasional awkward pause. The show opened with Frank Lavender, another of Gareth Joyner’s comic personas. Lavender, a relic of 1980s northern stand-up, played on his outdated attitudes with impeccable timing. Red-faced and sequined, Lavender delivered his gags with more cheese than precision, striking just the right balance of nostalgia and absurdity, generating more than a few belly laughs and a high level of energy across the audi...

London City Ballet’s Resurgence at Sadler’s Wells

13Sep

By Alan Stuart MalinNo Comments

London

London City Ballet’s Resurgence at Sadler’s Wells

After nearly three decades, London City Ballet made a triumphant return to its former home at Sadler’s Wells with ‘Resurgence’, a performance that feels both like a heartfelt tribute to its past and a confident step into its future. Under the careful eye of Artistic Director, Christopher Marney, the evening offered a mix of classic and contemporary pieces that beautifully highlighted the company’s range and passion. The evening kicked off with Ashley Page’s Larina Waltz, a vibrant and traditional work set to Tchaikovsky’s famous waltz from Eugene Onegin. This charming piece, which celebrates its 30th anniversary, saw five couples in constant, flowing movement. Whilst there were moments where the synchrony faltered, and the timing between dancers felt slightly off, the dancers’ grace and...

7Sep

By Alan Stuart MalinNo Comments

London

An Inspector Calls – Alexandra Palace

Stephen Daldry’s iconic revival of ‘An Inspector Calls’ has returned to the stage, opening its highly anticipated 2024 UK tour at the extremely grand Alexandra Palace. First performed in 1992, Daldry's production of J.B. Priestley’s classic thriller has since become a global phenomenon, earning 19 major awards, including Tony and Olivier accolades. With its distinct fusion of heightened realism and surrealist undertones, this tour aims to captivate both new and returning audiences. The play is set in 1912 and revolves around the wealthy Birling family. As they celebrate an engagement, their evening is disrupted by the arrival of the mysterious Inspector Goole, investigating the suicide of a young woman. His inquiries expose uncomfortable truths about the family's involvement in the trag...

Fun at the Beach Romp-Bomp-A-Lomp!! – Southwark Playhouse

31May

By Alan Stuart MalinNo Comments

London

Fun at the Beach Romp-Bomp-A-Lomp!! – Southwark Playhouse

If you're craving a delightfully exciting blend of retro charm and laugh-out-loud comedy, look no further than ‘Fun at the Beach Romp-Bomp-A-Lomp!!’ which is currently dazzling audiences at Southwark Playhouse (Borough). Directed by Mark Bell, the genius behind ‘The Play That Goes Wrong,’ this brand-new musical offers a riotous escape to a sun-soaked beach brimming with beach competitions, vibrant characters, and musical nostalgia. The story unfolds on a picturesque sunny, summers day during the famed ‘Beach Romp-Bomp-A-Lomp’ competition, where participants vie for the prestigious titles of King “or” Queen of the Beach. As expected, romance and rivalry intermingle amid a series of increasingly absurd and entertaining challenges. The show cleverly satirizes the conventional jukebox music...