Alan Stuart Malin, Author at North West End UK

Stop Trying to Look at my D**k! – Canal Cafe

16May

By Alan Stuart MalinNo Comments

London

Stop Trying to Look at my D**k! – Canal Cafe

Challenging yet underdeveloped, Jacob Grunberger's one man show, ‘Stop Trying to Look at my D**k!’ staged at Canal Cafe Theatre aims to offer a bold exploration of masculinity in a modern world, but unfortunately falls far short of the standards expected for professional London theatre. While the play delves very lightly into provocative themes, its execution lacks the refinement and depth required for a polished production. The performance, more reminiscent of theatre student’s end of year showcase than a professional endeavour, suffers from several shortcomings. The use of props is questionable, detracting from the overall impact, the physical theatre and choreography feel rudimentary and lacking in sophistication, and the comedy and script content come across as stunted and disjointe...

2May

By Alan Stuart MalinNo Comments

London

Constellations – Drayton Arms Theatre

In the extremely intimate space of The Drayton Arms Theatre, Burnt Orange Theatre Company presents Nick Payne's ‘Constellations’ under the masterful direction and production of Rosie Thomas. The play delves into the intricate tapestry of human relationships through the stories of string theorist Marianne and beekeeper Roland, in a way that defies theatrical norms, intertwining multiple alternate narratives and exploring the complexities of love through the lens of quantum physics. Sounds complex, but through this beautiful and heartwarming production, audiences are swept into the lives of various characters as they navigate forwards, backwards and sideways, the vast expanse of human emotions, from profound love to heartbreaking loss. ‘Constellations’ is a truly exceptional piece of ...

I Should Be So Lucky – New Wimbledon Theatre

31Jan

By Alan Stuart MalinNo Comments

London

I Should Be So Lucky – New Wimbledon Theatre

‘I Should Be So Lucky’ marks a long-awaited milestone in musical theatre, finally a production that pays total homage to the iconic music of Stock Aitken and Waterman, the soundtrack of “generation pop”, intertwined with a typically British camp musical comedy storyline that should, on paper, be guaranteed to leave audiences dancing in the aisles. At the heart of the show lies the story of Ella (Lucie-Mae Sumner) and Nathan (Billy Roberts), whose impending nuptials are thrown into total chaos when Nathan jilts Ella at the altar due to a mysterious family secret. All is not lost though as Ella's larger than life family and closest friends rally around her, whisking her off to Turkey for what was meant to be her romantic honeymoon, but ends up being a glitter bomb of rom-com moments, in...

6Nov

By Alan Stuart MalinNo Comments

London

Nutcracker – Tuff Nutt Jazz Club

Drew McOnie's latest choreographic endeavour, ‘Nutcracker’, is a contemporary dance show that breathes new life into the beloved festive classic. In a bold departure from tradition, McOnie's production takes audiences on a wild-spirited adventure that is as delicate and sophisticated as it is daring and mature, offering a fresh perspective on the iconic holiday ballet. This reimagining, staged at the brand-new venue, Tuff Nutt Jazz Club within London's Southbank Centre, is not only a feast for the eyes but a celebration of diversity and self-acceptance that opens the door to those who may have previously felt excluded from the magic of "The Nutcracker." One of the most striking features of McOnie's rendition is its redefined cast of characters. Clara, typically portrayed as an upper-cla...

2Nov

By Alan Stuart MalinNo Comments

London

LIZZIE– Southwark Playhouse

London's Southwark Playhouse is currently playing host to a riveting and unapologetically fierce production of ‘LIZZIE’, the true crime rock punk musical. This fresh and dynamic production of the first UK staging, presented by the accomplished team at Hope Mill Theatre, is edgy, bold, and nothing short of brilliant. It brings a thrilling blend of music, drama, and history to the stage, redefining the boundaries of what a musical can be, and quite frankly goes toe-to-toe with some of the other similar historical productions that are currently playing in the West End and round the globe. Set in the backdrop of the infamous Lizzie Borden murders in Fall River, Massachusetts in 1892, ‘LIZZIE’ weaves a gripping narrative that blends fact, fiction, legend, and female sass, into an intoxicatin...

10Oct

By Alan Stuart MalinNo Comments

London

What It Means – Wilton’s Music Hall

In the realm of theatrical productions that aim to explore important historical events and their relevance to contemporary society, 'What It Means' by James Corley certainly stands out for its ambitious premise. Based on the groundbreaking 1971 article 'What It Means to Be a Homosexual' by Merle Miller, this play endeavours to shed light on the struggle for LGBTQ+ equality, a topic of paramount importance in the current climate. However, whilst the play's intentions are noble, it is, unfortunately, an absurdly and unnecessarily long production that bears a striking resemblance to a dry academic lecture rather than a traditional piece of contemporary theatre, and this ultimately leaves audiences fighting to reach the finish line. The central pillar of 'What It Means' is the (near) solo p...

Adam Riches: The Beakington Town Hall Murders – Soho Theatre

14Jun

By Alan Stuart MalinNo Comments

London

Adam Riches: The Beakington Town Hall Murders – Soho Theatre

Adam Riches’ captivating performance in ‘The Beakington Town Hall Murders’ at Soho Theatre delivered a boisterous evening of entertainment, leaving the audience in stitches from start to finish. This highly interactive and participatory production showcased Riches’ remarkable talent for comedic storytelling, combining it with an immersive and unique “whodunit” style play. Despite the London audience being much smaller than anticipated, the intimate setting of Soho Theatre only enhanced the overall experience. With the theatre barely half-filled, an atmosphere of anticipation and exclusivity was palpable, providing an immediate connection between the performer and the audience, and with the threat from Riches that “no one is safe”, Riches was able to engage directly with spectators, draw...

8Jun

By Alan Stuart MalinNo Comments

London

Grindr The Opera – Union Theatre

Grindr The Opera (An Unauthorised Parody), directed by the brilliant William Spencer and designed by the visionary David Shields, delivers a bold and innovative theatrical experience at London's Union Theatre. This groundbreaking and highly risqué production explores the intricacies of contemporary gay relationships in the digital age, presenting a thought-provoking adult narrative that challenges societal norms and delves into the complexities of human connections in all of its darkest, dirty and sometimes painful elements. Leading the cast of ‘Grindr’ is the immensely talented Christian Lunn, whose portrayal of the main character, Grindr, is nothing short of exceptional. Lunn's remarkable acting skills, combined with his powerful singing voice, and otherworldly physique, create a capt...

Panti Bliss: If These Wigs Could Talk – Soho Theatre

1Jun

By Alan Stuart MalinNo Comments

London

Panti Bliss: If These Wigs Could Talk – Soho Theatre

On a warm and vibrant evening at the esteemed Soho Theatre, Panti Bliss sets down her dancing shoes and returns to walking the boards with her bold and glamourous theatre show. The “Queen of Ireland” takes centre stage in an extraordinary display of talent, wit, and unapologetic charm in the celebrated one-woman production, ‘If These Wigs Could Talk’. Having walked into an overture of toe-tapping, camp club classics, the lights dimmed, and the stage came alive with an infectious energy that immediately captivated the packed audience, setting the tone for a remarkable and personal theatrical experience. From the very beginning, Panti was effortless in her command of the stage with an undeniable presence, earned with years of experience, she exuded confidence and a mature grace missing...

The Beekeeper of Aleppo – Richmond Theatre

3May

By Alan Stuart MalinNo Comments

London

The Beekeeper of Aleppo – Richmond Theatre

‘The Beekeeper of Aleppo’, adapted for the stage by Nesrin Alrefaai and Matthew Spangler, is based on Christy Lefteri's bestselling novel. The play follows the story of Nuri, a beekeeper, and his wife Afra as they navigate a dangerous journey from war-torn Syria to the UK. The couple's experiences are shaped by the trauma they faced during the war, and the challenges they encounter as refugees seeking safety and a new home. As Nuri and Afra struggle through Turkey and Greece, leaving behind the shattered remains of their lives, audiences bear witness to their resilience and strength and see the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Lefteri's novel is a powerful story that offers a glimpse into the harsh realities faced by refugees, and the play adaptation seeks to bring th...