Zain Russell, Author at North West End UK

5Apr

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Wake – Peacock Theatre

Wake is an exhilarating variety production by Irish theatre company THISISPOPBABY, showcasing an eclectic mix of talent and movement. The show features everything from Riverdance-inspired footwork and tap dancing to balloon dancing, acrobatics, pole dancing, strip teases, and breakdancing. It seamlessly blends traditional Irish music with club classics, creating a vibrant, unexpected fusion that feels both nostalgic and cutting-edge. I went into the performance with scepticism, unsure of what to expect. As it opened with traditional folk music, my doubts remained. But then—the beat dropped, a breakdancer took centre stage, and suddenly, the party had begun. One of the show’s greatest strengths was its unpredictability. It was packed with comedic moments that had the audience in fits ...

This Is Not a Happy Room – King’s Head Theatre

2Apr

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

This Is Not a Happy Room – King’s Head Theatre

This is not a Happy Room is a new play written by and starring Rosie Day. It explores family dynamics, the ways families drift apart, and how they reconnect when brought together for major life events—such as a wedding and a funeral. Through witty dialogue and engaging performances, the play captures the complexity of sibling relationships, unresolved tensions, and the bittersweet nostalgia of shared memories. The story revolves around a family gathering for their father’s wedding to his new girlfriend. However, as he fails to arrive on time, his children begin to question his whereabouts while also rediscovering their relationships with one another. As they navigate awkward reunions and unspoken resentments, the audience is drawn into the emotional highs and lows of their interactions....

21Mar

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Mixed Sex – Lion & Unicorn Theatre

Mixed Sex, written and starring Samuel Normington, takes audiences on a nostalgic trip back to the 1990s—a time when Eternals dominated the charts and the Spice Girls were just making their debut. This coming-of-age comedy follows a group of 10-year-olds as they begin to explore their identities, interests, and the awkward, often hilarious, moments of growing up. The play captures the era brilliantly, evoking memories of football-obsessed boys, a fixation on “tits,” and girls who idolized Care Bears and danced to Eternals. The humour is sharp, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and well-timed gags that keep the energy high throughout the performance. The writing cleverly taps into the awkwardness of childhood friendships and early discoveries about self and attraction, making for...

White Rose The Musical – Marylebone Theatre

6Mar

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

White Rose The Musical – Marylebone Theatre

White Rose The Musical is a powerful and moving production set in Nazi Germany, following a group of student activists determined to spread the truth about the atrocities occurring during World War II. Based on the inspiring true story of The White Rose, the musical highlights how even those with small voices can spark change and stand up for their beliefs. The movement was led by siblings Sophie and Hans Scholl, portrayed by Collette Guitart and Tobias Turley. Together, they formed an outstanding duo, bringing depth and sincerity to their roles and embodying the bravery of young people willing to risk everything for what they believed was right. Their chemistry on stage made their relationship feel authentic, reinforcing the emotional weight of their journey. Charley Robbie’s portrayal...

Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical – New Wimbledon Theatre

27Feb

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical – New Wimbledon Theatre

Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical is a bold and exhilarating reimagining of the cult classic 1999 movie Cruel Intentions. Blending drama, comedy, and nostalgia, this production takes audiences on a thrilling ride through seduction, deception, and power plays, all set to an electrifying soundtrack of beloved 90s hits. Staying true to the original storyline, the show follows the cunning and manipulative duo of Sebastian Valmont (played by Will Callan) and Kathryn Merteuil (played by Lucy Carter) as they scheme their way through high school, using their charm, wit, and ruthlessness to control and destroy those around them. One of the standout aspects of this production is its use of music. Packed with some of the most iconic songs of the decade, the show transports the audience back in ...

24Jan

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Cymbeline – Sam Wanamaker Playhouse

A show performed in the intimate setting of the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is truly a unique experience. Nestled within the larger and more renowned Globe Theatre, this smaller, intimate space evokes a sense of stepping back in time. The theatre’s design, featuring wooden galleries with benches and the warm glow of candlelight, creates an atmosphere that perfectly complements a Shakespearean production. The ambiance alone feels like a time machine to the Elizabethan era, making it the ideal venue for such a performance. As someone who wouldn’t consider themselves a huge Shakespeare fan and only knows the most popular of his works, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Cymbeline. However, this production turned out to be a hidden gem. From start to finish, it was captivating, immersive, and tho...

20Jan

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Man in the Mirror – Churchill Theatre

Man in the Mirror is a thrilling tribute concert to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Starring CJ as the iconic artist, the show features a live band, talented backup dancers, and powerhouse singers that take you on a journey through MJ’s illustrious career. From the opening number to the final encore, the energy is electric, and you’ll find yourself wanting to "Rock with You" from start to finish. The concert included all of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits, including memorable tracks from his time with the Jackson 5. The audience was treated to everything that we know and love from “I Want You Back” to solo classics like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Dirty Diana” and “Black and White” creating a setlist that felt like a true celebration of the King of Pop. Production-wise, this show is...

11Jan

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Panacea – The Cockpit

Panacea is a tragedy centered on a scientist who creates an infectious disease intended to save humanity from future pandemics. While the synopsis may appear straightforward, the play explores profound themes, presenting a layered narrative that delves into navigating love and relationships while being on the autism spectrum, confronting grief and suicide, and grappling with ethical dilemmas about whether humans should "play God" and the consequences of such actions. This thought-provoking play weaves together these complex aspects into a seamless performance that lingers in the audience’s mind. Augustus Jameson, portrayed by Jonty O’Callaghan, delivered a superb and deeply empathetic performance. His portrayal of someone on the autism spectrum was both sensitive and authentic, capt...

21Dec

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Cinderella – Kings Head Theatre

I had the luxury of seeing Cinderella in Pantomime at the Kings Head Theatre in Islington. They have 2 varieties of this performance with a family showing and an adults only showing. I had the pleasure of seeing the adults only showing with different guest performances throughout their running. A standout feature of this show is the inclusion of voiceovers by none other than Dame Judi Dench and Miriam Margolyes. Their iconic voices add an extra touch of magic and prestige to an already delightful production. True to pantomime tradition, the show is packed with audience participation, cheesy jokes, and a script that keeps the laughter rolling from start to finish. As an adults-only performance, it adds an extra layer of risqué humour and cheeky innuendos, making it an unforgettable ex...

6Dec

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Homo Alone – The Other Palace

Homo Alone is an uproariously entertaining musical parody of the beloved Christmas classic Home Alone, but with a twist that injects fresh humour, unexpected plot turns, and a ton of campy fun. From its inventive storyline to its clever performances, the show breathes new life into the familiar tale of Kevin McCallister—a young boy who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on a holiday trip to Paris. While staying true to the core premise of Home Alone, Homo Alone spices things up with a series of delightful additions and twists. The show not only follows Kevin’s mischievous antics but also enriches the narrative with cheeky references to iconic pop culture moments. From nods to The Wizard of Oz and Wicked to Celine Dion tributes, the humour is fresh, sharp, and bursting ...