New Wimbledon Theatre Archives

17Feb

By Maani WayNo Comments

London

The Bodyguard – New Wimbledon Theatre

This romantic thriller, adapted from the 1992 film of the same name starring Whitney Houston, returns to the stage this year, reviving her iconic music for a new audience. It follows former Secret Service agent Frank Farmer (Adam Garcia), hired to protect global superstar Rachel Marron (Sidonie Smith) from a dangerous threat. While the pair anticipate a clash of personalities, neither expects their professional relationship to give way to an unexpected and compelling romance. This show is bursting with energy from the start, a loud bang jolting the audience straight to attention at the beginning. The jump scares do not cease, and they present themselves at later points in the show, which work well, particularly when the threat is introduced to us as an obsessed stalker (James-Lee Ha...

12Dec

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Robin Hood – New Wimbledon Theatre

Christmastime always brings with it the joyful traditions of British pantomime, and each year theatres across the country welcome new celebrity cast members to add sparkle to the season. This year, New Wimbledon Theatre presents a lively and colourful production of Robin Hood, made all the more exciting by the appearance of the hugely talented dance group Diversity. Their presence alone elevates this pantomime into something uniquely energetic and memorable. The show follows the familiar story of Robin Hood and his Merry Men as they steal from the rich to give to the poor, all while the villainous Sheriff plots to capture the hero. While the narrative remains classic panto fare, the production values make it feel fresh and engaging. The sets are beautifully designed, bursting with vibra...

The Gardening Club – New Wimbledon Theatre

16Nov

By Savitha VenugopalNo Comments

London

The Gardening Club – New Wimbledon Theatre

It is the 1960s in Georgia, USA. In Savannah, five young women – a journalist, a nurse, a housewife, and two teenaged sisters – form a gardening club. Only, they have no intentions of discussing petunias or pesticides. This in fact will be a cover for drug dealing as they try to get their hands on (and distribute) birth control pills. At the time, these were legally available only to married women: “no pill without a ring”. The Gardening Club is a pop-rock musical written and produced by Carleigh McRitchie and Bella Wright, directed by Tara Noonan. Set in a time when women had precious little by way of body autonomy, this club is a revolutionary idea born out of the need to have some control over their lives. What sounded exciting on paper did not, unfortunately, transfer well on to ...

Here & Now: The Steps Musical – New Wimbledon Theatre

6Nov

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Here & Now: The Steps Musical – New Wimbledon Theatre

Here & Now is a brand-new jukebox musical packed with some of the biggest and most nostalgic hits made famous by Steps. Rather than retelling the pop group’s story, the show cleverly builds an original narrative around the music, focusing on the everyday lives of a group of shop workers at a bargain discount store called Better Best Bargains. It’s an unexpectedly relatable setting from fluorescent lighting to discount bins and it quickly becomes the foundation for a funny, heartfelt story about the friendships and found families we form at work. The plot follows several employees as they navigate their dreams, romantic anxieties and personal ambitions. Through witty dialogue and musical numbers, we watch them confide in each other about everything from love and heartbreak to c...

Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical – New Wimbledon Theatre

30Oct

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical – New Wimbledon Theatre

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical offers a fresh, musical twist on the beloved Percy Jackson books. It tells the nostalgic story of a boy born a half-blood: half human, half god, as he begins to uncover his identity and the challenges that come with it. As Percy searches for the truth about his father, a war between the gods breaks out, and he is faced with the task of proving his innocence in the theft of Zeus’ lightning bolt. The storyline of the musical is fast paced; however, each setback Percy faces seems to be resolved too quickly. There is rarely a sense of real danger, as every problem finds a convenient solution, from his mother’s sudden return to life, to the ease with which Percy and his friends reach the Underworld. These elements make the production feel som...

Fawlty Towers The Play – New Wimbledon Theatre

22Oct

By Maani WayNo Comments

London

Fawlty Towers The Play – New Wimbledon Theatre

John Cleese’s iconic Fawlty Towers begins its UK and Ireland tour in Wimbledon following its record-breaking sold-out run in the West End and it does not disappoint. The nostalgia is evident from the start. The iconic opening theme track plays as the audience settle down into a completely immersive and true to style sequence at Fawlty Towers. The set is eye catching and captures the essence of the series completely. The familiar reception and dining area are the perfect spaces for the dialogue and humour to play out and the characters float effortlessly between the two sets, providing the perfect backdrop for the chaos to unfold. What makes this show standout is the performances from each cast member, their impeccable acting skills and comedic timing which is a true joy to experience...

Top Hat the Musical – New Wimbledon Theatre

15Oct

By Michelle KnightNo Comments

London

Top Hat the Musical – New Wimbledon Theatre

Top Hat, a musical genre from bygone days comes to the New Wimbledon Theatre with style and grace. What is striking from the outset is Peter Mckintosh set designs which spin round and glide on and off stage to create the perfect scenic backdrop for this timeless performance. Together with Yvonne Milnes their costume design was exquisite and transports you right back into the grandeur of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, this did not disappoint. This 1935 crazy comedy with quirky storylines and ‘goofy’ mishaps is reflected very well in this version of Top Hat. A catalogue of mistaken identity, love and romance sees Jerry Travers played by Phillip Attmore shine with his toe tapping dance moves, sublime and joyous to watch. Complimented by Lindsay Atherton as Dale Tremont. In this perf...

8Aug

By Maani WayNo Comments

London

War Horse – New Wimbledon Theatre

Based on the acclaimed novel by Michael Morpurgo, War Horse is the enchanting tale of Albert and his extraordinary horse, Joey, who, at the outbreak of the First World War is shipped to France, sold to the Cavalry, and finds himself fighting for both sides. Albert, from rural Devon whose life is his beloved horse, though not old enough to enlist, embarks on a treacherous journey to find and save Joey and bring him home. The most notable aspect of this show is the puppetry and the effortless artistry that goes into directing the animals. Joey and Topthorn are the two stars of the show, puppeteered by Rianna Ash, Chris Milford and Samuel Parker and Tom Quinn, Michael Jean-Marain and Michael Larcombe respectively. The transitions are smooth, and the horses’ movements are detailed so that e...

The Rocky Horror Show – New Wimbledon Theatre

2Jul

By Michelle KnightNo Comments

London

The Rocky Horror Show – New Wimbledon Theatre

Richard O Brien’s Rocky Horror Show is rolling on through time, like you are in a Time Warp. It premiered in London in 1973 and after 52 years, the newest stage production has hit Wimbledon theatre. Presenting Jason Donovan as the iconic Frank-N-Furter and a modest cast. A cast change for this performance of Janet saw Stacey Monahan take to the stage. It is important to know that the Rocky Horror Show has a vibrant following, this performance was no exception. O’ Brien’s writing was inspired by late night B movies and his own experiences as a ‘troubled teenager’ and his writing was a way of entertaining himself. This show is unique, unmatched and is a campy tribute to science fiction with a touch of B movie horror. Narrated by Nathan Caton with the style and quips to get any audience going...

10Jun

By Michelle KnightNo Comments

London

Chicago – New Wimbledon Theatre

This production has Sass, Pizzazz, and whole lot of Jazz. Chicago originated from America and has become one of the most renowned musicals to hit Broadway and the West End; created by Kander and Ebb with the original choreography by the amazing Bob Fosse. The UK tour has begun, and it hit the New Wimbledon theatre with a bang. It showcases Strictly’s Jeanette Manrara as Roxie Hart like you have never seen her before. There is a cast of favourites from screen and theatre Darren Day who plays Billy Flynn and Brenda Edwards as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton. The story of Roxie Hart the devious chorus girl has its origins in the real gangster Chicago of the early 20th Century. When a junior reporter for the Chicago tribune was assigned to cover the trials of women accused of murder. So, it ...