Emma's Theatrics

Recently, West End theatres have played host to a growing number of one-night-only concerts and musical premieres. These productions have received a wide range of responses—from standing ovations for last month’s revival of Once On This Island to more measured, and at times scathing, criticism for others. While the premiere of Rosie does not quite fall into the category of failure, it cannot comfortably be called a success either. This show follows the story of Miss Rosie B

Based on the timeless classic by Louisa May Alcott , Jo follows the story of the March sisters as they come of age during the American Civil War. It is a classic for a reason: a story of sisterhood, love, and - most importantly - of finding one’s own path, whatever that may be. Little Women is one of, if not my favourite, stories of all time. The 1994 film adaptation carried me through some of my darkest days, reminding me of the joy found in human connection and the quiet

Cable Street follows the uprising of young revolutionaries against the rise of fascism in London’s East End. Based on a true story, the musical brings together the story one hundred thousand Jews, Irish workers and communists as they unite to resist hatred. On paper, it is a powerful and necessary story, rich with dramatic and emotional potential, especially given the politically uncertain times in which we currently find ourselves. This production centres on three young peo

The new musical Beautiful Little Fool follows 48-year-old Scottie Fitzgerald as she reflects on the lives—and legacies—of her infamous parents, F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. Having now lived longer than either of them did, Scottie looks back on their careers, their relationship, and the events that led to their untimely deaths, while also trying to make sense of her own childhood. The premise is incredibly exciting, opening the door to significant emotional depth and comple

We all know, by now, the story of the six famous New York friends. FRIENDS was not just a hit sitcom but a cultural phenomenon, redefining television comedy and leaving a legacy that continues to resonate decades later. Its influence on the genre is undeniable, with characters, catchphrases, and storylines firmly embedded in popular culture. To parody something so beloved and iconic is no small feat; it comes loaded with expectation and the ever-present risk of falling short

Based on the chart-topping hits of the multi-million-selling pop phenomenon Steps, Here & Now follows four friends and co-workers who make a pact to have the perfect “summer of love.” Naturally, things don’t go quite as planned. Set in a brightly lit supermarket, Better Best Bargains, the production makes clever use of its setting to create a vibrant, high-energy backdrop for the story. Despite its dynamic choreography and enthusiastic performances, the musical ultimately le

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, based on Rick Riordan ’s hit book series, is back after a successful run at The Other Palace — and this time, it’s heading out on a UK tour. The show is, as the name suggests, is based on the first novel of the Percy Jackson series. The story follows Percy, who is thrown into a world of gods, monsters, and destiny. Accused of stealing Zeus’s lightning bolt, Percy and his friends set off on a high-stakes quest across America — fi

Hot Mess , is a new original musical co-written by Jack Godfrey (Music and Lyrics) and Ellie Coote (Book). Also directed by Coote , the musical has found a temporary home at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant after a sold out and critically acclaimed run at the Birmingham Hippodrome (where the play was commissioned and produced) and the Edinburgh Fringe earlier this year. Hot Mess is a two handler musical, revolving around the relationship between Earth ( Danielle Steers ) a

13 Going On 30 , a new musical adaptation of the 2004 rom com movie, makes a splashy and bold premiere at the Manchester Opera House. Directed by Andy Fickman , with book by Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa , the musical features music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner . The musical, filled with joy and nostalgia translates wonderfully on stage, creating a feel good evening of musical theatre. 13 Going On 30 follows the story of 13 year old Jenna Rink, who desperat

Love Quirks follows four roommates with very different troubles as they navigate the emotional rollercoaster that is early adulthood....

Amid the devastation of World War Two, when hope felt scarce, a small group of Germans chose to resist. Among them stood the White Rose movement - university students in Munich who, through anonymous leaflets and non-violent protest, dared to speak truth to power. Their story is too often relegated to the footnotes of history, which is precisely why musicals like White Rose are so vital. They remind us that resistance doesn’t always begin with weapons: it can start with word