A packed line-up of 34 hit West End shows has been unveiled so far ahead of this year’s West End LIVE, a free and unticketed celebration of London’s world-leading theatre scene which comes to Trafalgar Square on the weekend of 25 and 26 June. More acts are due to be announced in the next few weeks, as London gears up for the biggest ever West End LIVE.
Initially performed last December at the Streatham Space Project – and comprising of a panel discussion exploring the show’s themes further, Imagiphoria Studios return with their production of Asò, an exploration of culture of identity. Ahead of the show’s run at this year’s Camden Fringe Festival, Artistic Director Mo Kerede tells us more about the show.
Conversations surrounding mental health are, quite rightly so receiving greater prominence within the wider society; however, there’s still a long way to go in terms of perceptions held, particularly from a generational stand point and how we continue to tackle this very complex humanistic topic, especially in terms of services provided. Amy Guyler’s ‘Digging Deep’ addresses the upsetting truth of the rise of suicide in young men, in particular within working class backgrounds. A timely show that will no doubt resonate with audiences, director Alistair Wilkinson takes on the production at this year’s Vault Festival. Ahead of the show, Alistair speaks to us about addressing the show’s important themes, what he’s learned from directing the show and teaming up with the mental health charity CALM who will be offering support after each showing.
Following its huge success in Edinburgh in 2017 , Adam finds its new home at the recently renovated Grand Hall of the Battersea Arts Centre.
One of the strongest bonds you’ll share is that with a sibling, they’re there through the highest and lowest of moments, they’re you’re best friend as well as family. Every family deals with phases that test one another which can further strengthen bonds. Alexandra and Kate Donnachie explore the affects of one sibling being diagnosed with an eating disorder as a teen in their latest show, 3 Years, 1 Week and a Lemon Drizzle. The duo discuss the process of creating the show and what audiences can expect.
There’s a definite magic beaming from the Dorfman Theatre. The space has played host to a variety of wonderful productions in recent months, which have put many underexplored stories onto the big stage, and Natasha Gordon’s debut play continues this trend. Following the death of Gloria, the family prepare for the usual nine-night wake. Consecutive evenings of food, family visits, music and mourning take place, and as each day passes, the family’s personal endurance is tested to the limit.
Yablochkov Candle is an aerial exploration from Finnish performer Ilona Jäntti and an incredibly unique vocal performance from singer-songwriter Aino Venna. The live music complements the acrobatics perfectly, or should I say the acrobatics complement the music, for each art form is of equal importance throughout.
Bryony Kimmings captures the audience from the moment she walks on stage to kick off her musical masterpiece on cancer. This show is hard-hitting, yet sensitive. It is brutal yet touching. I have never seen anything quite like it.
Hanna examines old themes in new – and genuinely compelling – ways. Nature and nurture, motherhood, blame, responsibility, class and ethnicity all collide in this one-woman monologue that unpacks the consequences of a life-altering mistake made in a hospital wing. This is a poignant personal tragedy, made more affecting by recent news of NHS chaos and cuts post-Christmas 2017.
Joseph Brodsky was and continues to be a celebrated poet and essayist. Acknowledged for his body of work in 1987 by being awarded a Nobel Prize and also becoming the US poet laureate in 1991, Brodsky’s legacy lives on. Legendary ballet dancer and actor Mikhail Baryshnikov counts Brodsky as one of his dearest friends, and looks to delve into the poet’s works in his latest show Brodsky/Baryshnikov. Read on to find out more about the show.