Review: The Donkey Show at Proud Camden

The Donkey Show 

Proud Camden

Reviewed on Saturday 18th June 2016

★★★

The Donkey Show is a high energy disco funk 'theatrical experience' loosely based on Shakespeare's A Midsummer Nights Dream. Originally created by Diane Paulus and Randy Weiner in 1999, the show ran for over 6 years off-Broadway before opening in various countries around the world. 

Review: Wastwater at the Tabard Theatre

Wastwater 

Tabard Theatre

Reviewed on Tuesday 24th May 2016

★★★

Christien Anholt's production of Wastwater by Simon Stephens is intense and thought provoking. The play, originally written for and performed at the Royal Court, transfers perfectly to the intimate stage of the Tabard. 

Leon Lopez lands guest role in EastEnders

West End actor Leon Lopez has landed a guest role in BBC1 Soap EastEnders.

Lopez will appear in a handful of episode later this year playing newcomer Linford, one of Claudette Hubbard's foster sons.

Speaking to Digital Spy, Lopez said: "I'm so excited to be working onEastEnders and still can't believe it! It really is a dream come true."

Most recently Lopez directed his debut feature film Soft Lad which is avaliable now on DVD. He returns to screen acting having played Jerome Johnson in Brookside between 1999 and 2002. Lopez's screen credits also include: The Courtroom, Holby City, The Bill, Hollyoaks: In the City and Doctors. 

Editor's Blog: Glenn Close discusses Sunset Boulevard, Soft Lad released on DVD & Memphis bids farewell

Glenn Close has revealed that she is "getting on the treadmill" ahead of her West End debut next year. 

"It's not something I really love to do, but really I know how much energy it takes. You have to be in good shape and take care of your voice" said Close, who will reprise her performance as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard for a limited run at the London Coliseum between 1st April and 7th May 2016. 

Having first played Norma in LA, Close went on to win Tony, Drama Desk and Dramalogue awards for originating the role on Broadway under the direction of Trevor Nunn. This new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Don Black and Christopher Hampton's musical marks the second show produced by the English National Opera and the GradeLinnit Company. Lonny Price directs.

Big Interview: Leon Lopez

Leon Lopez was most recently seen starring as Jake in Porgy And Bess at the Regents Park Open Air Theatre and as the male vocalist in Burn The Floor’s world tour.

A few of his extensive theatre credits also include: The Color Purple (Menier Chocolate Factory), Brit in We Will Rock You (UK Tour), Frid in A Little Night Music (Theatre Du Chatelet, Paris), Michael in Tick, Tick... Boom (Duchess), Theo/Lucian in Piaf (Donmar Warehouse), Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (National Tour) and Macbeth (Liverpool Everyman Theatre). 

Leon has enjoyed a long association with the musical Rent. He’s starred as Collins many times, including in the most recent anniversary concert tour as well as in the 2007 West End revival entitled Rent Remixed.

The actor famously played Jerome Johnson in Brookside between 1999 and 2002. His screen credits also include: The Courtroom, Holby City, The Bill, Hollyoaks: In the City and Doctors. Leon recently wrote and directed his first feature film entitled Soft Lad.

I recently spoke to Leon about how he landed his part in Brookside, his love for Rent and the highlights of his incredible career in theatre…

Did you enjoy your time in Porgy And Bess?

Ever since I first saw something at the Open Air Theatre I’ve always wanted to work there. The cast were incredible, I had heard of a few possible names before I got the part. It’s been great to work with Nicola Hughes again because obviously we did The Color Purple together. I had heard that she might be doing this so I messaged her and she phoned me up straight away! I loved having Jade (Ewen) as my wife! 

Review: Porgy and Bess at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Porgy and Bess

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Reviewed on Saturday 26th July 2014

★★★★

Regarded as "a landmark piece of American theatre," I knew very little about the Gershwins' Porgy and Bess prior to seeing this production. I relished every moment of discovering this uniquely iconic piece of theatre for the very first time.

Open Air Theatre announces further casting for 2014 season

Casting for Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s 2014 production of All My Sons has been announced, with further casting confirmed for Hobson’s Choice and the Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess. The season opens on 15th May 2014.

ALL MY SONS

Tom Mannion and Brid Brennan will play Joe and Kate Keller along with Charles Aitken who will play their son, Chris. Amy Nuttall will play the role of Ann Deever. 

All My Sons will run from 15th May to 7th June and will be directed by Artistic Director Timothy Sheader with set and costume by Lizzie Clachan.