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New Moon is nothing if not an international advertisement for the hungry virtues of virginity and young people can’t get enough of it
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Theatre
A smart, prickly and rewarding view of sexual and emotional confusion
Cock
Restaurants
Kitchen W8 is a bargain for this area, if such sophistication is what you crave
Kitchen W8
Too long and drawn out but very entertaining with excellent special effects
This is a peculiar play and does not work for me. Some of it is very funny but there are real flaws
Alex has a strong powerful voice and was faultless, she is far better now than she was on the X-Factor
London,
Jack Massarik's rating
Reader rating
Phone: 0870 060 6632
Website: www.blacksheepcomedy.co.uk
Email: ciaran@blacksheepcomedy.co.uk
Recession lore suggests that when times get hard, people party harder. Sounds like Maria Friedman time. Pop her in the spotlight with a small orchestra and 20 of the juiciest songs in musical theatre and you get a two‑hour emotion-fest that makes even negative equity seem humdrum.
This, furthermore, is the re‑arranged Maria, a working title open to several interpretations. There’s her revised material, her successful recovery from illness, or perhaps her emergence from character-player into star of one-woman shows. All valid enough.
She packs the necessary dynamism, versatility, glamour and acting skills, not to mention Piaf-like moments of sturdy, feet-planted intensity when operating at maximum power.
Sondheim — “my reason for singing” — is her muse but those who cringe at his cloying self-pity (In Buddy’s Eyes, Sunday in the Park with Dot) should enjoy her sparklng versions of Broadway Baby and, from Sweeney Todd, The Worst Pies in London.
There is also Michel Legrand, Lloyd Webber and very welcome Randy Newman (Short People, Dayton Ohio).
Maria also appreciates a strong melody (You Are My Sunshine) and a big finish (Somewhere, inevitably). She also teased a fan (I Want To Make Love to You Now) and risked a few stage jokes, the best coming before Dido’s Lament, by Purcell.
“He wrote this in 1689, when JS Bach was three. So many creative people were born that year. Er...” Here she glanced at her pianist‑MD Gareth Valentine, who helpfully replied: “Handel, Scarlatti and Trevor Nunn.”
Until 4 January 4 (0870 060 6615)
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
