Old Vic: Minchin’s Groundhog Day musical to help fund future?

As Kevin Spacey’s imminent retirement as Artistic Director of the Old Vic was honoured with a Gala this week, he spoke passionately about the need to endow the theatre to ensure the continued viability of the building and of the company’s ability to be an elite production house. Incoming Artistic Director Matthew Warchus unveiled his first season’s offering as well – and there was a hint at a new approach which may help the Old Vic on its planned road to financial security for the next generation. Continue reading

Review: Sweeney Todd – English National Opera

Sweeney Todd sits awkwardly between genres: it is certainly not a populist jukebox easy-watching affair but is generally seen as a musical, nonetheless. Logically, however, it really should be an opera. Its plot is so melodramatic that it makesĀ Tosca seem positively gritty and realistic and is musically highly complex and symphonic. Continue reading