The musical HEATHERS, based on the 1988 cult film, announced yesterday that it would be launching a new US and UK Tour, as well as visiting Australia and New Zealand. The show, which is currently playing at New World Stages off-Broadway, will visit most of these theatres for the very first time as it reaches more fans around the globe. Check out this theatre news recap to find out what Mickey-Jo thinks of the show, this exciting news, and the possibility Heathers will be returning to London next...
Sep 02, 2025•22 min
The new musical WANTED (formerly titled Gun & Powder) is being sued by the actress Ciara Renée before it has even arrived on Broadway. Renée, who starred in the pre-Broadway production of the show at Paper Mill Playhouse, alleges that she has been recast for the upcoming transfer, while the p musical's producers allege that she failed to effectively collaborate and take direction during the developmental run. Share your thoughts below as I talk through this case, the prior examples it echoes...
Sep 01, 2025•30 min
A few days ago, Mickey-Jo saw INTERVIEW at Riverside Studios, a new play based on the Dutch film. The production stars Robert Sean Leonard and Paten Hughes as a political journalist and an influencer turned actress. Check out this full review to find out what Mickey-Jo thought of the show... • 00:00 | introduction 01:49 | context / narrative 10:46 | themes / creative choices 17:54 | performances About Mickey-Jo: As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is...
Aug 31, 2025•25 min
After years of anticipation, the stage adaptation of Disney's THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME finally received its professional premiere, with a concert production at the Prince Edward Theatre in London. The production starred Ben Joyce and Oliver Hewing as Quasimodo, Christine Allado as Esmeralda, Zachary James as Frollo, Dex Lee as Phoebus, and Adam Strong as Clopin. Check out this full review for Mickey-Jo's thoughts on the concert performance as well as the adaptation of this beloved animated cl...
Aug 29, 2025•37 min
The Netflix movie KPop Demon Hunters has recently become the streaming service's most successful of any genre, with multiple top 10 songs in the Billboard Hot 100 charts. With such unanticipated global success, Netflix are reportedly considering options for developing the film into a franchise, as well as the potential of a full stage musical. In today's video, Mickey-Jo is considering whether or not a stage musical adaptation would be possible and successful in an increasingly challenging Broad...
Aug 28, 2025•24 min
The internationally acclaimed play EVERY BRILLIANT THING has finally arrived in the West Ens after more than a decade, and is playing a limited run from this summer at @sohoplace. The play, written by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe, recounts the many fantastic experiences which make life worth living in the face of demoralising mental health, and is performed with extensive participation from the audience. Check out this full review to find out why Mickey-Jo adores this play which he first ...
Aug 26, 2025•28 min
The Pulitzer Prize-winning play FAT HAM, by James Ijames, seen on Broadway in 2023, is making its UK Premiere at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon. The play, which reimagines Shakespeare’s Hamlet through a contemporary, queer, black cultural lens, is currently playing at the Swan Theatre. Check out what Mickey-Jo thought of Fat Ham, its writing, themes, and performances in this full review... • 00:00 | introduction 02:41 | overview 05:45 | synopsis / Shakespeare 11:16 | queer ...
Aug 25, 2025•23 min
This week, the principal cast of Paddington the Musical was announced, with veteran West End stats joined by exciting newcomers. Amidst this announcement, there was one unanswered question, as the actor(s) who will portray Paddington Bear as well as the dedicated creative team bringing him to life are not going to be revealed until the show's first public performance... The brand new stage adaptation of the Michael Bond story and the STUDIOCANAL films will premiere at the Savoy Theatre in the We...
Aug 24, 2025•23 min
Last month, Mickey-Jo had the privilege of attending the gala performance of JUST FOR ONE DAY at the Shaftesbury Theatre in the West End, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Live Aid. Mickey-Jo first saw the show, which depicts the iconic simultaneous concerts in Wembley and Philadelphia, at the Old Vic Theatre where it premiered, whereupon he gave it a lukewarm review. He's thrilled to say that he believes the show is much stronger in its West End transfer, and with this full review Micke...
Aug 22, 2025•25 min
It has been announced this week that THE MUPPETS are finally heading to Broadway. The newly announced production Rob Lake Magic With Special Guests The Muppets will play a limited run during the holiday season at the Broadhurst Theatre, and will feature the iconic characters alongside the acclaimed Illusionist. Check out today's theatre news recap to find out what Mickey-Jo thinks this could mean for the future of the Muppets on stage, and why he has mixed feelings about this news... • 00:00 | i...
Aug 22, 2025•22 min
In the past few weeks, a concert production of Disney's THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, taking place at the Prince Edward Theatre in London, has come under fire for its casting of the title character. Journalists commentators and advocates from the disabled community have spoken out against the decision to cast an able bodied actor as one of two performers sharing the role of Quasimodo. In this theatre news recap, Mickey-Jo is talking through some of the challenges faced by disabled actors and audi...
Aug 21, 2025•30 min
The latest production of this summer's programming at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre is a long awaited revival of Lerner and Loewe's BRIGADOON. The new production of the show, in a new adaptation by Rona Munro, is directed by the venue's new artistic director Drew McOnie and stars Louis Gaunt and Danielle Fiamanya, as well as Georgina Onuorah, Cavan Clarke, and Nic Myers. Check out this new video review to find out what Mickey-Jo thought of the enchanting musical revival... • 00:00 | introductio...
Aug 19, 2025•21 min
On June 22nd Mickey-Jo produced and hosted another evening of his regular Cabaret chat show, MickeyJoTheatre: LIVE! at the Phoenix Arts Club. One of his guests for the evening was one of the West End's most exciting new leading ladies, Georgina Castle. Recently seen as Regina George in the original West End cast of Mean Girls, Georgina will soon star in the brand new musical adaptation of 50 First Dates at the Other Palace Theatre. Check out their conversation about her exciting impending weddin...
Aug 17, 2025•20 min
Earlier this month, amidst seeing 50 shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Mickey-Jo saw James Graham's new play MAKE IT HAPPEN at the Edinburgh International Festival. The play follows the expansion and downfall in the 2000s of the Royal Bank of Scotland and stars Sandy Grierson and Brian Cox. Check out this full review to find out what Mickey-Jo thought of the play... • 00:00 | introduction 02:06 | synopsis / writing 06:08 | performances 10:02 | shortcoming 15:16 | creative strengths 19:33 |...
Aug 16, 2025•23 min
After first playing the roles in the West End production, Billy Porter and Marisha Wallace have recently begun performances in the Broadway revival of CABARET as The Emcee and Sally Bowles. Since they joined the show at the August Wilson Theatre, replacing Orville Peck and Eva Noblezada, Billy Porter has become the focus of intense, widespread social media criticism both for his performance and comments he made about the role during press engagements. In this theatre drama recap I'm offering som...
Aug 15, 2025•31 min
This August, Mickey-Jo once again returned to Edinburgh to see as much theatre as possible at the annual, world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Check out Mickey-Jo's Day 7 reviews of: I'm Ready To Talk Now at Traverse Theatre (****) A Gambler's Guide to Dying at Traverse Theatre (****) Nerds at Underbelly Bristo Square (***) Level Up at Gilded Balloon Patter House (**) Ghost Light at Pleasance Courtyard (****) About Mickey-Jo: As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social pla...
Aug 14, 2025•7 min
This August, Mickey-Jo once again returned to Edinburgh to see as much theatre as possible at the annual, world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Check out Mickey-Jo's Day 6 reviews of: Consumed at Traverse Theatre (****) Don't Tell Dad About Diana at Underbelly Cowgate (*****) Down to Chance at Pleasance Courtyard (****) Rift at Traverse Theatre (**) Miles. at Summerhall (****) How To Win Against History at Underbelly George Square (***) She's Behind You at Traverse Theatre (*****) About Mick...
Aug 14, 2025•10 min
This August, Mickey-Jo once again returned to Edinburgh to see as much theatre as possible at the annual, world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Check out Mickey-Jo's Day 5 reviews of: Lost Lear at Traverse Theatre (*****) Ordinary Decent Criminal at Summerhall (*****) NIUSIA at Summerhall (****) SKYE: a thriller at Summerhall (****) The Unstoppable Rise of Ben Manager at Pleasance Courtyard (***) Jackie!!! at Gilded Balloon Patter House (**) Hole! at Underbelly Cowgate (*****) Midnight at th...
Aug 14, 2025•13 min
This August, Mickey-Jo once again returned to Edinburgh to see as much theatre as possible at the annual, world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Check out Mickey-Jo's Day 4 reviews of: The Beautiful Future is Coming at Traverse Theatre (****) #Charlottesville at Pleasance Courtyard (**) God is Dead and I Killed Him at Pleasance Courtyard (***) The Great Gummy Bear War at ZOO Playground (****) Standing in the Shadows of Giants at Traverse Theatre (****) Motorhome Marilyn at Gilded Balloon Patt...
Aug 14, 2025•13 min
This August, Mickey-Jo once again returned to Edinburgh to see as much theatre as possible at the annual, world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Check out Mickey-Jo's reviews for: Sped Kid at theSpace @ Surgeon's Hall (****) Much Ado About Pirates at theSpace @ Niddry St Alone at Assembly George Square (****) Altar at Underbelly George Square (***) Lady Macbeth played Wing Defence at Assembly George Square Studios (**) The Monkeypox Gospel at Underbelly Cowgate (***) About Mickey-Jo: As one o...
Aug 14, 2025•8 min
This August, Mickey-Jo once again returned to Edinburgh to see as much theatre as possible at the annual, world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Check out Mickey-Jo's Day 2 reviews of: Whale, Where Are You Going? at Assembly Roxy (****) The Truman Capote Talk Show at Pleasance Courtyard (***) Spy Movie The Play at Pleasance Courtyard (****) Hot Mess at Pleasance Courtyard (****) The Fit Prince... at Pleasance Courtyard (****) The World's Greatest Lover at Pleasance Courtyard (**) Little Squir...
Aug 14, 2025•13 min
This August, Mickey-Jo once again returned to Edinburgh seeing as much theatre as possible at the annual, world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Check out Mickey-Jo's Day 1 reviews of: The Uncrackable Case at Pleasance Courtyard (***) Ohio at Assembly Roxy (*****) Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares at Underbelly Bristo Square (****) Footballers' Wives the Musical at Assembly Rooms (***) Club NVRLND at Assembly Checkpoint (****) About Mickey-Jo: As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a ...
Aug 14, 2025•9 min
In an interview with Variety, Andrew Lloyd Webber has shared insights into the latest, hugely successful chapter of his theatrical career. With the announcement that 'Cats: the Jellicle Ball' is Broadway bound, and the Phantom of the Opera is back in New York with the immersive off-Broadway 'Masquerade', Andrew's focus now turns to Evita and his upcoming new musical The Illusionist. So, why is Jamie Lloyd now said to be no longer attached to the composer's next show, and when exactly can we expe...
Aug 14, 2025•33 min
Ahead of a day of tech rehearsal, Mickey-Jo sat down with West End star Jordan Luke Gage, who is about to open in the new musical Saving Mozart at the Other Palace Theatre in London. They chatted about his most recent stage roles, including as part of the original West End casts of Bonnie & Clyde and Titanique as well as his breakthrough performances in Bat Out of Hell and the original cast of & Juliet. Check out what Jordan calls his most challenging role, why he's enjoying his villain ...
Aug 13, 2025•31 min
A few months ago, I attended BEAM - a biannual, two day conference platforming new British musical theatre writing. Over two days at Birmingham Hippodrome, 28 different new musicals were pitched to producers, theatremakers and other industry professionals. Previously pitched musicals include Operation Mincemeat and Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York). In this special recap vlog, Mickey-Jo is taking you briefly inside the conference as well as sharing some short insights into each show t...
Aug 03, 2025•34 min
When Mickey-Jo was in the US last month, he saw two new musicals making their North American regional premiere - both of which started life in the UK. These shows were Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) at the American Repertory Theatre in Massachusetts and 42 Balloons at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater in Illinois. As well as reviewing both productions, Mickey-Jo is pondering the possibility that either might make it to Broadway and whether the next hit musical will be a British-writt...
Aug 01, 2025•33 min
Just one day before making her Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut, stage star Laura Benanti took a moment to chat with Mickey-Jo about her self-penned solo show and her new perspective on Broadway. The Tony Award winning actress will perform in "Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares" this summer in Edinburgh, before bringing the show to London's Underbelly Boulevard for two performances in early September. Check out the full interview to find out which Sondheim roles Laura would still love to tick off, which...
Jul 30, 2025•21 min
Last week, Mickey-Jo headed to the National Theatre in London to see one of this year's most anticipated new productions - Inter Alia starring Rosamund Pike. From the team that brought West End and Broadway audiences PRIMA FACIE (playwright Suzie Miller and director Justin Martin) comes this new collaboration depicting a judge trying to balance her important and demanding work within the legal system with an increasingly strenuous home life as a wife and mother. As it progresses, the play poses ...
Jul 29, 2025•28 min
Which shows are you most looking forward to on Broadway this season? With several plays and musicals already announced for the 2025 - 2026 Broadway season, Mickey-Jo is, for the first time, sharing his thoughts about these upcoming productions. From The Lost Boys and The Queen of Versailles to Oedipus and Waiting for Godot, here are Mickey-Jo's (way too early) picks for this next year's top tickets! • 00:00 | introduction 02:52 | new plays 13:40 | new musicals 22:26 | play revivals 30:48 | music...
Jul 28, 2025•42 min
When BURLESQUE the musical opened at the Savoy Theatre in the West End this month, it received a huge variety of critical responses, from 5 star raves to 1 star pans in major outlets. In this review roundup, Mickey-Jo is reading from a selection of reviews as well as sharing his own insights about the show. • 00:00 | introduction 02:47 | The Guardian ★★★★★ 09:17 | The Telegraph ★★★★ 15:18 | The Stage / The Times ★★★ 21:35 | WhatsOnStage ★★★ 29:31 | Express ★★ 35:16 | Daily Mail ★ About Mickey-Jo...
Jul 28, 2025•41 min
