Last month, WICKED: FOR GOOD, the second part of the film adaptation of the global musical phenomenon Wicked, finally arrived in cinemas. The film, directed by Jon M Chu, stars Cynthia Erivo (The Color Purple) as Elphaba, Ariana Grande (13 the Musical) as Glinda, and Jonathan Bailey (Company) as Fiyero. The supporting cast also includes Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum. In the second of a new series called WICKED WEEKENDS, to take place over the next few weekends, Mic...
Dec 07, 2025•47 min
One of the best pieces of theatre Mickey-Jo saw during his most recent trip to New York was LIBERATION, an extraordinary new play from playwright Bess Wohl, directed by Whitney White. The play, which sees a version of the playwright trying to reconcile a younger, empowered version of her late mother with the woman she knew, examines a consciousness raising group for women's liberation in 1970s Ohio and features a scene in which the entire female company sit onstage while nude. Check out what Mic...
Dec 07, 2025•34 min
Something Mickey-Jo has been wondering about for a while is why two of Broadway's biggest stars, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, have struggled to find a hit star vehicle on stage since their star-making turns in Wicked. The actresses, who originated the roles of Elphaba and Glinda, and who have gone on to become household names with considerable success on screen, both returned to Broadway this year in Redwood and The Queen of Versailles respectively, both of which closed prematurely. Here ...
Dec 05, 2025•36 min
One of this season's most anticipated shows has recently opened at the Imperial Theatre, the first ever Broadway revival of CHESS. The musical, first seen on stage in the 1980s, depicts a chess-centred love triangle in the midst of cold war tensions, written by Benny Anderson, Björn Ulvaeus, and Sir Tim Rice. This new production, with a rewritten book by Danny Strong, stars Lea Michele (Funny Girl), Nicholas Christopher (Sweeney Todd), and Aaron Tveit (Moulin Rouge! the Musical) as well as Bryce...
Dec 04, 2025•34 min
With drag performers including Jinkx Monsoon and La Voix having recently been announced for major stage projects in 2026, Mickey-Jo is wondering whether there's been a trend in how many drag queens (and specifically alumni of RuPaul's Drag Race) have taken to the stage in the last few years. Shows on either side of the Atlantic, including Chicago, Cabaret, Moulin Rouge, Everybody's Talking about Jamie, Spongebob Squarepants, Little Shop of Horrors, Oscar at the Crown, and Oh, Mary! have all begu...
Dec 02, 2025•38 min
During Mickey-Jo's most recent trip to New York City he saw five off-Broadway plays, which were: • This World of Tomorrow at the Shed • Gruesome Playground Injuries at the Lucille Lortel Theatre • Prince F*ggot at Studio Seaview • Caroline at MCC Theatre • Initiative at the Public Theatre Check out that Mickey-Jo thought of each of these shows, share your own thoughts and recommend more off-Broadway theatre in the comments! • 00:00 | introduction 00:50 | This World of Tomorrow ★★★ 11:23 | Grueso...
Dec 02, 2025•44 min
After enormous anticipation that has only built during the show's preview period, Paddington the Musical has officially opened at the Savoy Theatre in London. The brand new stage adaptation of the Michael Bond story and the STUDIOCANAL films is directed by Luke Sheppard (The Little Big Things, Starlight Express) with Tom Fletcher and Jessica Swale having written the score and book respectively. Arti Shah and James Hameed jointly perform the role of Paddington Bear, with a supporting cast includi...
Dec 01, 2025•49 min
Earlier this month, WICKED: FOR GOOD, the second part of the film adaptation of the global musical phenomenon Wicked, finally arrived in cinemas. The film, directed by Jon M Chu, stars Cynthia Erivo (The Color Purple) as Elphaba, Ariana Grande (13 the Musical) as Glinda, and Jonathan Bailey (Company) as Fiyero. The supporting cast also includes Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum. In the first of a new series called WICKED WEEKENDS, to take place over the next few weeken...
Nov 29, 2025•45 min
One of this season's earliest new musical openings on Broadway was THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES, a Kristin Chenoweth led star vehicle with a new score from Stephen Schwartz based on the documentary of the same name. The show, which opened to mixed to negative reviews, has already set an early closing date of January 4th, with online conversation quickly turning to whether or not this show deserved to close and whether it ought to have been more meaningfully supported by the Broadway community. In thi...
Nov 29, 2025•40 min
The cult-hit, TikTok-viral Canadian musical RIDE THE CYCLONE has finally opened in London for its new UK premiere production. The show, at Southwark Playhouse Elephant, follows the St Cassian High School Chamber Choir into the afterlife when they die as part of a grizzly rollercoaster accident. Check out what Mickey-Jo thought of the popular show when he finally watched it for the very first time... • 00:00 | introduction 01:51 | synopsis / overview 10:42 | characters / performances 22:05 | the ...
Nov 28, 2025•32 min
Earlier this week it was announced that the West End production of BACK TO THE FUTURE will close in April 2026 after nearly 5 years at the Adelphi Theatre in London. This news comes shortly after the cancellation of the show's Australian Tour, but amidst confirmation of a subsequent UK Tour as well as an imminent German production, prompting questions about the future of this show as well as changes to the theatre industry on a global level. Today, Mickey-Jo will be sharing some insights into wh...
Nov 26, 2025•27 min
After years of anticipation, Mickey-Jo has finally seen both parts of the film adaptation of the global musical sensation, Wicked, having now seen WICKED: For Good in cinemas on either side of the Atlantic. Both films have been directed by Jon M Chu and star Cynthia Erivo (The Color Purple) as Elphaba, Ariana Grande (13 the Musical) as Glinda, and Jonathan Bailey (Company) as Fiyero. The supporting cast also includes Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum. Check out today's...
Nov 24, 2025•59 min
As Mickey-Jo gets ready to bring you dozens of updates from his most recent trip to New York including reviews and vlog content, he's taking on an unusual challenge. Mickey-Jo has decided to briefly review every show currently playing on Broadway (as of last week) by telling you what he thinks the best and worst thing about each of them is... About Mickey-Jo: As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His Yo...
Nov 22, 2025•35 min
Last night, after considerable anticipation, Mickey-Jo finally saw WICKED: For Good, the second film in the two part adaptation of the global musical phenomenon, Wicked. Both films have been directed by Jon M Chu and star Cynthia Erivo (The Color Purple) as Elphaba, Ariana Grande (13 the Musical) as Glinda, and Jonathan Bailey (Company) as Fiyero. The supporting cast also includes Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum. Check out today's brand new *spoiler-free* review vide...
Nov 22, 2025•40 min
One of London's most anticipated new theatrical openings this year has been a much talked about stage adaptation of THE HUNGER GAMES, based on the young adult dystopian novel by Suzanne Collins which has also been adapted for film. The brand new production, written by Connor McPherson and directed by Matthew Dunster, is now playing at the purpose built Troubadour Theatre Canary Wharf and celebrated its official opening night earlier this month. Today, ahead of returning to the show to create his...
Nov 22, 2025•39 min
After starring in back to back off-Broadway musicals, the name on everybody's lips is rising star Matt Rodin. Of course, his face may be familiar to anyone who caught him as Jamie on the most recent US Tour of Company or from his multi-year, game filled red carpet coverage for outlets such as Broadway.com. After enjoying many of his performances and looking up to him in the theatre industry for years, Matt and Mickey-Jo finally sat down as friends to discuss the successful year he's had and the ...
Nov 22, 2025•34 min
On only the second day of Mickey-Jo's most recent trip to New York, he headed to City Center and caught the penultimate performance of BAT BOY, the venue's annual gala presentation. A cult hit musical first seen around the millennium, this revival starred Taylor Trensch alongside Kerry Butler, who returned to the show having played a role in its original off-Broadway run. Check out what Mickey-Jo thought of the show, with no prior knowledge of its material, and why he thinks it's ready for Broad...
Nov 22, 2025•28 min
Mickey-Jo has officially arrived back in New York City for another marathon theatre trip filled with as many Broadway and Off-Broadway shows as possible. Ahead of sharing plenty of review and vlog-style coverage, Mickey-Jo is letting you know which shows he plans to see, which he is still considering and which he will deliberately avoid... Check out Mickey-Jo's thoughts on what's currently playing in New York by way of this update on his trip! • 00:00 | introduction 02:23 | shows I'm seeing 12:0...
Nov 22, 2025•30 min
It has been announced today that the Tony Award winning musical AVENUE Q is heading back to the West End for a 20th anniversary production that is being called a 'revisal'. Find out why I'm excited for the irreverent, fuzzy show to return, who I would like to see starring in it, and what we might expect in terms of updates to the material... • 00:00 | introduction 01:44 | what we know 08:50 | what I think 14:44 | who should be in it About Mickey-Jo: As one of the leading voices in theatre critic...
Nov 22, 2025•19 min
This week Mickey-Jo was invited to review the opening night performance of a new West End production of OTHELLO at Theatre Royal, Haymarket. The Shakespearean tragedy starred David Harewood and Toby Jones and was directed by Tom Morris in the first of a series of contemporary Shakespearean productions. Check our this full review to find out what Mickey-Jo thought of the direction, performances, and puzzling audience response... • 00:00 | introduction 01:58 | production overview 12:41 | the perfo...
Nov 06, 2025•33 min
With more high profile plays and musicals receiving their world premiere productions in the UK, audiences are asking whether these West End shows will ever get a Broadway transfer. From celebrated musicals like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and the recent revival of Evita to highly anticipated new adaptations like Paddington the Musical and The Hunger Games, New York theatre fans are eager to find out whether they can expect to see these shows heading across the Atlantic. By way of an upda...
Nov 06, 2025•34 min
On either side of the Atlantic, from Keanu Reeves and George Clooney to Bryan Cranston and Nicole Scherzinger, the theatre industry has been no stranger to celebrity casting. It perhaps isn't a surprise, then, that The Stage newspaper ran two opposing opinion pieces about whether or not this type of stunt casting was in fact damaging the industry on a fundamental level. Through these differing perspectives, Mickey-Jo is at long last unpacking the conversation around celebrities on stage and disc...
Nov 06, 2025•36 min
After considerable anticipation, it has now been announced that stage and screen star Luke Evans will play Dr Frank n Furter in the upcoming Broadway revival of Richard O'Brien's The Rocky Horror Show. The iconic role, played famously on screen by Tim Curry, has lately been the subject of some debate with many suggesting that the role ought to be played by trans or non binary actors. Check out today's Broadway news recap for Mickey-Jo's thoughts and to find out why he thinks this is the safest c...
Oct 31, 2025•30 min
The new musical HOT MESS by Jack Godfrey and Ellie Coote, an award winning hit which debuted at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe, has recently opened at Southwark Playhouse Elephant. The show, which focuses on climate change via an allegorical narrative with a relationship between embodiments of the Earth and Humanity, stars Danielle Steers and Tobias Turley. Check out this full review of the London production including Mickey-Jo's thoughts on the show's material, performances, and possible...
Oct 30, 2025•27 min
The acclaimed Mischief Theatre company, AKA the hysterical minds behind The Play That Goes Wrong, The Comedy about a Bank Robbery, and more, have announced today that they will premiere their first ever musical. The show, titled Thespians, will be set in Ancient Greece, and will debut at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester before touring to a handful of UK regional theatres in Guildford, Cardiff, Manchester, and more. Check out everything we now so far about the first ever Mischief musical, as wel...
Oct 28, 2025•22 min
After premiering at Bristol Old Vic, the new musical STARTER FOR TEN is back in an enhanced production than returned to the same venue as well as touring to Birmingham Rep. The show adapts the 2003 novel of the same name by David Nicholls, following a young man named Brian whose lifelong dream is to appear as a contestant on the prolific TV quiz competition, University Challenge. Check out this full review to find out what Mickey-Jo thought about this feelgood comedy, its dynamite cast, and why ...
Oct 28, 2025•26 min
Get Down Tonight, a new musical Mickey-Jo first enjoyed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, has transferred to London, and is now playing at the Charing Cross Theatre. Mickey-Jo sat down with its new leading man Ross Harmon, a rising West End star who plays Harry Casey in the story of how he became the celebrated songwriter behind KC and the Sunshine Band. Check out Mickey-Jo's chat with Ross as we discuss Get Down Tonight, his journey from Wicked fan to cast member as well as shows like Shucked, ...
Oct 26, 2025•29 min
With the stage adaptation of THE HUNGER GAMES having welcomed audiences to its first preview performances earlier this week, a conversation about the nature of these shows has been ignited. In 2025, the reception, implementation and necessity of previews is called into question as prices show increasingly little difference from regular shows and audiences are faster than ever before to take to social media with their candid thoughts. Check out Mickey-Jo's thoughts about previews, how they've cha...
Oct 26, 2025•32 min
Earlier this month Mickey-Jo travelled to San Diego, California to see some new musicals including HUZZAH! at the Old Globe. Check out this full video review to find out what Mickey-Jo thought of the show, and its potential future... • 00:00 | introduction 02:45 | overview 07:18 | synopsis 13:25 | material 19:30 | performances 24:33 | future life About Mickey-Jo: As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. Hi...
Oct 26, 2025•27 min
Mickey-Jo was recently invited to attend another gala night at the West End production of CABARET, currently running at the Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre in London. The production, directed by Rebecca Frecknall and originally starring Eddie Redmayne and Jessie Buckley has recently welcomed new stars in Reeve Carney (Hadestown) as The Emcee and Eva Noblezada (The Great Gatsby) who returns to the role of Sally Bowles shortly after performing in the Broadway production. Check out today's vi...
Oct 22, 2025•38 min
