Including reviews for London’s Woman in Mind starring Sheridan Smith, the Top Hat tour, Manchester’s Singin’ in the Rain and a Spring 2026 Broadway Guide
OHMYGOD HEY!
I’m Mickey-Jo, a full-time theatre critic who spends every day either seeing theatre or talking about it. Welcome to the very first instalment of my first ever newsletter, where I will, for the first time, be able to bring together everything I share online in one easy, weekly update.
This week marked my return to theatregoing after a festive break, ignited by a uniquely novel visit to the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Twelfth Night at the Barbican on Twelfth Night itself! Following that, some of the first press nights of 2026 saw me heading to star-led plays, Woman in Mind and High Noon. Stay tuned for my review of the latter to be shared imminently…
There’s much to look forward to in an exciting year of theatre for London audiences, and if you’re curious which new openings I’m anticipating eagerly, you can check out some of my early thoughts in a recent piece for LondonTheatre.co.uk as well as London Theatre Magazine.
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This Week’s Videos
Why is Starlight Express closing in London?
Just before the weekend, the London production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s STARLIGHT EXPRESS announced a final extension and with that, a closing date in May of this year. The show, which has been running at a temporary theatre in Wembley Park, London, is a multi-award winning revival of the long-running show which perhaps did not capture the same excitement as its predecessor.
Check out this theatre news recap for some insights as to why Starlight Express’ Wembley home has always meant it would be a limited run, as well as why it may have closed even earlier than anticipated…
Available on Spotify / Apple Podcasts
Let’s discuss the audience drama that happened at Mamma Mia! on Broadway…
An explosive intermission argument between audience members at Mamma Mia! on Broadway has made headlines this month and been seen across social media. The confrontation has reignited a recurring dialogue around theatre etiquette and audience behaviour, which I discuss in the following video…
Available on Spotify / Apple Podcasts
This Week’s Reviews
Woman in Mind at Duke of York’s Theatre, West End, London
★★★ Review available on YouTube / Spotify / Apple Podcasts
Top Hat at Sadler’s Wells, London and UK Tour
Review available on YouTube / Spotify / Apple Podcasts
Singin’ in the Rain at Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
Review available on YouTube / Spotify / Apple Podcasts
My Spring 2026 Broadway Season Roundup
As a new year of theatregoing begins, I’m glancing ahead to my most anticipated shows of the Broadway season and letting you know what I suggest seeing in New York this Spring.
Check out which already open shows I recommend revisiting as well as which upcoming openings bear the Mickey-Jo seal of approval.
Available on Spotify / Apple Podcasts
What’s coming up next week?
Next week brings me to a few more shows in London, including a new musical, Already Perfect, as well as a long overdue visit to Ballet Shoes at the National Theatre before I jet off for my first international theatre trip of the year! (and no, it isn’t to New York… just yet.)
Stay tuned for my review of High Noon, a vlog recapping the first half of January’s theatregoing, and a conversation with my stagey fiancé Aeron James about our theatrical resolutions for 2026…
Until next week, I hope that everyone is staying safe and that you have a stagey… week! – Mickey-Jo
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