Thoughts on controversial casting and Ariana Grande’s Sondheim revival departure, plus my review of Cleansed at the Almeida
OHMYGOD HEY!
Welcome back to my weekly collation of the various reviews, opinion pieces and theatre news updates I’ve shared across multiple social media platforms.
At a time when the industry’s PR and marketing teams are dialling back on announcements and the UK is firmly settling into the school holidays, there has been an unusual and sudden quantity of global theatre news. Much of this has concerned controversial casting, as productions on either side of the Atlantic found themselves in similar situations with uncanny proximity.
In the West End, Boy George exited Jesus Christ Superstar days before he was set to appear as the campy-cameo King Herod, in response to outrage sparked by his release of a staunchly pro-Israel and puzzlingly AI generated song. Meanwhile on Broadway, the musical Hadestown reminded us all of the scarcity of bass vocalists by casting another divisive actor in this role, one who introduces himself in social commentary content online as Geno Segers before going on to share his perspective on the world which has occasionally included unsolicited opinions about the apparent lack of oppression experienced by the trans community.
With Boy George allegedly pulled from the show by his management in order to avoid the show garnering unwanted attention (heaven knows Jesus Christ Superstar of all shows is no stranger to protesters), his dates have been covered by current Herod, Richard Armitage, while Geno Segers’ Broadway replacement is presumably being currently sought after the production released a brief statement to clarify he would no longer be joining the show, presumably in response to both online pressure and behind the scenes conversations.
Casting changes aren’t always an addendum to cancellation, though, as we were reminded when it was revealed that pop-star Ariana Grande would no longer appear in next summer’s highly anticipated revival of Sunday in the Park with George. Though the circumstances of her departure are entirely different (and I wish her the very best), this is also an easier circumstance to navigate for all involved – though some eager prospective audience members had perhaps purchased Barbican memberships, no tickets for the production had yet been sold, and it is in the enviable position of already starring another popular name in Jonathan Bailey. We can look forward to some presumably exciting news on the horizon about who shall be his new Dot.
With a similarly sudden surge, my theatregoing also ramped up once more as I caught seven different productions over five days, including everything from Flamenco infused Shakespeare to queer contemporary ballet. Seeing Jesus Christ Superstar from an onstage standing position and catching the new tour of 9 to 5 the Musical offered new slants on familiar shows, while The Car Man brought me my first taste of Matthew Bourne’s company, New Adventures, and Love’s Labours Lost at the Globe at last allowed me to tick off another Shakespearean play. Has anyone ever experienced such tonally disparate consecutive evenings at the theatre as my visit to the return of Secret Cinema’s immersive Grease and Rebecca Frecknall’s take on Sarah Kane’s polarising Cleansed at the Almeida? Both evenings, to their credit, offered something of a wild ride.
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Why Ariana Grande has left Sunday in the Park with George: The reason for the star’s musical exit
In a bombshell announcement, it has been confirmed that Ariana Grande will not appear in next year’s London revival of Sunday in the Park with George.
The pop star, who was set to make her London musical theatre debut alongside Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey, will no longer star in the show as she concludes a concert tour and faces increased public commentary.
Find out more about the potential reasons behind this decision, as well as its implications for the upcoming revival…
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Should controversial actors be fired? Thoughts on the backlash for Boy George and Geno Segers…
The theatre industry has recently seen casting controversy on either side of the Atlantic, with Boy George departing from his planned stint in the West End revival of Jesus Christ Superstar days before he was scheduled to perform, and Geno Segers announced as Broadway’s newest Hades in the Tony Award winning musical Hadestown.
While the reaction online to political statements from each actor has been decisive, there is a deeper conversation to be had about how he respond to these situations, what level of reprisal is proportionate, and what would be achieved by their dismissal?
Share your thoughts as I attempt to share mine and find some nuance in this challenging topic.
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Why did critics hate TRAINSPOTTING the musical? Review roundup for the West End musical
Trainspotting the Musical recently opened at Theatre Royal Haymarket in the West End. Among the reviews have been many of the most critical verdicts a new London opening has received in some time, prompting the question: why did the critics hate Trainspotting the Musical?
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
The ODYSSEY vs the ORESTEIA: Reviewing the 2026 film and play at the Bridge Theatre
Recently I saw two of this summer’s buzziest cultural arrivals: the new film adaptation of The Odyssey written and directed by Christopher Nolan and the stage adaptation of The Oresteia at the Bridge Theatre written and directed by Simon Stone.
Here, I’m sharing my thoughts about each of these creative projects alongside one another, talking through their adaptations, endings, aesthetics, material and performances.
Find out how these two ancient stories from Homer and Aeschylus overlap and what I thought of each of them…
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Should Broadway stars do 8 shows a week? Thoughts on the expectations on theatre actors in 2026…
A conversation has been taking place recently on social media about the stamina and fortitude of Broadway performers in 2026 vs their golden age counterparts.
Here, I’m asking what’s changed about Broadway and the world surrounding it in the last century that has prompted this shift.
Additionally, I’m sharing my thoughts on why theatre actors perhaps shouldn’t be performing 8 shows each week, and how this could even be better for Broadway’s box office in the long run…
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
This Week’s Reviews
Cleansed at Almeida Theatre, London
★★★★ Review available YouTube / Spotify / Apple Podcasts
I did the Hercules 5k Toga run! Theatre vlog ft Midnight at the Never Get, Trainspotting
Check out another week in our life of seeing theatre in the UK!
This week we headed to the Menier Chcolate Factory to see Midnight at the Never Get starring Ben Platt, plus Trainspotting the Musical at Theatre Royal Haymarket and The Oresteia at the Bridge Theatre.
I also participated in a 5km Toga Run around the West End with Disney’s Hercules in support of the amazing Make a Wish UK.
Join us vicariously in this brand new vlog to find out what a week in our lives looks like!
The West End Flea Market 2026: What happened at the London theatre charity event
July saw the return of The West End Flea Market – an annual charity event in which various West End shows sell props, memorabilia, sweet treats and experiences to raise money for Acting For Others!
This year participating shows included Les Misérables, Hadestown, Oh Mary!, Paddington, Hot Mess, Operation Mincemeat, Cabaret, Six, The Book of Mormon, The Play That Goes Wrong, Hamilton, The Phantom of the Opera, The Mousetrap, Moulin Rouge, and Mamma Mia!
Check out this fun vlog to find out what this year’s event had in store!
What’s coming up this week?
This week sees me at another two utterly distinct London productions (though they each occupy different areas of my heart) – the transferred Arcadia and the non-Jellicle-Ball Cats at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Otherwise I’ll be travelling around the country for some exciting regional openings including Fame at Theatre Royal Plymouth and Game of Thrones: the Mad Kind in Stratford upon Avon.
Stay tuned for reviews of these and last week’s shows plus my thoughts on the standing experience at Jesus Christ Superstar and rehearsal room footage from the upcoming UK professional premiere of Jane Eyre.
Until next week, I hope that everyone is staying safe and that you have a stagey… week! – Mickey-Jo
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