My full predictions and aspirations for this year’s Olivier Awards ceremony, plus reviews of Romeo and Juliet, Kinky Boots, The Last Five Years, and more.
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.
Having survived 10 days of consecutive London theatregoing (and having reached the age at which I have learned that that is no longer an easy feat), I have spent the Bank Holiday Weekend submerging myself in egg-shaped chocolate as well as debate about the upcoming Olivier Awards.
The approaching ceremony, which will recognise triumphant plays and musicals from the last year of London openings, boasts such a strong list of nominees that no outcome could possibly be dissatisfying, and while we anticipate the most nominated productions (Paddington the Musical, Into the Woods) being proportionately awarded, an upset or two might even be welcome amongst the predictable heavyweights.
Meanwhile, back on other stages, I’ve recently paid two separate visits to the transferred production of Kimberly Belflower’s John Proctor is the Villain, once in previews and then again to celebrate the Royal Court Theatre’s 70th Anniversary. My thoughts on the play’s London arrival are yet to come (stay very much tuned) but any apprehension I had that its reception wouldn’t be able to match the giddy, emotional euphoria it induced among young audiences on Broadway last summer has already been dispelled.
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This Week’s Videos
Our 2026 Olivier Awards predictions – Who will win at this year’s London Theatre awards?
With the 2026 Olivier Awards fast approaching, my stagey fiancé @AeronJames and I are finally sharing our predictions for the upcoming ceremony.
Check out which productions, actors, and creatives we think (and hope) will win next weekend from nominees including Paddington the Musical, Into the Woods, Kenrex, 1536, All My Sons, Evita, Inter Alia, and more.
Check out this new video for our thoughts and make sure to comment with all of yours!
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Joey Contreras on the rise of IN PIECES – writer / composer talks about the new musical’s London run
The contemporary musical theatre song cycle In Pieces has become a fan favourite show, and played sold out concert performances this week at the Other Palace Theatre in London.
Before seeing the final show, I sat down with writer / composer Joey Contreras to discuss the show’s inspirations, development, and fan reception.
Comment down below with who you’d love to see me to interview next!
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
This Week’s Reviews
The Last Five Years at London Palladium, West End, London
★★★ Review available YouTube / Spotify / Apple Podcasts
Summerfolk at Olivier Theatre, National Theatre, London
★★★ Review available YouTube / Spotify / Apple Podcasts
Slippery at Omnibus Theatre, London
★★★★ Review available YouTube / Spotify / Apple Podcasts
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, London
★★★★★ Review available YouTube / Spotify / Apple Podcasts
Choir Boy at Stratford East, London
★★★★ Review available YouTube / Spotify / Apple Podcasts
Kinky Boots at London Coliseum, West End, London
★★★★ Review available YouTube / Spotify / Apple Podcasts
Romeo & Juliet at Harold Pinter Theatre, West End, London
★★★★ Review available YouTube / Spotify / Apple Podcasts
We saw theatre every day for 10 days – Part 1!
Check out another week in our life of seeing theatre almost every day!
This time we’re taking you to the opening night of Teeth ‘n’ Smiles and Jaja’s African Hair Braiding as well as performances of John Proctor is the Villain, Slippery, and The Last Five Years in concert.
Check out this brand new vlog to find out what a week in our lives looks like!
What’s coming up this week?
In addition to press night performances of Inter Alia, Flyby, and A Doll’s House at the Almeida, you can look forward to my thoughts on the very current phenomenon in which Broadway and off-Broadway shows are finding financial buoyancy in uncertain waters by casting the alumni of the culturally impactful TV series Glee.
My review of the returned UK Tour of Waitress starring Carrie Hope Fletcher is also on its way to your eyes and ears, and the Olivier Awards grow ever closer as I put the finishing touches to this year’s outfit and ready to share with you my thoughts on the ceremony and winners early next week!
Until next week, I hope that everyone is staying safe and that you have a stagey… week! – Mickey-Jo
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