As a self-proclaimed theatre lover, it has been one of my missions once I officially touched down in London town to see as many shows as humanly possible. A daring feat if I do say so myself. Clearly I know nothing of dangerous endeavours – my idea of living life dangerously involves consuming milk past its due date.

What I do know is that La Clique is a fantastic spectacle, where performers invariably push their mortality to the limits time and time again! Since starting performances on Oct. 10th, La Clique has been wowing audiences into the wee hours.

The best way I can describe this show is a clever amalgamation of vaudeville, cabaret and a small, delicious dollop of smut. However, this show isn’t all about the temptations of the flesh – oh no! There is a real historical thread in La Clique that suits the Hippodrome perfectly; recalling the old days of this famous London venue.

Originally constructed in 1900 as a water circus with a 100,000 litre pool in which elephants, polar bears and sea lions (oh my!) could be seen, the Hippodrome has hosted performances as wide ranging as escapologist Harry Houdini, Ivor Novello, Judy Garland, and Sugar Ray Robinson. The mood of the current production is typical of the venue after it’s circus days, with dim lighting and - small intimate tables dispersed throughout the circular venue; a very jazzy feel.

As I took in my surroundings, I waited with baited breath for the production. As Mario, Queen of the Circus tried to summarise the events to come, I started to get slightly nervous… I am not someone who copes well with odd and otherwise extremely painful movements/positions that are well beyond my own ample… gymnastic abilities. With acts like, Hanky Panky, Captain Frodo’s contortionism, David O’Mer’s bath time acrobatics, The English Gents and much more – my imagination started to run wild…
After facing my fears, I realised there was more to La Clique than meets the eye! Literally, but we’re all adults here… nothing we haven’t seen before. Okay, well maybe not. Read more

As the Old Vic Theatre is a historical landmark in the West End, I thought I would indulge my Canadian ignorance and see what it was all about. Expecting to enter a classic and beautifully preserved space, I was initially in dismay when I saw that the traditional stage had been reconstructed as a theatre round. Currently featuring the Norman Conquests, I suddenly became intrigued, realising that it was three shows in one – how decadent! So I decided to stick around to enjoy all three: Table Manners, Living Together and Round and Round the Garden. Little did I know I had just set aside the day to be spent in the theatre, but not to worry, these plays can be enjoyed together or separately. To my delight, I left the newly revamped Old Vic with pep in my step; this production is fantastic!

Read more

Hamlet London: When I first heard the news, I immediately let out a hearty laugh in response to my sheer excitement and curiosity. What’s this you say? Is it true Jude Law and David Tennant to play Hamlet in the West-End? I can’t think of anything more scandalous and absolutely wonderful. Two actors, with different skills and aesthetics, set to play one of the most demanding and intense roles in theatre history. Get bloody ready folks – it’s about to get messy.

2x Hamlet London = Once in a lifetime…

It is not often that such a monumental occasion graces the West-End; but frankly I’m looking forward to it. I’m not a huge Dr.Who fan (stop waving your fists about, I watched Tennant in Harry Potter and loved it!), but I have come to know that this role has been institutionalised in Britain; Tennant packs a lot of heat. As for Jude “man-pretty” Law, his credits in the silicone (oops, did I just say that?) valley of Hollywood is more notable than his previous stints on stage with Oscar Nominations strapped to his proverbial belt. Do you think he’ll be allowed to slather on the bronzer by the way? Law’s Hamlet may need a sun-kissed glow… it is seemingly his red carpet standby.

So, where and when can we expect the showdown? You want the dirty details?  Be prepared for a theatrical battle set to commence this 3rd of December as the RSC version will kick off at the Novello Theatre. The Donmar’s production of Hamlet isn’t scheduled to ignite until May 29th allowing the Royal Shakespeare Company to hit up Theatreland first.

It is no secret that David Tennant is a well trained actor with plenty of experience on stage and enough praise to last him a lifetime. Performances of the RSC production finish in Stratford-Upon-Avon on Nov. 15th after a great run that began in July ‘08.  It has been wagered that this contemporary version of Hamlet (which sees Tennant looking like a straight-up bum in some scenes) will differ in many ways to the Donmar interpretation, to be directed by the talented Kenneth Branagh (so I have a crush…don’t judge me). Read more