All stories by Debbie Gilpin on BroadwayStars

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

‘Far from bonzer new musical’: SUMMER STREET – Waterloo East Theatre by Debbie Gilpin

An energetic cast and an understated performance from Pogo the Summer Street dog are not enough to save this problematic show at the Waterloo East Theatre.

SOURCE: mytheatremates.com at 09:00AM
Friday, May 17, 2019

‘The ideal tonic for our modern world’: MATILDA THE MUSICAL – West End ★★★★★ by Debbie Gilpin

It’s no wonder Matilda The Musical has managed to stand its ground in the West End; it’s a sheer delight for adults and children alike, brimming with optimism and a clear sense of right …

SOURCE: mytheatremates.com at 10:00AM
Wednesday, May 15, 2019

‘A fresh perspective’: HENRY V – Shakespeare’s Globe ★★★★★ by Debbie Gilpin

A fresh perspective on the classic Henry V, concluding Hal’s journey from errant prince to conquering king – an action-packed end to the trilogy.

SOURCE: mytheatremates.com at 11:00AM
Tuesday, May 14, 2019

‘Echoes through to modern-day instabilities’: HENRY IV PART 1 – Shakespeare’s Globe ★★★★★ by Debbie Gilpin

Henry IV Part 1 is a fast-paced, fun production that speaks to our politically unstable times – a great way to start the new season.

SOURCE: mytheatremates.com at 08:00AM
Monday, May 13, 2019

‘A worthy showcase of the short play form’: FEAST FROM THE EAST – Tristan Bates Theatre by Debbie Gilpin

Feast from the East is a series of eight short plays from INK Festival, showcasing the playwriting talent from East Anglia; they’re on the road and in London.

SOURCE: mytheatremates.com at 12:00PM
Friday, May 10, 2019

MISSED THE BOAT: Hadestown by Debbie Gilpin

I’m not quite sure how I managed to miss Hadestown at the National Theatre before it transferred to Broadway, where it has picked up 14 Tony Award nominations.

SOURCE: mytheatremates.com at 01:00PM
Saturday, May 4, 2019

‘The rich score is performed expertly by the cast of actor-musicians’: THE HIRED MAN – Hornchurch & Touring ★★★ by Debbie Gilpin

A decent production of a slightly bland musical – The Hired Man’s 20-30 year span is over-ambitious for the given running time.

SOURCE: mytheatremates.com at 12:00PM
Wednesday, April 24, 2019

‘A real gem from the Pinter collection’: BETRAYAL – West End ★★★★ by Debbie Gilpin

Betrayal is a real gem from the Pinter collection, benefiting from the minimalist design and slick direction of this production – Charlie Cox’s performance is a real highlight.

SOURCE: mytheatremates.com at 09:00AM
Tuesday, April 23, 2019

‘Could not be a more apt time to revisit this classic’: THE CRUCIBLE – Yard Theatre ★★★★★ by Debbie Gilpin

An inspired version of The Crucible as a warning from history and a modern day parable – Caoilfhionn Dunne is outstanding as John Proctor.

SOURCE: mytheatremates.com at 09:00AM
Sunday, April 21, 2019

‘One of my favourite shows this year so far’: NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD LIVE! – Pleasance Theatre ★★★★ by Debbie Gilpin

Night of the Living Dead is an instantly recognisable title; George Romero basically kick-started the zombie genre in his 1968 flick, though they were just ‘ghouls’ then, a moniker adher…

SOURCE: mytheatremates.com at 08:00AM
Friday, April 19, 2019

Album Review: Tina – The Tina Turner Musical Original Cast Recording by Debbie Gilpin

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical is a cast recording that’s worth listening to whether you’ve seen the show or not, as you can absolutely appreciate the performances & musicianship – …

SOURCE: mytheatremates.com at 11:00AM
Wednesday, April 17, 2019

‘Lovely to hear these charming stories again’: WHERE IS PETER RABBIT? – West End ★★★ by Debbie Gilpin

Where is Peter Rabbit? is a charming family musical with some beautifully designed puppets – maybe Peter Rabbit needs to be found a bit sooner next time.

SOURCE: mytheatremates.com at 07:00AM
Tuesday, April 16, 2019

‘MacMahon quickly establishes a rapport with the audience’: A Super Happy Story (About Feeling Super Sad) – The Vaults ★★★★ by Debbie Gilpin

A clash of extremes, as hilarious moments mingle with serious and dramatic ones. A Super Happy Story (About Feeling Super Sad) at The Vaults is an enjoyable show with an important message to…

SOURCE: mytheatremates.com at 09:00AM
Saturday, April 13, 2019

‘A great piece of escapism’: THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES – Upstairs at the Gatehouse ★★★★ by Debbie Gilpin

The Marvelous Wonderettes is a frothy concert musical that is a nostalgic bit of escapism – two hours of beautifully performed classic pop tunes.

SOURCE: mytheatremates.com at 12:00PM
Friday, April 12, 2019

What is wrong with Come From Away being ‘relentlessly cheerful’? by Debbie Gilpin

I’m not one for twee, saccharine niceness, but the simple, honest goodness that runs through Come From Away is something that I can get on board with.

SOURCE: mytheatremates.com at 01:00PM
Thursday, April 11, 2019

Album Review: What’s Inside – Songs from Waitress by Debbie Gilpin

Whilst What’s Inside: Songs from Waitress isn’t a vital piece for your collection, it’s definitely something that the more enthusiastic fan should wrap their ears around.

SOURCE: mytheatremates.com at 12:00PM
Wednesday, April 10, 2019

A Night with the Stars at the OLIVIER AWARDS 2019 by Debbie Gilpin

A chilly, grey April afternoon not the most auspicious weather for an occasion such as the Olivier Awards. Before the nominees and guests arrived it looked set to be another rain-soaked affa…

SOURCE: BroadwayWorld at 09:30AM
Tuesday, April 9, 2019

‘A powerful watch’: MOUTHPIECE – Soho Theatre by Debbie Gilpin

Following an acclaimed run at the Traverse Theatre, Fringe First winner Kieran Hurley’s Mouthpiece has transferred to Soho Theatre for a limited run.

SOURCE: mytheatremates.com at 08:00AM
Thursday, April 4, 2019

‘Raucous, ridiculous fun’: Shit-faced Showtime’s Oliver With a Twist – Leicester Square Theatre by Debbie Gilpin

The only thing that strikes me when I watch Shit-faced shows – it’s not my first – is that sometimes the off-kilter fun can feel a little forced.

SOURCE: mytheatremates.com at 11:00AM

‘It feels like the show is reaching out to give you a big hug’: WISE CHILDREN – Coventry ★★★★★ by Debbie Gilpin

My verdict? A show that is unabashedly in love with theatre, revelling in the curious mischief of Angela Carter’s novel – what a joy it is to dance and sing, indeed!

SOURCE: mytheatremates.com at 09:00AM

‘A timely revival of a forgotten classic’: MAGGIE MAY – Finborough Theatre ★★★★ by Debbie Gilpin

Lionel Bart and Alun Owen’s musical Maggie May first opened in London 55 years ago, when it made its debut at the Adelphi Theatre in September 1964 – despite its success it hasn’t been…

SOURCE: mytheatremates.com at 05:00AM
Thursday, March 28, 2019

‘A Christie choose your own adventure with a dash of Cluedo mixed in’: MURDER SHE DIDN’T WRITE – West End ★★★★ by Debbie Gilpin

‘The Case of the Pink Wellington Boots with the Red Hearts’. Not the kind of title you’d expect to spring from Agatha Christie’s pen – instead, an evening of murder mystery hijinks…

SOURCE: mytheatremates.com at 11:00AM

BWW Review: AFTER EDWARD, Sam Wanamaker Playhouse by Debbie Gilpin

During the latter part of this winter season, Shakespeare's Globe has been concentrating on Voices in the Dark Pride, Then and Now, with a production of Marlowe's infamous Edward II running …

SOURCE: BroadwayWorld at 08:33AM
Wednesday, March 27, 2019

‘An explosive, relevant production’: LORD OF THE FLIES – Greenwich Theatre ★★★★ by Debbie Gilpin

I really can’t overstate how insanely great the choreography is in this production; it is such an incredible bonus that I know if I ever see another performance of Lord of the Flies withou…

SOURCE: mytheatremates.com at 06:00AM
Tuesday, March 26, 2019

‘A stellar production of an intriguing play’: THE PRICE – West End ★★★★ by Debbie Gilpin

The Price is a stellar production of an intriguing play about family tensions – the set is breathtaking and Miller’s insights remain as perceptive as ever.

SOURCE: mytheatremates.com at 09:00AM
Monday, March 25, 2019

‘Doesn’t quite live up to its promise’: OTHELLO – Union Theatre ★★★ by Debbie Gilpin

Closing Phil Willmott’s ‘Enemies of the People’ 2019 Essential Classics season is Shakespeare’s classic Othello, marking the centenary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, with events s…

SOURCE: mytheatremates.com at 08:00AM
Wednesday, March 20, 2019

BWW Review: THE LIFE I LEAD, Park Theatre by Debbie Gilpin

Best known to many as Mr Banks in Mary Poppins, actor David Tomlinson actually had a quite extensive career on stage and screen - as well as more than his fair share of personal dramas. Jame…

SOURCE: BroadwayWorld at 08:29AM
Friday, March 15, 2019

‘Full of energy & heart’: SPARKPLUG – Touring ★★★★ by Debbie Gilpin

“I’ve got two dads.” Playwright, actor and spoken word artist David Judge’s latest play SparkPlug is inspired by autobiographical events: his mother is white, his biological father i…

SOURCE: mytheatremates.com at 11:00AM
Wednesday, March 13, 2019

‘Shame to be dropped out of a giggle so fast’: QUEEN C*NT: SACRED OR PROFANE? – Touring ★★★ by Debbie Gilpin

Queen C*nt: Sacred or Profane? It’s a great, intriguing title, and the strapline promises even more: to let us watch Deborah Ward and China Blue Fish leave their husbands, practice witchcr…

SOURCE: mytheatremates.com at 01:00PM

‘Touches, entertains & teaches’: A HUNDRED WORDS FOR SNOW – Trafalgar Studios ★★★★★ by Debbie Gilpin

A Hundred Words for Snow is a perfectly crafted one-woman show that touches, entertains and teaches, as it explores grief and polar exploration – a charming performance from Gemma Barnett.

SOURCE: mytheatremates.com at 06:00AM
Tuesday, March 12, 2019

‘Performed to Star Baker standard’: WAITRESS – West End ★★★★★ by Debbie Gilpin

Based on the 2007 film of the same name by Adrienne Shelly, the musical adaptation of Waitress made its Broadway debut back in 2016 and has now made the leap across the pond to London’s We…

SOURCE: mytheatremates.com at 08:00AM

All that Chat

2023-2024 BROADWAY SEASON
May 30, 2023: Grey House - Lyceum Theatre
Jun 26, 2023: Just For Us - Hudson Theatre
Jul 24, 2023: The Cottage - Hayes Theater
Nov 16, 2023: Spamalot - St. James Theatre
Dec 18, 2023: Appropriate - Hayes Theater
Mar 07, 2024: Doubt - Todd Haimes Theatre
Apr 14, 2024: Lempicka - Longacre Theatre
Apr 17, 2024: The Wiz - Marquis Theatre
Apr 18, 2024: Suffs - Music Box Theatre
Apr 25, 2024: Mother Play - Hayes Theater
Jun 10, 2024: The Drama Desk Awards