MickeyJoTheatre
Join Mickey-Jo from MickeyJoTheatre as he reviews the latest show from the West End, Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-West End, Edinburgh Fringe and across the globe. As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: MickeyJoTheatre is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 95,000 subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
who will star in NANNY MCPHEE? | thoughts on the upcoming West End musical adaptation of the film
It has been announced that a musical based on the NANNY MCPHEE films is coming to the West End next year.
A world-class creative team has been assembled to bring Nanny McPhee to the stage including book by Academy Award®, BAFTA, Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor and writer Emma Thompson (who won an Academy Award® for Best Adapted Screenplay for Sense and Sensibility), music by singer-songwriter Gary Clark (frontman of the band Danny Wilson who wrote the music for Sing Street on stage and film), with original lyrics by Emma Thompson and Gary Clark.
Thelma & Louise (Young Vic Theatre, London) - ★★★★ REVIEW
One of London's latest theatrical openings is a new musical adaptation of the Award-winning 1991 film THELMA & LOUISE.
Playing at the Young Vic, the world premiere production stars Amy Lennox and Rachel Tucker in the leading roles.
In this full review, find out what Mickey-Jo enjoyed about the show, how a road movie is realised onstage, and whether you should check it out for yourself...
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00:00 | introduction
02:07 | did I enjoy it?
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why a great show is closing on Broadway | thoughts on Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
In what is beginning to feel like a Broadway bloodbath, another musical has announced that it will soon be closing - the Tony-nominated original Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York).
The show, previously seen in London at the Criterion Theatre, will have run for a year of performances at the Longacre Theatre in New York and is soon to be soon around the US on its first National Tour.
With considerable praise for its success, here are Mickey-Jo's thoughts on why Two Strangers is closing and what its enduring legacy might...
Were these plays brilliant or boring? LONDON THEATRE REVIEW ROUNDUP (Bloodsport, Electra / Persona, Man To Man, For Colored Girls)
Over the last week or so, Mickey-Jo has seen a handful of different plays at four different theatres across London. They were:
• Electra / Persona at the National Theatre
• for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf at the Yard Theatre
• Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy at Stratford East
• Man To Man at the Royal Court
Today Mickey-Jo is sharing his reviews of each of them, from the boring to the brilliant, and letting you know what he thought of everything from the star casting and infl...
Mickey-Jo met the stars of THELMA & LOUISE | a chat with musical's leading ladies Amy Lennox & Rachel Tucker - INTERVIEW
Ahead of its opening night, Mickey-Jo had the chance to sit down with the two leading ladies of the new musical adaptation of the award winning film, THELMA AND LOUISE.
Amy Lennox (Cabaret, Kinky Boots) and Rachel Tucker (Wicked, Come From Away) are both established stage stars who have brought powerful performances to the stage and are no strangers to developing material.
Check out what they had to say about this world premiere production at the Young Vic Theatre, workshopping new shows, and working alongside strong female creatives...
check out...
why SUNDAY IN THE PARK got cancelled | the real reasons why the revival at the Barbican is postponed
The much-talked about upcoming West End revival of SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE has officially been postponed and will not run next summer at the Barbican.
The musical, written by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, was set to star Wicked movie alums Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey, who have both departed the production this Summer as ticket sales have been delayed.
Find out why the show's Barbican run is cancelled, whether we can expect to see the production go ahead at all and why it feels like this musical is cursed in...
why & JULIET is closing on Broadway | why the jukebox musical is ending and thoughts on its legacy
Yet another Broadway show has announced it will close in the first week of 2027, and this time it's the long running jukebox musical, & JULIET.
The show, which expands on Shakespeare's most famous romantic tragedy with the songbook of Max Martin, has been playing at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre in New York since late 2022.
Here are Mickey-Jo's thoughts on why the show will end, as well as why this represents a success story, and why its New York run exceeded the time that it spent in London...
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Kimberly Akimbo (Hampstead Theatre, London) - ★★★★★ REVIEW
The musical KIMBERLY AKIMBO is making its UK Premiere at the Hampstead Theatre in London, starring Maria Friedman.
The show, written by David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori, was previously seen on Broadway where it won awards including the Tony for Best New Musical.
Find out what Mickey-Jo thought of the show which he saw thrice across the Atlantic, and how he felt about the creative choices of this non replica production...
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00:00 | introduction
...Burlesque (UK Tour) - ★★ REVIEW
After missing out on the chance to see it during its since cancelled run in Woking, Mickey-Jo headed to Cardiff earlier this week to watch the new UK Touring production of Burlesque.
The musical adaptation, seen previously under different creative teams in Manchester and London, is based on the film of the same name starring Christina Aguilera and Cher.
Amidst alleged backstage chaos, here are Mickey-Jo's thoughts on the actual show onstage, and whether or not it's worth the drama surrounding it...
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00:00 | introduction
02:42 | this production
...why is BEETLEJUICE closing in London?! | thoughts on the West End musical's box office challenges
The fan favourite musical BEETLEJUICE, which has haunted three Broadway houses finally made its way to the West End earlier this year, but will close earlier than planned.
The musical adaptation of the classic film announced today that it will conclude its run at the Prince Edward Theatre in London in January 2027.
Find out why the show is coming to an end and how this ties in to its international productions thus far...
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00:00 | introduction
02:59 | the closing details
08:37 | the reasons why
18:06 | the im...
Oh, Mary! starring Jinkx Monsoon (Trafalgar Theatre, West End) - REVIEW
Jinkx Monsoon is the latest star of the West End production of Oh, Mary! The hit comedy play written by Cole Escola continues to run at the Trafalgar Theatre.
Jinkx makes her West End debut in the show, which opened last year starring Mason Alexander Park, and won an Olivier Award for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play.
After last week's gala night performance, here are Mickey-Jo's thoughts about Jinkx's portrayal of Mary as well as the exciting trajectory of her stage career...
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why Jonathan Bailey has left SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE | thoughts on the revival's future
Following the recent news that Ariana Grande will not appear in next year's London revival of SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, it has been announced that Jonathan Bailey will also depart the production.
Find out more about the potential reasons behind this decision, as well as its implications for the upcoming revival and whether it will still go ahead...
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00:00 | introduction
02:28 | Jonathan Bailey's departure
09:29 | will the show go on?
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Angels in America (Edinburgh International Festival) - REVIEW
In the midst of seeing 50+ shows in a week at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Mickey-Jo saw exactly one production from the Edinburgh International Festival - Angels in America.
This condensed, single play version of the two part epic from Tony Kushner has been directed by Ivo Van Hove and is a remounting of an earlier run in Amsterdam.
Find out what Mickey-Jo thought of this adaptation, these creative choices, and the experience of seeing the play through a contemporary lens...
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Why is SIX closing on Broadway? Thoughts on the hit musical coming to an end in New York
It was announced earlier today that the Broadway production of SIX, currently playing at the Lena Horne Theatre, would end its run at the beginning of 2027.
The musical, which began performances in 2020, but was unable to celebrate its official opening night until New York's theatres reopened in late 2021, is in its sixth year and has become a global phenomenon alongside its Broadway and West End success.
Given the ongoing popularity of the London production, Mickey-Jo's considering why the Broadway run is ending, whether it might still have a future in New York, and...
Mickey-Jo met the cast of THE COMEDY ABOUT SPIES - Mischief Theatre stars on spy skills and onstage laughs
The Comedy About Spies, the hilarious show from Mischief Theatre is back in the West End for a limited run at the Adelphi Theatre.
Mischief Theatre are the maniacal, award-winning minds behind The Play That Goes Wrong as well as The Comedy about a Bank Robbery, Peter Pan Goes Wrong, and many more.
Find out which of their co-stars makes them laugh the most onstage, what we can expect from their zany spy characters, and which member of Mischief they think would make the best (and worst) real life spy...
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Mickey-Jo’s favourite HADESTOWN performances: thoughts on the West End, Broadway and international casts
With the proshot recording of HADESTOWN having recently been released in cinemas to tremendous success, theatre fans are once again talking about the Tony Award winning musical.
Today, Mickey-Jo is sharing his thoughts on the most impactful performances I've seen in the show, between the West End, Broadway and international productions.
Hear what Mickey-Jo has to say about alumni including Jack Wolfe, Jordan Fisher, Melanie La Barrie, Edwin Jonker, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt, Kurt Elling, and more, and share your own thoughts about your favourite performances in the show!
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Death Note: The Musical (Barbican Theatre, London) - ★★ REVIEW
After a semi staged concert presentation in 2023, DEATH NOTE the musical is back in London with a fully staged production at the Barbican Centre.
Based on the hugely popular manga and anime, the musical stars Xander Pang as Light Yagami, Colin Ryan as L, Stephanie Zaharis as Misa Amane, Telly Leung as Ryuk, and Grace Mouat as Rem.
Find out what Mickey-Jo thought of the narrative, score, staging, and performances in this full review...
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could WICKED close on Broadway? | thoughts on the musical's recent box office downturn and future
When a Broadway show becomes a long-runner, its lifetime spanning multiple decades, it's hard to imagine that it could ever close.
However, recent grosses for the musical Wicked seem to suggest that the show, which was recently adapted for screen, has been slowing down at the box office, with some of its lowest weekly earnings in years.
Today, Mickey-Jo is posing the question "what would it take for Wicked to actually close on Broadway?" and what steps might we see the show taking over the next few years in response?
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Game of Thrones: The Mad King (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) - ★★★★ REVIEW
A brand new stage play based on the "A Song of Ice and Fire" stories by George RR Martin has opened at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford upon Avon.
The hotly anticipated play, titled Game of Thrones: The Mad King, is adapted by Duncan Macmillan and directed by Dominic Cooke, and is an immediate prequel to "A Game of Thrones".
Find out what Mickey-Jo thought of the story, the performances of this company, and the creative choices with which this has been brought to the stage.
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Cats (Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, London) - ★★★★ REVIEW
A new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS opened last night at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, in London.
This new, outdoor production is directed and choreographed by the venue's artistic director Drew McOnie, and will embark subsequently on a UK Tour.
Find out what this production of the show is like, how it compares creatively to recent revivals elsewhere and why the press night performance offered a surprise...
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00:00 | introduction
03:53 | this revival
09:42 | creative choices
20:45 | performances
29:40 | conclusion
About Mi...
Review Roundup (9 to 5, The Car Man, Love's Labours Lost and Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical)
Last week Mickey-Jo saw four completely different productions in the space of 72 hours:
• 9 to 5: the Musical on tour
• Love's Labours Lost at Shakespeare's Globe
• Grease: the immersive Movie Musical
• The Car Man at Sadler's Wells
Check out what Mickey-Jo thought of each of these productions, their new interpretations, and their creative choices...
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00:00 | introduction
01:51 | 9 to 5: the Musical
11:34 | Love's Labours Lost
20:12 | Grease: the immersive...
Mickey-Jo stood onstage for JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR | everything you need to know about the standing tickets
Mickey-Jo recently headed back to JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at the London Palladium, but this time he wasn't seated in the auditorium, but stood onstage.
This production is offering dozens of audience members at each performance the chance to book onstage standing tickets and experience the show from an intimate, alternative vantage point.
This experience came with many logistical requirements as well as a unique theatrical point of view, and today he’ll be sharing everything you may need to know about both...
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00:00 | introduction
02:58 | logistics
17...
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 this evening 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...
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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?
<...Cleansed (Almeida Theatre, London) - ★★★★ REVIEW
Mickey-Jo headed to the Almeida Theatre, with some nervous anticipation, to see their new production of Sarah Kane's CLEANSED.
This play, first seen at the Royal Court Theatre in the late 1990s, is preceded by its reputation for extreme cruelty and graphic violence, prompting audience members to faint, walk out and publicly decry it.
Check out what Mickey-Jo thought of his first experience of the play in this new production from Rebecca Frecknall.
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the ODYSSEY vs the ORESTEIA | reviews of the 2026 film and play at the Bridge Theatre
Last week Mickey-Jo 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.
Today, Mickey-Jo is sharing his 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 Mickey-Jo thought of each of them...
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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.
Today, Mickey-Jo is asking what's changed about Broadway and the world surrounding it in the last century that has prompted this shift.
Additionally, Mickey-Jo is sharing his 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...
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why did critics hate TRAINSPOTTING the musical? | review roundup for the West End musical
A few days ago, TRAINSPOTTING the musical 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?
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00:00 | introduction
02:34 | my review
05:22 | The Guardian
08:33 | WhatsOnStage
12:42 | The Standard
16:34 | The Stage
20:50 | The Telegraph
24:33 | The Fi...
why has BURLESQUE been cancelled?! | the truth behind the show's postponement, cancellation & drama
There is yet more drama in the world of BURLESQUE the Musical as it was announced earlier this week that its two concurrently readying UK productions would each face some postponement.
The show's London return, at the Arts Theatre at Marble Arch, has been delayed to 2027 and will no longer play at the same venue, while the UK tour has cancelled its first stop in Woking and will now begin performances in Sunderland.
With considerable history of offstage drama, Mickey-Jo is taking a look back at prior productions of the show in order...
Midnight at the Never Get starring Ben Platt (Menier Chocolate Factory, London) - ★★★★ REVIEW
Earlier this week, MIDNIGHT AT THE NEVER GET opened at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London.
The new musical, written by Mark Sonnenblick, stars Ben Platt and sees the off West End venue reconfigured as an intimate 1960s Cabaret space.
Check out Mickey-Jo's spoiler-free and spoiler inclusive thoughts in tandem about this affecting new musical with a pastiche score...
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00:00 | introduction
02:49 | overview (spoiler free)
13:47 | development (spoilers!)
22:24 | conclusion
About Mickey-Jo:
As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on...
15 musical revivals we need to see | Mickey-Jo's Broadway and West End theatre wishlist
Mickey-Jo is answering one of his most frequently asked questions: which musical revival would you like to see next?
Mickey-Jo is sharing 15 shows he would like to see revived either on Broadway or in the West End as well as his thoughts on how, where, and with whom they ought to be staged.
Let Mcikey-Jo know which of these you would like to see as well as which revivals you are waiting for...
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<...why Mickey-Jo won't see HEATHERS again... | thoughts on the fan favourite musical in 2026
Mickey-Jo recently returned to HEATHERS THE MUSICAL, which is back in London once more at its new home - The Arts at Marble Arch.
Having seen the show several times since it first arrived in the UK, Mickey-Jo was surprised by his reaction to the largely identical production and the feeling that the show was no longer one which he could enjoy.
For Mickey-Jo's thoughts about this latest iteration of Westerburg High School, plus reflections on Hesthers' history and legacy, check out his latest review.
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RIDE THE CYCLONE London cast Q&A | post show discussion at Southwark Playhouse Elephant, Summer 2026
Mickey-Jo recently hosted a post show Q&A with the company of RIDE THE CYCLONE after their performance at Southwark Playhouse Elephant.
The cult hit musical received its UK premiere at the venue last year and has returned amidst huge popular demand for another engagement, with some additional cast members.
Check out what they had to say about their discovery of the show, their favourite numbers to be a part of, and what it's been like performing in a heatwave.
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Off-West End Review Roundup (Ride the Cyclone, Hit Machine, The Jonathan Larson Project & Hole!)
This week Mickey-Jo saw 4 shows at Off West End Theatres:
• The Jonathan Larson Project at Southwark Playhouse Borough
• Ride the Cyclone at Southwark Playhouse Elephant
• Hit Machine at Soho Theatre
• Hole! at Soho Theatre
Check out what Mickey-Jo thought of the material, creative choices, and performances in each production.
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00:00 | introduction
01:52 | The Jonathan Larson Project
11:46 | Ride the Cyclone
20:54 | Hit Machine
28:11...
why are these musicals using AI?! | the growing problem with artificial intelligence on and offstage
With increasing frequency, theatregoers in the UK have been observing a rise in the number of theatrical productions utilising AI.
This comes amidst a global increase in the prevalence of artifical intelligence, in spite of its environmental and social impact.
Today, Mickey-Jo is sharing his unfiltered thoughts about the arrival of AI in the theatre industry, bith onstage via generative AI imagery, as well as offstage in promotional materials and possibly even in the writing process...
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<...
Sweeney Todd starring Ramin Karimloo, Meow Meow (Birmingham Rep) - ★★★ REVIEW
A new production of the musical SWEENEY TODD, written by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler, opened earlier this week at the Birmingham Rep in the UK.
The revival, which stars Ramin Karimloo and Meow Meow, features a condensed company and orchestra, offering a chamber-style reinterpretation of the usually grand piece, as well as shifting its setting around a century earlier.
Find out more about this production, the winning material, and these new performances in this full review...
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<...why is CATS: the Jellicle Ball closing?! | what went wrong for the Broadway musical revival
It was recently announced that CATS: The Jellicle Ball, the groundbreaking, award-winning revival of the iconic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, would close early on Broadway.
The production, playing until early August at the Broadhurst Theatre, was the best reviewed musical of the Broadway season and won multiple Tony Awards for its creative team, though notably not for Best Revival of a Musical.
That, however, is not the only factor that played a role in the show's early demise - check out Mickey-Jo thoughts on what went wrong with the Jellicle Ball on Broadway...<...
Mickey-Jo and Aeron James are getting married! An update on their stagey wedding plans!
Good news! 3 years after they got engaged, Mickey-Jo and Aeron James are finally making wedding plans, and they're going to be tying the knot next year at a theatre!
Today they are sharing some details of that upcoming wedding day, inspiration for a similarly theatrical wedding, including the types of theatres at which you can get married, and also letting you know their honeymoon plans and how you can help make them happen if you so wish!
Stay tuned for some limited wedding coverage coming early next year, and thank you for watching...
Fun Home (Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester) - ★★★★★ REVIEW
Though it first premiered off-Broadway in 2013, Mickey-Jo had never seen FUN HOME on stage, and had been waiting to experience this celebrated show.
He finally got the chance to see a production last week when it was revived at the Royal Exchange in Manchester, a unique regional venue in the UK.
Check out what Mickey-Jo thought of this intimate production, its performances, and the show itself...
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00:00 | introduction
02:39 | synopsis / material
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Josh Radnor and Noah Galvin talk HIT MACHINE | the stage and screen stars on their UK theatre debut (INTERVIEW)
Mickey-Jo recently visited the Soho Theatre in London where the new play HIT MACHINE is readying to begin its sold out preview performances.
The play stars Josh Radnor and Noah Galvin as brothers and musicians with differing success in the industry.
Check out what they each had to say about their characters, how they arrived at this play, and what translating pain into art means for each of them.
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About Mickey-Jo:
As...
