Blog / Opinion

Check here for the latest musical news with links to all your #StageFaves performers, shows and theatres. Also look out for our regular #GetSocial features and contributions from our syndicate media partners including MyTheatreMates.com and the Musical Theatre Appreciation Society.

11 Aug
2017
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We all know the theatre can be political, just look at what HAMILTON and RENT did, not just for Broadway but America as a whole! Occasionally though, it's the controversy offstage that makes the headlines Joanne Sadler from our friends at the Musical Theatre Appreciation Society assesses the future of the Great Comet and discusses the recent issues regarding the shortening of a black actor's contract, to be replaced by a more established white one...

07 Aug
2017
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The theatre has often been a safe space for LGBT+ performers and audiences alike and can serve to educate others on the issues faced by marginalised communities and humanise a group who have historically been persecuted. Lauren Philpott from our friends at the Musical Theatre Appreciation Society discusses how Musical Theatre can both educate their audiences and empower people within the LGBTQ+ community...

25 Jul
2017
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It's been a triumphant run, but Gary Barlow's THE GIRLS has now left London's West End. The show, which found a home at the Phoenix Theatre for six wonderful months will head on tour next summer, but the hole it's left in London's theatre district has been felt strongly by thousands of fans. Becky Mary from our friends at the Musical Theatre Appreciation Society, shares her thoughts on its closing...

19 Jul
2017
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We all love Musical Theatre here at #StageFaves, but let's be honest - it's a tough career! The life of a performer is often full of uncertainty, fear, huge highs and dragging lows. Every aspect can be very rewarding, but also draining and, yup...stressful! For those of you looking forward to a time at drama school, George Fairclough from our wonderful friends at the Musical Theatre Appreciation Society offers some tips and tricks on managing stress and getting the most out of life as a performer...

12 Jul
2017
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The bond between performers and fans has always been a strong one and in the age of social media, it's easier than ever to keep up with your favourite actors. Many fans love waiting at stage door to catch a few seconds with their heroes and it can be disappointing when you don't get to meet them after a show. But recently there have been incidents of fans taking to social media to air their grievances and personally attack the actors. Ben Platt, Tony Award-winning actor in DEAR EVAN HANSEN recently responded to these attacks, and Lisa Martland of Musical Theatre Review explains why his priorities are in the right place...

11 Jul
2017

It may be due to close in September, but HALF A SIXPENCE will live on in the hearts of its fans. Thousands of theatregoers of all ages have seen and fallen in love with this show during its West End run and many are mourning the news that it won't be running anymore. Becky Wallis is one of these superfans and she shares why she fell in love with the show and why she'll feel totally gutted when Charlie Stemp lays down his banjo for the last time...

06 Jul
2017
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She tried to suppress it, but it was only a matter of time until Lauren Philpott from our friends at the Musical Theatre Appreciate Society fell under the Hamilton spell! Here's the story of how she fell hard for the #Hamiltonhype (look out for the puns!)...

19 Jun
2017
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It's been a little over a week since the biggest night in American Theatre - The Tony Awards - dominated theatre headlines worldwide. DEAR EVAN HANSEN dominated the affair with HELLO, DOLLY! Also picking up awards for itself and its star Bette Midler. But what about the shows that didn't win? Or the shows that never even got anomination? Joanne Sadler from our friends at the Musical Theatre Appreciation Society asks whether or not a Tony Award defines success...

13 Jun
2017
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They were written a century apart, but Opera classic LA BOHEME and Musical Theatre groundbreaker RENT have more in common than you might think. In fact, RENT was actually based on Puccini's Italian masterpiece. Lauryn Clarke - from our friends at the Musical Theatre Appreciation Society - delves into the differences and similarities between the two shows...

07 Jun
2017
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Fans of MAMMA MIA! were recently hit with the news that a sequel is in the works for 2018, and people have been having a lot of feelings about it! Sophie Wood and our friends at the Musical Theatre Appreciation Society discuss whether studio exects are right to take a chance on a new film or if we should all be shouting SOS...

31 May
2017
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In recent years, the world of musical theatre has received an extra dose of LOLs with well-known comedians taking to the stage and appearing to take the new challenge in their stride. With Miranda Hart coming into the role of Miss Hannigan in the new production of much loved musical Annie opening soon at the Piccadilly Theatre, and with her name plastered across the advertising, Becky Wallis from the Musical Theatre Appreciation Society asks if comics can really make it work on the West End...

26 May
2017

When it comes to theatre we all have our f#StageFaves. We follow them on Instagram, Facebook and even send them a cheeky tweet now and then, but where is the line between fan appreciation and harassment? Becky Mary from the Musical Theatre Appreciation Society shares her thoughts...

22 May
2017

Jonathan Larson is most famous for writing the groundbreaking 90's musical RENT, but diehard fans will know his autobiographical monologue TICK, TICK...BOOM! which was posthumously turned into a 3-hander and is playing at the Park Theatre this month. Bronagh Lagan, the show's director, shared some thoughts on the show and the company behind this production.

17 May
2017
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With the news of HALF A SIXPENCE sadly closing its doors this September, our friends at the Musical Theatre Appreciation Society look at what productions they'd like to see take its place at the Noel Coward Theatre…

12 May
2017
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Musical Theatre is well loved by millions of women all over the world, but the gender balance and character exploration onstage seems to be firmly in favour of men. Frida Lindberg from our friends at the Musical Theatre Appreciation Society asks whether there should be more to female characters than simply pining for a man...

05 May
2017
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So you've got your tickets to a West End show in London, but you want to make a day of it and go exploring. You’ve been to the science and history museums, seen the sites, but did you know that there are a few things us theatre lovers to do? The Musical Theatre Appreciation Society show you how to spend your day in showstopping style...

26 Apr
2017
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Everyone loves a night out at the theatre. Whether that's smaller fringe venues or big West End productions, millions of people enjoy shows every year. We're often told that only certain parts of society can attend the theatre, but it this really the case? Becky Mary from our friends at the Musical Theatre Appreciation Society makes the case... in inimitable fashion...

21 Mar
2017
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With school holidays fast approaching, what is there to do to keep the kids occupied? Musical Theatre Appreciation Society's Keira Dulake is a big advocate of children's theatre and provides some child-friendly suggestions for all ages to enjoy...

16 Mar
2017
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After her thoughts comparing The West End with Broadway, Musical Theatre Appreciation Society's Katie Rose turns her attention closer to home - West End shows vs their touring counterparts...

14 Mar
2017
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With Let It Shine such a big hit for TV and theatre, is there any chance of more theatre casting shows coming our way? Musical Theatre Appreciation Society's Dries Janssen compares it with the Andrew Lloyd Webber talent shows of old...