Jamie Griffiths, Author at Matinee Musicals

Shake It Up Baby! – New Beatles Musical Premieres This Autumn at Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre

Shake It Up Baby! – New Beatles Musical Premieres This Autumn at Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre 13-06-25 A brand-new musical exploring The Beatles’ pivotal early years in Hamburg will receive its world premiere this September at Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre. Shake It Up Baby! is written by Liverpool playwright Ian Salmon, whose previous hit Girls Don’t Play Guitars won acclaim for its bold storytelling and authentic local voice. The production will run […]

June 13, 2025 19 62

Titanique Welcomes New Cast Members as Olivier-Winning Splash Hit Sails On

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Titanique Welcomes New Cast Members as Olivier-Winning Splash Hit Sails On

Titanique Welcomes New Cast Members as Olivier-Winning Splash Hit Sails On 10-06-25 A new cast boards the Ship of Dreams today as the Olivier Award-winning West End musical Titanique welcomes fresh performers to its company. Currently booking through Sunday 4 January 2026, the production continues its wave of success following its win for Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play at the 2025 Olivier Awards. A hit with theatre audiences and […]

June 10, 2025 85 104 2

“Wicked: For Good” Trailer Drops — The Final Spell Begins

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“Wicked: For Good” Trailer Drops — The Final Spell Begins

“Wicked: For Good” Trailer Drops — The Final Spell Begins 06-06-25 “And now whatever way our stories end, I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend…” The witches are back—one last time. The highly anticipated trailer for Wicked: For Good has officially dropped, offering a glimpse into the emotional, spectacular final chapter of the most successful Broadway musical film adaptation ever. Following the record-breaking success of 2024’s Wicked, […]

June 7, 2025 43 76 4

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Review: Dear England

Review: Dear England 01-06-25 Lowry, Salford Quays - by Jamie Griffiths ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ James Graham's Dear England has made a triumphant transition to touring, and under Rupert Goold’s direction, this latest production feels as vital, sharp and emotionally rich as ever. Thoughtfully revised and brought right up to date, it rewards both newcomers and returning audiences, proving how successfully a piece rooted in recent history can evolve and deepen with time. […]

June 2, 2025 55 293

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Review – A Knight’s Tale World Premiere

Review - A Knight’s Tale World Premiere Manchester Opera House 01-05-25 by Tiffany Chevis Full to the hilt with crowd-pleasers and classic hits, A Knight’s Tale has been transformed into a jukebox musical as camp and brazen as you would wish it to be. Following William as he goes from daydreaming squire to accidental knight, it’s a tale of taking chances, not letting go of hope, and charging head-first into […]

May 2, 2025 159 85

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Review – Dear Evan Hansen

Review - Dear Evan Hansen Wales Millennium Centre 29-04-25 by Emily Garside ‘Dear Evan Hansen, this is going to be a good tour and here’s why…’ The first UK tour of Benji Pesak and Justin Paul’s Tony and Olivier-winning musical is a revamped version of this modern classic. It has much to live up to; beyond awards, there is a devoted fan base for the teen musical that originally starred […]

May 1, 2025 73 255 2

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Tour News: Sunny Afternoon

Sunny Afternoon returns for a major UK tour 28-04-25 Sonia Friedman Productions and ATG Productions have announced the return of the Olivier Award-winning hit musical Sunny Afternoon for a major 2025/2026 UK tour. The show opens at the Manchester Palace Theatre on 10 October 2025, running until 18 October, with casting and additional dates to be revealed. Ray Davies, whose music and lyrics are at the heart of the show, […]

April 26, 2025 71 70 3

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First Look: Muriel’s Wedding

First Look: Muriel’s Wedding Co-producers Curve and Global Creatures have announced the full company of Muriel’s Wedding The Musical running 11 April to 10 May in Leicester this spring. Last year it was revealed the musical would be led by rising star Megan Ellis as Muriel Heslop and original SIX Queen Annabel Marlow as Rhonda Epinstall. Playing the role of Muriel’s father, the corrupt and selfish scoundrel Bill Heslop, is West […]

April 19, 2025 104 60

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Chenoweth Shines in ‘King’ Soundtrack Single

Chenoweth Shines in ‘King’ Soundtrack Single Updated 11-04-25 Emmy and Tony Award-winning singer and actress Kristin Chenoweth has released “Live Like That,” an original song featured in the animated feature film The King Of Kings. Available everywhere now, “Live Like That” features as the end credits’ theme to the film – a fresh, contemporary telling of the life of Jesus inspired by the work of Charles Dickens. Written by Kristin […]

April 12, 2025 84 63