General Archives - Page 3 of 45

Matinee’s Top 40 Greatest Shows of 2025 19-11

= 19. Kinky Boots Touring once again in 2025, the show’s central performances, particularly in Lola’s show-stopping numbers (performed by Strictly's Johannes!), reminded audiences why Kinky Boots remains such a beloved hit. Heading to the West End in 2026 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Wdc0iTfbSk =19. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry Passenger's spellbinding musical remained a Matinee favourite throughout the summer of 2025 and we cannot wait for the 2026 West End transfer! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VNkl3nYMr8 […]

December 31, 2025

General

Matinee’s Top 40 Greatest Shows of 2025 29-20

29. Back to the Future Still playing at the Adelphi Theatre in London while wrapping up its Broadway run, the show continued to impress with its technical wizardry and high-energy cast performances. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ck27i9TfdE&list=RD5ck27i9TfdE&start_radio=1 28. Kiss of the Spider Woman This critically acclaimed big screen revival starring J-Lo has been praised for lush visuals, emotional intensity and vocal strength. We're still waiting for it to be released in the UK though! […]

December 31, 2025

General

Matinee’s Top 40 Greatest Shows of 2025 40-30

2025 proved that musical theatre is thriving on every scale, from intimate two-handers to blockbuster West End transfers and UK tours that packed houses night after night. Here’s how Matinee’s Top 40 Musical Highlights of 2025 counted down, with the performers and venues that helped make each moment land. 40. The Addams Family The national tour brought Gomez, Morticia and the whole macabre clan to packed regional theatres across the […]

December 31, 2025

Romesh Ranganathan (Bill) and Sheridan Smith (Susan). Photo by Marc Brenner

Cast News

First look: Sheridan Smith and Romesh Ranganathan in Alan Ayckbourn’s Woman in Mind

First look: Sheridan Smith and Romesh Ranganathan in Alan Ayckbourn’s Woman in Mind 31-12-25 First look production images have been released for Alan Ayckbourn’s Woman in Mind, starring Sheridan Smith and Romesh Ranganathan, ahead of the production’s limited UK tour following its West End run. For Matinee listeners, Sheridan Smith is a familiar and much-loved voice. A regular presence on the station and one of the most versatile performers of […]

December 31, 2025

General

Matinee’s Top 10 Greatest Festive Shows for 2025

Matinee's Top 10 Greatest Festive Shows Updated 23-12-25 it's that time of year again - and Matinee listeners have cast their votes to decide which are the greatest shows across the holiday season. There's something old, and something very new, and plenty of timeless classics in between. 10. Spirited The Ryan Reynolds & Will Ferrell movie is one of the most popular Apple Original Films title on the streaming service […]

December 23, 2025

General

Can’t Fight the Moonlight… Coyote Ugly heads to the West End in 2027 as a brand-new musical

Can’t Fight the Moonlight… Coyote Ugly heads to the West End as a brand-new musical 10-12-25 One of the most iconic cult films of the early 2000s is heading for the West End. Jamie Wilson Productions, alongside Nederlander Studios, have announced the world premiere of Coyote Ugly – A New Musical, set to open in London in 2027, bringing the fire, freedom and female-led swagger of the original film to […]

December 13, 2025

General

It’s time to meet Paddington!

It’s Time to Meet Paddington! 01-11-25 London has finally met its newest West End star. As Paddington The Musical begins previews at the Savoy Theatre, producers Sonia Friedman Productions, STUDIOCANAL and Eliza Lumley Productions on behalf of Universal Music UK have revealed the first images and the team responsible for bringing the world’s most beloved bear to life. Paddington will be played by James Hameed (Off-stage Performer and Remote Puppeteer) […]

November 1, 2025

General

FIRST LISTEN: “Pretty Little Dead Things” from Paddington The Musical

FIRST LISTEN: “Pretty Little Dead Things” from Paddington The Musical Updated 01-11-25 London’s about to meet its newest West End star — and tonight, the identity of Paddington himself will finally be revealed. Ahead of the first preview at the Savoy Theatre, a brand-new track from Paddington The Musical has been released: Pretty Little Dead Things, performed by Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (& Juliet, In the Heights) as the deliciously villainous Millicent […]

November 1, 2025

General

Review: Spraywatch: A Beautiful Rescue

26-10-25 Kings Arms, Salford by Jamie Griffiths Low Fat Productions’ Spraywatch: A Beautiful Rescue makes a perfect splash at The Kings Arms. Written, composed, and directed by Hywel Evans, this new musical is set between the sun-soaked promise of Santa Monica and a rain-drenched Northern seaside town, and it’s every bit as funny, heartfelt, and gloriously odd as that sounds. Evans and co-writer Abbie Ashall have created a show that’s […]

October 26, 2025