REVIEW: The Show Must Go On at the Palace Theatre

If there is a show that will epitomise the impact, frustrations and hope of the last 12 months in the Theatre Industry when we look back it must surely be this one, The Show must go on which finally runs until Sunday 7th June in the Palace Theatre and is available free on a Youtube channel. As we entered the glorious West End venue through the new covid protocols – E-ticket, NHS app scan and temperature check, with the paper in my pockets showing the original two booked dates of 21st January 2021 and 18th March 2021, it finally felt like the third time lucky, Live theatre was back.

Under the shadow of the awesome Harry Potter and Cursed Child set and venue dressing (a production that still has not announced its reopening date due to its scale & complexity) the brainchild of prop supervisor Chris Marcus & Stage manager Damian Stanton was finally reaching its ultimate goal of raising £1 million for the Theatre Support Trust with this concert. The simple graphical representation of 16 West End Musicals with the support of the Producers and Rightsholders which had inspired us all through the pandemic was about to become what we all dreamed of as a Live show. In many ways it did not matter how good a show it was, we were all glad to just be there but as it turned out it was a wonderful celebration of musical theatre with something for everyone in the line-up.

REVIEW: The Show Must Go On at The Lost Alhambra

With these uncertain times, there are some people in our industry who are doing everything they can to bring theatre back in whatever way possible. With producers openly saying they might not make money back and with the recent Equity proposal, it's proving to be a very tricky time. One of the venues trying their very best to bring theatre to the people is The Lost Alhambra, in the heart of Leicester Square. 

The Show Must Go On is a new cabaret and dining experience; a full 3-hour show plus a 2-course meal and bottomless prosecco, this experience is truly delightful and heartwarming. 

With our host, drag artist Poppycock, and a cast of three Musical Theatre performers they guide us through the show with an ensemble of singers who sing through the score. At this event we had the pleasure of viewing the Chicago version but upcoming performances include Mamma Mia, Hairspray, Priscilla, Rocky Horror and a special Halloween themed evening. 

The premise is nothing new, its similar to those we have seen at The Piano Works but what this venue does is manages to cross over into a more theatrical experience rather than a simple cabaret.