I was invited to see The Karate Kid – The Musical at New Theatre Oxford. Directed by Amon Miyamoto, this was of interest to me due to the fact that it raised the question, why has this been reimagined as a musical. I went along to find out. Now is probably the time to admit, in the past, musicals based on earlier films have often not tended to be my favourites to watch. However, what this show does differently to many I have seen in the past, is keep enough of the original

Frankie Goes to Bollywood is a production by Rifco Theatre Company, which platforms British South Asian stories. Currently on tour, I went along to review the show at Oxford Playhouse. Frankie works with her friend Goldy in a theatre in Huddersfield, and is obsessed with Bollywood films. Goldy has always dreamt of being an actress, so when she goes to an audition, Frankie goes along for moral support and somehow Frankie lands the role. From there we are transported to Mu

Redcliffe is a new musical by Jordan Luke Gage who is responsible for writing the book, music and lyrics and playing the lead role in the show. Directed by Paul Foster, the narrative was inspired by two men who lived in Redcliffe in the 1700s. This is a story of community, family, fear, and forbidden love. The theatre space was set with seats on 3 sides, a wooden stage with a water along the end of it and a striking wooden fitting above the perimeter of the stage (Andrew Ex

Our House is a musical, written by Tim Firth, with music and lyrics by Madness. This production is by Cross Keys Productions, a University of Oxford theatre company. I was interested to see it at Oxford Playhouse, and went along to review on opening night. The show opens with a medley of Madness music. This was a good chance to hear the band playing without distraction, and the musicians were superb. It was also good to see the musicians onstage when the curtain rose. I per