This week marked the first big West End opening of the year with The Enfield Haunting, starring Catherine Tate and David Threlfall in the stage retelling of the supposedly real poltergeist event in north London in the Seventies.
Horror in theatre has long proved box office gold from The Woman in Black to 2:22 A Ghost Story, and Stranger Things: The First Shadow. But will this story of things that go bump in the night have the audiences screaming, or just the critics?
We have also donned our VR headsets to experience the mixed reality show Kagami at the Roundhouse in Camden. This show was made with acclaimed composer Ryuichi Sakamato, who died last year, and punters getting the chance to experience him playing some of his greatest hits, in virtual form at least.
So what is it like to engage with a show in this way, and is it a welcome celebration of Sakamoto’s genius or just slightly creepy?
We also welcomed The Evening Standard’s Going Out editor to advise us on one of the questions we’re most asked about: where are the best places in Theatreland to get a drink before or after a show.
From Soho to Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus to Waterloo, David picks his favourite watering holes to really make the most of an evening out at the theatre in central London. As is clear, we theatre regulars have resolutely turned our back on dry January.
Nick, Nick and Nancy also discuss the latest news, including Prince’s Purple Rain being adapted into a Broadway show, and Mr Bates vs The Post Office’s debt to the theatre.
Matthew Xia, artistic director of Actors Touring Company, also pays tribute to the great Philip Hedley, who ran Theatre Royal Stratford East, who sadly died earlier this month.
