Naima Khan looks back at September's theatreland happenings.
Stop Press!
Some rather bizarre news stories emerged this month, including Michael Crawford's casting as the Wizard in Andrew Lloyyd Webber's The Wizard of Oz. He was soon joined by rumours of Hannah Waddingham as The Wicked Witch. Kerry Katona was rumoured to be cast as Baby Spice in the Spice Girls Musical, while Avenue Q have decided to up sticks and go on tour. Lastly, we had the sad task of writing an obituary for the legend that is Tony Curtis.
Politics yo!
When it comes to political theatre we are on it! Plays addressing current affairs by looking at historical events popped up all over London this month. I headed down to Blood and Gifts at National Theatre where I was mistaken for an Afghan. Emma trekked to Hammersmith for The Big Fellah and Jo sampled the pan-global epic that was Re-Orientations at Soho Theatre where we also interviewed the director Michael Walling. Clybourne Park touched on property-related racial tensions and we had the pleasure of interviewing the brilliant Niki Flacks whose play Love in the Insecurity Zone opens on 5th October; and Lisa Evans, writer of The Day The Waters Came.
Estate Walls, perhaps more social than political, proved to be a stand-out play as part of OMO London. Also on the social side was The Aliens, starring Ralph Little and Mackenzie Crook as a pair of kind-hearted stoners.
Hold the phone!
Oh how excited we were when September rolled around. Like the little geeks we are, we waited with new stationery, eagerly anticipating Penelope Keith in The Rivals and Michael Gambon in Krapp's Last Tape, whilst Ricky was so looking forward to A Disappearing Number. But alas they did disappoint. Though Tom enjoyed Reclining Nude With Black Stockings (a lot) and Sebastian Rex's Spare proved to be a hidden fringe gem. As did The Maddening Rain, The Wonderful World of Hugh Hughes, the mesmerising Dialogue with Lucinda, and Fantastic Mr Fox.
All in all a rather lovely start to the autumn term at Spoonfed. Full marks for effort everyone. October brings Halloween treats. We're looking forward to Virtuous Flock at Arcola Theatre and Terror 2010: Death and Resurrection at Southwark Playhouse. See our October Top 5 for more recommendations.
Image: Julija...!
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