Oh dear. The theatrical blogosphere is becoming rather overcrowded of late and now the Whingers are competing for attention from yet another. This matters because attention, you will have noted, is really all we crave.
Thank you to blogging guru One Man and his Blog for alerting us to this would-be pretender to the throne – one Jeffrey Howard Archer, Baron Archer of Weston-super-Mare.
Actually Lord Archer’s blog is a very useful addition to the scene as he is prepared to witness theatrical horrors that even the West End Whingers couldn’t face AND write nice things about them. Presumaby if he doesn’t say nice things he won’t get invited to any more opening nights.
So if you’re thinking of popping up West for a night out at the theatre, here are Jeffrey’s recommendations.
On Grease:
I attended the opening night of Grease yesterday which was energetic and full of fun. The dancing was quite outstanding and the two leads, Danny Bayne and Susan McFadden, fitted in very well. However my favourite characters were Jason Capewell who played an outrageous Vince Fontaine, and Rizzo played by Jayde Westaby – her rendition of There are worse things I could do was the best song of the evening. If you’ve enjoyed Dirty Dancing and Mama Mia, then this is a show for you.
On Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat:
Mary and I went to the opening night of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at the Adelphi Theatre, and during the first half the stage mechanism broke down, which rather put a dampner on act one. I saw Bill Kenwright (the producer) during the interval and he looked very glum. No need – the second half was full of life and great fun, which the critics reflected the following morning.
On Betrayal:
My theatre club went to the Donmar last night to see Harold Pinter’s ‘Betrayal‘. Rather than rave on about the acting of Sam West, Toby Stephens and Dervla Kirwan, let me simply say that it’s only on until 21st July, and if you’re a real theatre fan, t’would be foolish to miss it. Pinter at his best.
A West End Whinger 
Sunday 26 August 2007 at 4:37 pm
Whingers, no matter how many London theatre blogs come along, my heart is with yours first and foremost!
Monday 27 August 2007 at 2:20 pm
Well at least he is consistent… His blog is as dull as his books…
Tuesday 28 August 2007 at 11:50 pm
I love the crazy colours he uses!
Wednesday 29 August 2007 at 1:13 pm
Let’s just remember, this is the man whose idea of a riveting night out in the theatre was “The Accused”.
Tuesday 11 September 2007 at 5:24 pm
His most poignant comment is “If you’ve enjoyed Dirty Dancing and Mama Mia, then this is a show for you.”