Plus, as always, we'll be tipping top shows taking place in the week ahead in London with our Three To See recommendations and the Caro Meets interviews.
If you're a fan of 2018 ThreeWeeks Editors' Awards winners Zach and Viggo - and let's face it, most of you probably are - you might find that our first Edinburgh Fringe interviewee of 2019 looks a bit familiar. In fact, our featured act Jackson Tucker may just possibly be the alter ego of someone whose first name rhymes with, um, Jack.
Jackson is from New York and - we are told - has been around the comedy circuit for a pretty long time, so I was surprised I hadn't heard about him before. I arranged a quick Q&A to find out more ahead of his Edinburgh stint this summer. Read the interview here.
'Jackson Tucker - Comedy Standup Hour' is on at Edinburgh Fringe 2019 at Underbelly Cowgate from 1-25 Aug.
You may remember that last week we suggested you pop along to Ovalhouse to see 'Rejoicing At Her Wondrous Vulva The Young Woman Applauded Herself'. Having done that, we decided that just one tip wasn't enough to shed light on this fab show.
I wanted to find out more about it, and what inspired it, so arranged a chat with creator Bella Heesom. Read the interview here.
'Rejoicing At Her Wondrous Vulva The Young Woman Applauded Herself' is on at Ovalhouse until 25 May. See this page here for more.
THREE RUNS STARTING THIS WEEK>>
Hoard | Arcola Theatre | 15 May-8 Jun
Another premiere, this time a debut play from writer Bim Adewunmi about a secret that's threatening to tear a family apart. "Dalston, autumn 2019. Rafi and Ami's sister is coming round for dinner - and for the first time, she's bringing her boyfriend, Brian. Then out of the blue, without any warning, their mother arrives. Why doesn't she know that Brian exists?" Head this way for details.
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button | Southwark Playhouse | 15 May-8 Jun (pictured)
"Born in the most unusual circumstances, Benjamin Button is an old man, not at the end of his life, but at the beginning. Trapped in a body where he doesn't belong, locked away from the world and branded a monster, Benjamin dreams of freedom and adventure. And more than anything, he dreams of love. But just as he gives up hope, resigning himself to a life of solitude, a miracle occurs - a local girl, by the name of Elowen Keene". New musical adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald short story, from a very good team. See the venue website here for information.
Testament | The Hope Theatre | 14 May-1 Jun
"In the beginning God created the heavens and earth and... Max! Max is in a car crash with his brother and his girlfriend Tess, who dies in the accident. Following the loss of his girlfriend, he tries to commit suicide and fails, but when he wakes up, he believes she is still alive". Edfringe success 'Testament' returns to the Hope Theatre, make sure you see it this time. Click here.
THREE SHORT RUNS>>
We've Got Each Other | Battersea Arts Centre | 16-18 May
Anyone up for the "almost entirely imagined Bon Jovi Musical"? How could you possibly say no to this funny celebration of jukebox musicals, especially after reading these words: "The modern musical traditionally comes with a multi-talented cast, a live band, opulent sets and decadent costumes, extravagant dance routines, dramatic key changes and the odd hydraulic lift or two. We've Got Each Other has none of these things (they cost a lot of money), but Paul still tries to create this all singing, all dancing spectacle using the powers of imagination". More here.
True Colours | The Hope Theatre | 19-20 May
"Somewhere on a painter's site basking in the summer sun of 1993 sit two men, not just work mates, best mates! In a time before social media when we liked to talk rather than tweet, men like Ray and Leon all over the UK find themselves discussing everything and yet never really saying anything. In the days of Shell Suits and Gameboys, of Brit Pop and Hyper-colour T-shirts, the early 90's seemed a simpler time. But when work is not enough Ray and Leon find themselves at life's crossroads". This one act play by Paul Stevens promises to be both funny and realistic. See the venue website here for info.
After Today | OSO Arts Centre | 16 May (pictured)
"Meet Bill Grundy some years after his infamous live interview with the Sex Pistols on the Today Show. He has managed to land a new job with Southern Television presenting Close-up on Castles. Can Bill survive being this close to castles as he reminisces about that fateful interview and eulogises on youth, middle age, drinking, the decline of society, and those unemployable scrota the Sex Pistols?" Wondering how many of our readers are old enough to remember him. Should still be interesting for those who don't, however. Click here for details and to book.
THREE SLIGHTLY LONGER RUNS>>
Happy Jack | Jack Studio | 14-25 May
An airing for John Godber's '89 play, which focuses on a couple, Jack and Liz, who are based on the playwright's own grandparents, and who live in a west Yorkshire mining village. The piece covers their sixty year marriage, offering vignettes from their lives that depict moments love, sadness, anger, joy and conflict, and the difficulties of life as a miner, as well as after being a miner. More info on the venue website here.
I Ought To Be In Pictures | Tristan Bates Theatre | 20-25 May
Another production of an eighties play, this time one from Neil Simon. "Libby, a highly spirited young girl, treks across America to "become a movie star". She turns up at the doorstep of her estranged father Herb, who deserted the family when she was a baby. Upon reuniting with her father, Libby replaces the thoughts of fame for those of parental love and forces Herb to deal with the responsibilities of parenthood and come to terms with his on/off relationship with his girlfriend Steffy". Head this way for details.
Bottom | Soho Theatre | 14-18 May (pictured)
"This is for anyone who hates making the first move. Anyone who thinks they are unlovable. Anyone that's ever tried to be someone they're not". Willy Hudson returns to Soho Theatre by popular demand with this "queer coming-of-age remix" in which he "questions if 'bottom' in the bedroom means 'bottom' in life - and whether Beyoncé can help put his love on top". Expect something funny, honest and accompanied by a great soundtrack. Oh, and act quickly, tickets are going quickly. More here.
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