Tuesday, March 19Royal Holloway's offical student publication, est. 1986

Tag: musical

Film adaptation of Wicked announced to be released in 2019
Culture & Literature, Film & TV, Theatre & Performance

Film adaptation of Wicked announced to be released in 2019

The adaptation has been discussed since 2004, but was viewed by some fans as a mere rumour after news of the film had gone quiet. Universal Pictures, however, confirmed via Twitter that the motion picture is scheduled for release on 20th December 2019. Within 24 hours, their tweet has received over 5,000 likes and 7,500 retweets, with speculation already rife about who will play the lead characters and visible excitement from eager followers. The musical phenomenon WICKED comes to the big screen. In theaters 12.20.19. pic.twitter.com/rFojgh56oH — Universal Pictures (@UniversalPics) June 16, 2016 Wicked retells L. Frank Baum's 1900 story The Wizard of Oz, popularised by the 1939 film, from the perspective of the witches, exploring their childhoods and how they came to take the titles o...
MTS showcases talent with Summer Cabaret
Culture & Literature, Theatre & Performance

MTS showcases talent with Summer Cabaret

With its annual show, MTS kicks off the post-exam term of Pimm’s drinking in Founders quad with their ‘Summer Cabaret’. Orbital sends its resident photographer Jessie Beach-Thomas to investigate the action and interviews Violaine Brunelin, a member of the production team. Jessie’s take: ‘Colourful, glittery- everything you would expect from a musical!’ From watching Summer Cabaret, a show directed by Max Harris and presented by both Pippa Gentry and Matthew Siveter, I was very impressed. It is clear to see why so many of MTS’s shows have been sold out throughout the year. MTS take pride in their inclusivity, with both auditioned roles and full cast numbers that do not require any auditioning. If you aren’t into the performing side of things, there is plenty of opportunity for students to...
Savoy sets sail with the astounding ‘Anything Goes’
Culture & Literature, Theatre & Performance

Savoy sets sail with the astounding ‘Anything Goes’

Beth Carr reviews the latest production from Savoy Opera Society. Photo from rehearsals, credit: Harriet Kennerley Jane Holloway Hall, as the old swimming pool, seems a fitting venue for the Savoy's Autumn term production of Anything Goes, following the SS American's voyage from America to Britain. As the oldest society on campus, Savoy Opera Society has been delivering fantastic shows for almost 50 years and this one was no exception. It was not an easy journey from bid to production but from the amount of smiling amongst the cast and crew, it is not hard to tell that they all love the show. One of the strengths of the show was its inclusivity. The production team and cast included members from all years and from departments such as History, Geography and English as well as the usu...
“Memphis”, Last triumph at The Shaftesbury Theatre
Culture & Literature, Theatre & Performance

“Memphis”, Last triumph at The Shaftesbury Theatre

Unfortunately, The Shaftsbury Theatre hasn’t had the most illustrious success in the century it’s been performed in. Hidden at the dark, neglected end of London’s most infamous avenue, the auditorium’s only real minor claims to fame include "Hairspray" and "Rock of Ages". Luckily, Tony award-winning, Broadway sensation "Memphis" strode confidently into the theatre during February of last year. Cast with singer-songwriter Beverley Knight, and up-and-coming West End star Killian Donnelly, "Memphis" opened to a mixture of hype and awestruck surprise, gaining an unexpected level of box office success. No-one anticipated how such a previously unknown show could’ve achieved such immense popularity in only one year. Bagging two "Oliviers" Awards and a "What’sOnStage" Award, the rock "n" roll m...
Interview with Director of MTS
Culture & Literature, Theatre & Performance

Interview with Director of MTS

I caught up with MTS director Kathryn Pickering and spoke with her about the Into the Woods Performance and its production, and why being involved in MTS is such an excitement. Why did you decide to get involved in MTS? – is it because of the course you did or because it is just something you love to do? It is something I love to do (although I do study drama and music). When I started I had to make a decision about whether to continue in drama society or MTS, I chose MTS as I had been cast in their performance of A Little Shop of Horrors, however I wonder how different my university life would have been if I had continued with another society. Was there someone who inspired you to get into theatre? Sounds silly but not particularly. I always wanted to do it (performing), I...