Stage Door Matt

See it if you love Stranger Thing and enjoy spoofs

Don't see it if you don’t have much knowledge of Stranger Things or don’t like parodies

Also A refreshing good natured spoof that finds a huge amount of laugh to mine from the hit Netflix series. The cast are tight and each perform their multiple roles brilliantly. Vocally they can’t be faulted, it’s just a shame the songs are generally nondescript and while serviceable, the show lacks any real stand out earworms. So while you’re sure to have a fantastic night, you’re not likely to find yourself humming any of the tunes on the way home. Which is a shame, because that is the only critique that prevents this from getting 100% for me.... Read more Read less

See it if You like David Bowie or Labyrinth. Like Séayoncé and appreciate silly humour

Don't see it if If you don’t like parodies, occasionally rude humour

Also Peter Pans Labyrinth was honestly one of the funniest shows I’ve seen in ages. Utterly ridiculous and thoroughly entertaining from start to finish.... Read more Read less

See it if You’re not easily offended, like South Park

Don't see it if If you’re easily offended or Mormon

Also There were time watching Book of Mormon, where I was literally in pain with laughter. That said, this is not everyone’s cup of tea and has huge capacity to offend. The show doesn’t just cross the line: it gleefully sings and dances over it. What surprises and makes the show so engaging is that it does all this in an intelligent way: Providing a thought provoking commentary not just on Mormonism but religion as a whole.... Read more Read less

See it if Like slapstick/farce

Don't see it if You don’t like silly comedy

Also The Play That Goes Wrong has almost become an institution, and rightly so. This is the perfect farce; impeccably written and staged. Don’t expect any deeper meaning, this pure slapstick in the best way. The only negative note I have is that the characters have become so intrinsically linked to the show original cast (thanks in no small part to BBC’s Goes Wrong Show) that it can sometimes be jarring to see other actors in roles that feel written by specific performers.... Read more Read less

See it if you like modern pop music, girl power

Don't see it if if you don’t like modern pop or revisionist history

Also SIX’s revisionist take on the wives of Henry VIII is fantastic and can lay claim to one of the best modern musical scores. Each song genuinely could be a chart hit. The show rattles along at a tremendous pace, playing like a girl bands greatest hits concert. The only critique I have is the show is very simply staged and has a small cast and while this serves the show perfectly well, it does make the high tickets seem a little steep for what you get.... Read more Read less

See it if you like the movie, mashups and jukebox musicals

Don't see it if you are not a fan of the film: it’s that x 2

Also Moulin Rouge explodes with energy. It’s often frantic and frenetic in the best way. Beautifully staged and full of great performances, it really is hard not to leave with a smile on your face. If there one critique, it’s that the mashup style of the musical numbers means that you don’t always get enough time with each song to allow it to really bed in and take form.... Read more Read less

See it if you like original books

Don't see it if you’re expecting a carbon copy of the movie

Also Brilliantly staging and solid performances can’t elevate this to the joyous level achieved by the movie. Harking slightly closer to the original books it strikes a slightly darker tone. The new songs do nothing to enhance the score from the original film and in fact bog it down with needless padding that stretches the show just slightly beyond a comfortable length. But worth seeing if you find discounted tickets.... Read more Read less

See it if You like Harry Potter

Don't see it if You haven’t read any Harry Potter books or seen the films.

Also There are a few moments of genuine spectacle in the Cursed Child, although those expecting grand illusion may be disappointed. The story is a little predictable and convoluted but for the most part delivers an entertaining follow to the Harry Potter stories. Bringing the show down are to bizarrely out of place choreographed dance number which leave wondering 1) are they going start singing? 2) what was that about. The answer to those questions are no and filler. Nonetheless both parts are enjoyable, particularly the dark opening of part 2, which is a joy to behold from seats in the higher levels of the theatre.... Read more Read less

See it if SIX, modern pop, spectacle

Don't see it if Modern pop, jukebox musicals, LGBTQ+ themes

Also & Juliet brims with energy and exudes joy throughout every minute of the show. You can see the cast are absolutely having the time of their lives and it’s contagious. Packed full of modern pop songs you already know and delivering a revisionist history of the Bard and Romeo & Juliet, it really is difficult not to leave the show grinning from ear to ear. Is it a masterpiece? No. Does that matter? Absolutely not. This is high energy, spectacle for you to sit back end enjoy for a couple of hours and we loved every minute.... Read more Read less

See it if Andrew Lloyd Webber, traditional spectacles, gothic romance

Don't see it if Musicals… specifically Andrew Lloyd Webber

Also While the score is undeniably a little dated now, Phantom remains one of the most engaging theatrical experiences in the West End. Benefiting from some of the most well known and memorable songs in musical history.... Read more Read less

See it if Back To The Future, comedy, spectacle and family friendly shows

Don't see it if You’re dead inside. Or don’t like Back To The Future.

Also Back To The Future is a high energy spectacle with a stellar cast, set and special effects. Huge fun for the whole family. Sitting in the centre of the McFly Zone seats is great… although you view will be mildly obstructed.... Read more Read less

See it if Imagine Fritz Lang, Tim Burton and Terry Gilliam birthed a surreal gothic pop musical. This is an experience as much as it is a show.

Don't see it if If you like traditional old fashioned musicals then this may not be for you. Also avoid if sensitive to strobe

Also I was genuinely blown away by Cages. It was not what I expected. And while some parts didn’t quite live up to what I imagined the production would be, this was more than outweighed by other aspects of the show far exceeding expectations.
The score has some fantastic songs that completely earwormed their way in to my brain. We were completely mesmerised from start to finish.... Read more Read less