[rating=4]
90 min • Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London • August 29, 2013

With no swearing, as the gig launched O2’s 4G network, Ben Drew laid on a set of PG crowd pleasers with a twist.

“The crowd around me consisted of Strickland Banks fans, teenage girls, and a middle-aged woman who kept screaming, “Ben, come and sit on my face!” I have no idea how he managed to refuse …”

[rating=4]
150 min • The Old Vic • Until 31 August, 2013

Sweet Bird of Youth, with Kim Cattrell and Seth Numrich, is one of the better Tennessee Williams’ revivals of recent years, writes David Gee.

“Seth Numrich gives a believable, sympathetic performance as Chance, who sees his hope of finding love and stardom slipping out of reach. Numrich is a young man to watch (especially with his shirt off …).”

[rating=5]
60 min • Scala, London • August 1, 2013

MKS lit up the Scala as they commanded and enthralled the sold-out audience. Superb, says Nick Smith.

“The audience witnessed both a coming of age and a rites of passage story unfold before their eyes with these women, and this concert was less like a reunion but rather more like a reinvigoration of the promise that the young teenagers showed us 15 years ago when walking the line with Cameron McVey.”

[rating=5]
120 min • O2 Arena • July 18-28, 2013

Alegria is Cirque de Soleil’s masterwork, a dazzling production that is both grand and intimate. A truly magical experience.

“The most enchanting thing about Alegria is its simplicity. Yes, this is massive full scale production, with a beautifully designed moving set, death defying feats and a huge cast of performers, but the most engaging elements come from the intimate moments rather than the larger set pieces.”

Trans and Trans-Ally Artists Unite.

CN Lester writes about the London Community Pride edition of Transpose, an evening of music, art and the spoken word. June 28, 2013.

“The idea behind each night is that it isn’t about policing identity – the first rule of Transpose is “don’t make assumptions” – it’s about creating a welcoming space for anyone who’d like to support trans rights and enjoy some fabulous art .”

[rating=4]
120 min • Arts Theatre • From April 13, 2013

The grit, humour and emotion of Jonathan Harvey’s Beautiful Thing are all still wonderfully affecting 20 years on.

“The play is set (and was written) in a time when Section 28 was in place and gay characters were usually limited to marginalised rent boys.”

[rating=5]
150 min • Prince of Wales Theatre • From March 21, 2013

The Book of Mormon is a masterpiece of musical theatre. It’s witty, clever, base, crude and even touching, finding profundity in profanity.

“One would expect the creators of South Park to have penned a musical that’s rude & crude laced with humour that’s juvenile and vile, all boxes that The Book Of Mormon ticks, and does so with relish – but it is also incredibly slick, well staged and deceptively intelligent.”

[rating=2]
100 min • Manchester Arena • March 7, 2013

DJ David Robson watches The Girls Aloud tour, and sees the Girls going through the motions … and not much else.

“Pop today is ruled by reality star competitors who are such products they haven’t got anything to say. They are happy to go along as part of the machine and as a result become such faceless acts that, when it comes to performing in an arena tour, the flaw in the pop plan is plain to see.”

[rating=4]
110 min • Palladium Theatre • From February 19, 2013

Bob Avian directs A Chorus Line. Dazzling revival of a classic. Forget the Hollywood debacle, this is the real deal.

“A Chorus Line was the first major Broadway musical that not only had openly gay characters but it was the first show in which they were given songs and script that delved unashamedly into their private lives and sexuality.”

[rating=4]
150 min • Savoy Theatre • From October 3, 2012

Rufus Norris’ Cabaret, with Michelle Ryan and Will Young, dazzles and impresses Little Bastard.

“The ensemble seems to have been stripped down, and whilst looking slightly thin on the ground, each section is danced flawlessly, with the perfect balance of technical ability and debauchery.”