[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]
Released November 27, 1957
A classic from the first wave of rock ‘n’ roll, The “Chirping” Crickets by Buddy Holly & The Crickets defines an era.

“Outside a couple of weaker ballads, this album stands strong on every track. Rock ‘n’ roll was in its infancy when the band cut this record and even by 1957, Holly and the band had abandoned their country roots completely and fully embraced this new sound.”

July 24, 2013

The Daleks are told that that it’s back to gun metal grey, and none of their camp stuff. Polari Safari cartoon by David Shenton.

Surviving.

Polari talks to Andi Fraggs about his new show, I Can Take It!, which is playing in the RVT’s Hot August Fringe.

“Each song in the show relates to something that has happened in my life, whether it’s suffering bullying throughout , being attacked when I was in my teens, addictions, sexual encounters, friends of mine who haven’t made it to today.”

Clementine Who?

Join the dolly diva, Clementine the Living Fashion Doll, as she steps aboard the TARDIS to celebrate the Doctor’s 50th.

[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=4]
Released July 29, 2013
One of 3 EPs to be released this year, A&R tunes Annie’s musical radar to the dance and chart music of the early 1990s.

“Richard X is to Annie what Timbaland once was to Missy around the turn of the last decade. The relationship goes beyond that of muse and maestro, an equal partnership that brings out the best in each artist derived from a comfort factor and desire to innovate.”

[rating=3]
Released July 21, 2013
Nadine Shah’s tales of troubled men and put upon women, with its swampy, stylistic production, recall PJ Harvey, which is sometimes good and othertimes not.

“Shah has an amazing voice and does not descend into histrionics where others would, given the potentially melodramatic subject matter here the temptation must have been great, and her controlled performance throughout the entirety of Love Your Dum and Mad is indeed its greatest asset.”

[rating=4]
US: 86 min • Pine District Pictures, RT Features, Scott Rudin Productions • July 26, 2013

Frances Ha tells the story of a 27 year old New York dancer who has lived vicariously through her closest friend. Funny and insightful.

“The film’s charisma comes from its honest portrayal of growing up; the fears, the doubts and the awkward moments we encounter in figuring ourselves out.”

[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.”