This week’s theatre reviews in Observer New Review by Susannah Clapp:

The Cherry Orchard at Donmar Warehouse ★★★★
Minority Report at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre ★★★
Laughing Boy at Jermyn Street Theatre ★★★:

theguardian.com/stage/article/…

One of Barb Jungr’s secret weapons tonight — apart from a small wardrobe malfunction that nearly exposed her completely (“is this what the 70s are going to be like?”) — was her stunning accompanist and collaborator John McDaniel, who also sang two stunning solos.

My God, Barb Jungr is so bloody good! There is no one who compares for total engagement with lyrics and melody, ferocious attack but also warmth and wit. I simply adore her.

Watching the utterly extraordinary Barb Jungr, joined by John McDaniel at The Crazy Coqs Presents, as she celebrates her 70th birthday with a gorgeous reprise of their stunning Beatles & Sting tribute. Sublime artistry from the best singer in British jazz/cabaret!

Just seen (for the fourth time, so far) Standing At The Sky's Edge, a musical of many layers that keeps revealing new intricacies and depths and sheer exhilarating wonder. The storytelling is just exquisite, the music simply wonderful, the ensemble cast sublime. The best show in town!

A FACE IN THE CROWD, a new musical based on the Hollywood classic with original songs by Elvis Costello & Book by Sarah Ruhl, to premiere at Young Vic (Passing Strange era) from Sept 10, opens Sept 17, with Ramin Karimloo & Anoushka Lucas.

It appears that Titanique, The Musical is headed to London’s Park Theatre (at least according to TodayTixUK)

Gorgeous day by the seaside at West Worthing.

For those like me in an ongoing depression, days like this are a reminder to hold on — the depression *will* pass. Meanwhile, enjoy what you can!

#ShentonStageMentalHealthDiary

Big birthday shout-out to the legend that is #AlanBennett . There’s no one quite like him.

Farewell to stage and screen actor Ian Gelder, who has died, aged 74, after suffering bile duct cancer. His husband, fellow actor Ben Daniels, pays tribute below right.

I’m dying to see Broadway’s refurbished (and now elevated) Palace Theatre.

We are lunching at a seaside beach front cafe. Here’s the view of the sea! #BankHolidayWeekend

Farewell to stage and screen actor Bernard Hill, who has died, aged 79. theguardian.com/culture/articl…

This week’s theatre reviews in Observer New Review by Susannah Clapp: at The RSC at Stratford-upon-Avon.

The Buddha of Suburbia at the Swan Theatre: ★★★★
Love’s Labour’s Lost at Royal Shakespeare Theatre ★★★★

theguardian.com/stage/article/…

Why on earth would Andrew Pierce tweet such utter nonsense, only to be firmly disproved less than 24 hours later? Never much of a credible journalist before, we now KNOW not to believe anything he says! An amazing own goal of idiocy.

Big congrats to Sadiq Khan on his victory today. As a former Londoner, I applaud what he has done for the great metropolis. The Tories and their divisive politics have no place there.

Just seen Stephen Unwin’s Stephen Unwin deeply poignant and powerful stage version of LAUGHING BOY at Jermyn Street Theatre, based on Sara Ryan’s true story of uncovering the truth of her teenager son’s death in NHS care. A superb cast is led by Janie Dee, Forbes Masson 💙 & Alfie Friedman.

At THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL at Chichester Festival Theatre, which opened officially last Friday but I’m seeing at today’s matinee. Lovely to see a packed house too!

Nominations for this year’s The Tony Awards have been announced. Biggest snub: The Great Gatsby

playbill.com/article/tony-n…

Inspiring piece by Matthew Todd 🌏🔥 on being sober for the last decade. I love the clarity and honesty of Matthew’s writing; though I’ve never drunk, I identify with so much here & my journey in recovery has been similar. theguardian.com/society/2024/a…