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Steve Carter | Theatre Blogger

@stevecarter_

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🎭 Award-Winning Theatre Blogger
📩 PR requests: [email protected]
🏆 Chair of Judging Panel @thespotlightawardsuk
📍 Hampshire, UK

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AD | Tonight I was at the Kings Theatre in Portsmouth for the gala night of their latest community production. Featuring the legendary songs of Queen, Portsmouth Theatres set the stage on fire, quite literally, with We Will Rock You! 🤘🏻🔥🎸

With a powerhouse cast and brilliant live band, seeing these incredible songs live on stage was an absolute blast. It's been years since I last saw the show, and I’d forgotten how funny Ben Elton’s book is, with the cast hitting every comedic beat.

Set in a dystopian future where musical instruments are outlawed, We Will Rock You follows Galileo and Scaramouche as they join a bohemian rebellion to defeat the tyrannical Killer Queen and save rock 'n' roll. The plot is clearly written to cram in as many Queen songs as possible, but that’s why we’re all there, right? And yes, you’ll get the chance to join in with that iconic double clap! 👏🏻👏🏻👐🏻

This talented company is rocking out in Portsmouth until Saturday, and tickets are still available - make sure to support them if you can!

I was on double duty tonight, capturing content while covering the show for The Spotlight Awards. We've seen so many massive musical titles this season, with even more on the way, including Joseph, Elf the Musical, and Guys and Dolls.

If you have a play or musical coming up in Portsmouth or the surrounding area, we’d love to make sure you’re in the running. Tell us about your production at expressfm.com/spotlightawards.

#thespotlightawards #wewillrockyou #communitytheatre #portsmouth

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AD | How are we at the final show of Festival 2026 already? Last night was the press night of Antigone Exits, a retelling of Sophocles' classic tragedy written by Nina Segal.

I think this is my favourite production we've seen in the Minerva this year, with a stark and striking design from Alex Lowde, precise direction from Jeff James, and captivating performances - especially true of Nina Cassells who is razor sharp as Antigone.

After their father's death, Antigone's two brothers agree to alternate ruling of Thebes, but end up killing each other when one refuses to give up the crown. Their uncle Creon becomes king and decides one will get an honorable burial while the other, labeled a traitor, is left discarded. Antigone defies Creon's order and buries her brother, so he sentences her to be sealed alive in a stone tomb.

In this version, a group of actors come together to perform Antigone, breaking away from the narrative throughout to provide additional context and insight, and to deliver monologues of real life stories which all have a thread of connection.

The way the play is presented means you can meet it with whatever knowledge you have about Antigone. I really loved the way the monologues amplified the themes, including a harrowing synergy between this story, and the very real genocide that's currently happening.

Beyond this, I admired how clearly the production explored the dynamics of male rule, and the inflexible grip men hold over law and authority. Creon’s insistence remained unyielding even as his feelings began to push against it. Throughout, Antigone kept repeating that it was her decision and her fault that she would face punishment, whereas in reality, the fault lay firmly in the hands of the man in power.

This is not so much a reimagining of Antigone, but rather a commentary on its relevance in the modern day. It explores how far people are willing to go for what they believe in, and is a reminder to pay attention to the stories that have come before us. Bold, powerful and moving.

#antigoneexits #antigone #chichesterfestivaltheatre

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AD | What a night! Thank you to Mayflower Theatre for hosting such a spectacular evening celebrating the official opening of Moulin Rouge! The Musical in Southampton - complete with crêpes (if you saw me have two no you didn't) and a gorgeous print created by Eve Leoni gifted to every single audience member!

After getting a look behind the scenes last week, and from my memory of seeing the show in London back in 2022, I had high hopes - and they were exceeded! Nate and Verity are sensational as Christian and Satine, and the energy and attitude from the ensemble was off the scale!

It's a show full of standout moments, but my favourites have to be the choreo in Backstage Romance, the vocals in Firework and Roxanne, and the emotional payoff before the encore arrives. I'd love to know your favourite moments too!

Having these big West End musicals come and play an extended run always feels like an event - especially this time with the breathtaking staging, including the huge windmill and elephant, which looks stunning against the red of Mayflower Theatre's auditorium.

I find myself feeling really lucky to have these opportunities - to go from sitting at my desk all day, to putting on some sequins and having the most indulgent evening at the theatre.

If you're planning a visit, or you've already got your tickets booked, I hope you have a spectacular time - and as always, let me know your thoughts on the show!

Moulin Rouge! The Musical is playing in Southampton until the 24th of October before continuing its world tour.

#moulinrougethemusical #mayflowertheatre

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AD | Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Mayflower Theatre - interview coming tonight! For now, here's a first look at the spectacular set ❣️✨

#moulinrougethemusical #mayflowertheatre

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AD | Matthew Bourne's The Car Man at Mayflower Theatre 🚘🔥

I last saw The Car Man staged at the Royal Albert Hall as part of their 150th birthday celebrations back in 2022, and before that during the 2015 tour in Wimbledon. It's a bold statement but I think it may actually be my favourite New Adventures production!

Matthew Bourne's thrilling re-imagining of Bizet's Carmen is a dark, steamy and exhilarating night at the theatre. With the narrative loosely based on The Postman Always Rings Twice, The Car Man is a deliciously melodramatic story of lust, murder and revenge, which still contains flashes of Bourne's signature tongue in cheek humour.

Lez Brotherston's cinematic design provides the backdrop for a fusion of gritty, suggestive choreography with more traditional styles, spectacularly executed by a company who pour so much energy and commitment into their performances. It's amazing how current this production still feels 26 years since its premiere.

The Car Man is playing at Mayflower Theatre until Saturday, after which it continues to tour the UK. Also make sure you keep an eye out for Matthew Bourne's Cinderella, which comes to Southampton March 2027!

#thecarman #matthewbourne #mayflowertheatre

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AD | Tonight I was invited to a special preview of Luminarium, an immersive installation by Architects of Air, brought to Portsmouth by Crying Out Loud as part of The Point is Portsmouth.

The installation is nestled in the middle of Victoria Park, and is such a serene experience, with a gentle soundscape accompanying the beautiful illuminations created by the natural light shining through the colourful fabric.

The structure has been created using thousands of hand-cut pieces of fabric, and the light shifts and changes throughout the day as the sun changes position.

I'll post some video content soon so you can get a better idea of the experience, but for now take a look at these gorgeous photos I captured. Have you ever experienced anything like it?

The installation is there all weekend, and is free to Portsmouth residents, essential carers and under 16s. They're also offering SEND/Quiet sessions across the weekend. Visit @col.creatives and @architectsofair_ for more.

#luminarium #architectsofair #portsmouth

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Is it too early to use the C word? 🎄

Pumpkin spice is back, Mariah is defrosting, and Jack Edwards is wearing a wig... It can only mean one thing - panto season is almost here!

This morning I went on an open top bus tour around the sights of Portsmouth with the fantastic cast of this year's Pompey Panto, Jack and the Beanstalk! 🐄🌱🧻

I'll share more soon, but for now enjoy these snaps from our giant day of fun! Who's booked their panto tickets already?

#pompeypanto #portsmouththeatres #kingstheatreportsmouth #jackandthebeanstalk #pantoseason

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AD | There are so many brilliant women throughout history I've learnt about by sitting in a theatre. In a world where stories of wartime heroism and courage often centre on white men, it's always refreshing to see stories from our diverse heritage on stage.

In a co-production between Chichester Festival Theatre and Orange Tree Theatre, 'a small and quiet light' is a new play by Stephanie Street which explores the life of Noor-un-Nisa Inayat Khan, a British-Indian SOE agent in Nazi-occupied France during the Second World War, and the first female radio operator.

It feels fitting for an all-female cast to tell Noor's story, and while I felt it softened the impact of her operating in a patriarchal structure, this ensemble is brilliant - led by Priyanga Burford, who gives a tender yet assured performance. She plays Noor with such care, and has an obvious connection with her story.

The writing flips between Noor's time being interrogated, her journey to joining the Special Operations Executive, and her ultimate capture. I'd have loved to find out more about how she managed to evade the Gestapo for three months when the life expectancy of radio operators was usually six weeks.

Although it was lacking intensity, the play provides a fascinating look at the life of a remarkable woman who gave up everything to fight for her country through gathering and sharing intel. I especially appreciated the final scenes where she broke the fourth wall to address Noor's last moments, and how easy it is to 'sleepwalk into an acceptable version of the truth.'

'a small and quiet light' has certainly sparked my curiosity into Noor's story - I've just started listening to a BBC podcast which features Priyanga talking passionately. You can catch the play in the Minerva until the 12th of September.

#chichesterfestivaltheatre #asmallandquietlight

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I finally had the chance to catch Hot Mess at The Other Palace last week with a nice little discount courtesy of London Theatre Week on TodayTix! 🌍👨🏻‍🚀

My climate anxiety has definitely been increasing recently, and this is a kind of 'if we don't laugh we'll cry' approach to exploring this important topic. That's not to say it's trivial - Ellie Coote and Jack Godfrey have found a really clever way to deliver the message with impact.

The show is effectively about Earth's dating history, from single celled organisms to the Tyrannosaurus Rex, with the main focus being on her turbulent relationship with Humanity, brought to life with Godfrey's infectious pop-infused songs.

I was blown away by the performances, with Danielle Steers as a fierce and charismatic Earth, and Morgan Gregory as a charming and ambitious Humanity. Both have a captivating presence on stage, with incredible vocals and a fizzing destructive chemistry.

Hot Mess is currently playing at The Other Palace until the 6th of September. The full cast recording is also available on all streaming services 🎶

#hotmessmusical #theotherpalace #londontheatreweek

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Avenue Q | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My first time seeing Avenue Q, and I honestly couldn’t have picked a better show to see for the first time with friends to share a laugh together. Catching up with @jacksamueltheatre and @stevecarter_ for this outrageous show was just what I needed.

This musical is genuinely hilarious and the majority of the humour has aged remarkably well. The cast are incredible, multi-rolling the characters with ease. Along with an infectious score and inventive set design, there’s so much to enjoy visiting the inhabitants of Avenue Q!

#avenueq #avenueqmusical #londontheatre #westendtheatre #musical

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A real bucket list moment seeing Pedro Almodóvar in person introducing his new film Bitter Christmas (Amarga Navidad) at the Barbican Outdoor Cinema 🌵🍿🎥

I was first introduced to his films back in college when one of my teachers lent me a copy of All About My Mother - I was an instant fan and proceeded to devour his entire back catalogue!

Swipe through to see the gorgeous new Almodóvar window display at Selfridges and some obligatory Barbican appreciation photos 😍

Have you seen any of his films? I'd love to know your favourites!

#pedroalmodóvar #barbicanoutdoorcinema #curzonfilm Photo by Steve Carter | Theatre Blogger on August 19, 2026. May be an image of one or more people, blonde hair, microphone, concert and text.

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A little group trip to finally see the new production of Avenue Q which is currently playing at the Shaftesbury Theatre!

There may still be some elements of the writing that feel a bit uncomfortable, but I love the sentiment that sits behind this show. It's so cleverly written, and the humour greatly appeals to my childish nature!

This production in particular is brilliant - and I cannot get enough of this cast and band! They not only sound unreal and deliver perfect characterisations, but also take on multiple roles as if it's nothing, sometimes playing out full scenes with themselves.

Have you had the chance to visit Avenue Q yet?

#avenueqonstage #avenueq #londontheatre #musicaltheatre

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