Alan Scobbie

it’s set before they invaded Ukraine. It’s fine.

I guess you missed his two Olivier winning performances and the Tony

hmmm I did say to a friend they need to watch this cause Bertie Carvel is in the cast and as ever just disappears into a role

Devoid of purpose isn’t a phrase I’d use for the LP but you do you Sharon

Where do you find these people?!

Arcadia at the Old Vic is rather excellent. Beautifully staged by Carrie Cracknell

some of us were educated in a petro oil state overflowing with Barnett consequential and avoided such drudgery

Fascinating to see American Psycho for a third time by the same director in a third new production. Equal parts bleakly hilarious and the most sickening dread. Loved it

He kinda is tho

Can the Guardian ever stop using the term “union boss” in a headline challenge?

Meanwhile their Instagram account is still up and full of supportive comments. Begs the question, why be on Twitter any more in the first place? What audience are you realistically reaching and at what price?

The previous programme was such a success in ensuring grounded trade unionists got elected to parliament and then absconded to form a fringe left party via betrayal

I think they are imaginary partners but yes

Entirely fair and welcome piece as it’s missing from a lot of press conversation. I just have long standing beef with the individual members as a concept without those other ties (via union or socialist society) i can’t imagine there are too many left but most other coverage assumes it’s default

A reminder to self that the second act of the new Ragtime Broadway cast album isn’t suitable for uncontrolled sobbing in public on commute (Our Children kills me every time not just the expected big solos)

I guess pensioners will be a significant chunk along with schools / colleges & unis and civil servants but still… the point is they really ought to be in their union and I’m don’t get why you are Labour if you aren’t

I guess this is news to the wider audience but I have no idea who the Labour Party members are who are not also trade unionists? Sure a lot won’t be affiliated (education) but it shouldn’t be news that trade union members determine LP leadership ballots.

this all seems very different from me going to see the new leads in Wicked for like the first six years once a year. And it happens for the weirdest shows I didn’t even think had fandoms

Far be it from me to suggest the Guardian generates rage bait on cultural content. Tbh I’d just settle for them having a good theatre critic but that Heated Rivalry review is yikes

The little hockey show really lives up to the hype

All My Sons is certainly worth it. Further ahead I’d recommend John Proctor is the Villain at the Royal Court & Oh, Mary! is always good for a gay romp in under 90 mins

what a weird piece that’s totally disconnected

Quite wonderful production of Indian Ink at the Hampstead. Few writers can make almost three hours fly by but he was our best. Still infuriating the Arts Council defunded the venue and happy to keep supporting. Still waiting to see if new Govt has an arts policy for one of our world leading sectors

I mean I took around a dozen years but fair

she is going to smash the pillow crank into oblivion if they are both the nominees

First play of 2026 - Christmas Day at the Almeida. Equal parts comedy and trauma?

Oh fuck it I loved the new revival of Chess and don’t know what people want from that show. As predictable reaction as what passes for theatre criticism in the Guardian these days

plus two trips to NYC… Maybe Happy Ending my fave new musical for a long time & a perfect revival of Ragtime plus a vocally flawless Chess just some highlights of those trips

Well this was the year I finally got back to pre 2020 theatre going and saw something every week sometimes more.. starting and finishing with a musical & play I’d seen first in NYC - Great Comet & Oh, Mary! The highlights easily Evita, Stereophonic, A Moon for Misbegotten & All My Sons

… I mean I saw it off Broadway but they have a nice programme now despite its hefty fee covering the loss of interval bar takings