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Nick Smurthwaite

Nick Smurthwaite

Biography

Nick Smurthwaite has been writing about the performing arts for The Stage and other leading publications for more than 30 years.

Recent Articles

‘Queen of Drury Lane’ – the pioneering 18th-century actress inspiring a new play

‘Queen of Drury Lane’ – the pioneering 18th-century actress inspiring a new play

An actress with true ‘star power’, Sarah Siddons was one of the most famous performers of her day, but she had to work hard to maintain her public image. Playwright April De Angelis talks to Nick Smurthwaite about what attracted her to Siddons’ life story
David Wood: ‘I like to think I opened people’s eyes to children’s theatre in the 1980s’

David Wood: ‘I like to think I opened people’s eyes to children’s theatre in the 1980s’

A figurehead of children’s theatre, David Wood’s six-decade career has included beloved stage adaptations, magic shows and running his own touring company. As he turns 80, he tells Nick Smurthwaite about his experiences and why he’ll never retire
Drop the Dead Donkey: reviving an iconic 1990s hit for the stage

Drop the Dead Donkey: reviving an iconic 1990s hit for the stage

As the award-winning newsroom satire Drop the Dead Donkey is reimagined for the stage and embarks on a UK tour, with seven of the original cast members on board, we learn all about the revival of an all-time comedy classic
The women who made Shakespeare – 400 years of influence

The women who made Shakespeare – 400 years of influence

Four centuries after the First Folio – and the death of Anne Hathaway – Shakespeare scholar Charlotte Scott tells Nick Smurthwaite about a project that aims to unveil the hidden stories of the playwright’s female influences, from his family to the women shaping his iconic characters
Sherman Theatre at 50: the story of Cardiff’s new-writing powerhouse

Sherman Theatre at 50: the story of Cardiff’s new-writing powerhouse

Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre has a long history of championing new work from Welsh creatives. As it celebrates 50 years, Nick Smurthwaite looks back at its inception, evolution and influence
The Citizens Theatre at 80: the story of the Scottish landmark and its stars

The Citizens Theatre at 80: the story of the Scottish landmark and its stars

Glasgow’s Citizens Theatre has housed ambitious productions and starry casts in the eight decades since it was founded. As it turns 80, we explore the history of this iconic venue and the theatremakers who made their mark on it
Shantay, you stay: how drag emerged from showbiz to be a cornerstone of gay culture

Shantay, you stay: how drag emerged from showbiz to be a cornerstone of gay culture

Author and drag queen Jacob Bloomfield tells us how drag went from a populist form of entertainment to an important part of gay culture in Britain and his book on its history, spanning 1870 to 1970
Let’s do it: how the Victoria Wood Playwriting Prize is paying tribute to the comedy genius

Let’s do it: how the Victoria Wood Playwriting Prize is paying tribute to the comedy genius

As a playwriting prize for comedy is launched in honour of Victoria Wood, Birmingham Rep’s Sean Foley and Wood’s longtime producer Lucy Ansbro discuss setting up the award, and look back at the life and legacy of the late comic legend, actor and writer
How La Cage aux Folles is still shaking its tail feathers after 40 years

How La Cage aux Folles is still shaking its tail feathers after 40 years

Since it flew the nest in 1983, La Cage aux Folles has migrated from Broadway to London, Paris and beyond. Timothy Sheader tells Nick Smurthwaite about directing it for Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and celebrating the heydays of 1970s-80s drag clubs
Rock Follies: how the 1970s TV drama has been reinvented for theatre

Rock Follies: how the 1970s TV drama has been reinvented for theatre

Nearly half a century since it left the airwaves, Howard Schuman’s girl-group TV series Rock Follies is being reborn as a stage show. Schuman and the musical’s team discuss reviving the 1970s success for Chichester Festival Theatre
The Stage

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