The UK musical theatre scene is truly leading the pack at the moment. We have a thriving West End, wonderful UK tours, heightened interest in community and inclusive theatre, and now… a musical theatre cruise. Yes, you did hear that right. Later this year, Floating Festivals are premiering Stages At Sea, a 4 night immersive cruise experience with musical theatre appreciation at its’ core. WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE.

Wicked, the hit musical, tells the story of what happened before Dorothy dropped into Oz. It opened in London’s West End in September 2006 and has been enthralling audiences ever since with gravity-defying moments of theatre magic… BUT GUESS WHAT?! You definitely missed some hidden eggs inside this magical land, all the way from the Badlands to Munchkinland… Here are some references that link the two tales together.

There has been a long-standing argument that audiences should know exactly who they are seeing perform each night. In England, most shows sell programmes and a lot have up to date cast information on display somewhere within the theatre. In America, shows have playbills which show the cast for that night. These are given free to audience members therefore ensuring that the audience know who is performing. A substantial amount of people want to see playbills, like used in Broadway, introduced to English theatres...

Is there any end to the number of screen-to-stage shows on offer? Guest blogger Amanda Reynolds makes the case for newcomers Strictly Ballroom and An Officer & a Gentleman and long-running favourites such as Grease, Mamma Mia! and Hairspray. Just don't bring your popcorn to the theatre...

Whether it's because they can’t afford it or that theatre going is seen as "uncool", there's a nagging stereotype that "teenagers don’t do theatre". Not so, says dedicated #stageyteen Beth Harris. Post-Wicked, a wide range of shows are building their own dedicated fanbases from a new generation...

Having suffered from Anxiety for a few years now, I have realises just how much I appreciate it and what it can give me to help when I am panicked, scared, or feeling alone and upset. Here is a go-to playlist to help when you're going through a tough time...

"More often than not, I tend to go to the theatre by myself. While it took a bit of getting used to at first, I am now perfectly happy rocking up solo for some theatre magic!" Sometimes it’s a buy-now-or-never ticket decision; sometimes it’s a weeknight; sometimes folks just aren’t free; sometimes you’re not sure who to invite ... learn to love yourself and go ON YOUR OWN! Here are some of our tips for heading to the theatre solo style!