Editorial

Welcome to the Winter edition of PREVIEW theatre guide – the handy UK guide for all theatre lovers.  As always, PREVIEW provides you with what’s on in London and regional theatre in the coming months (page 18 onwards). The good news is that our listings have now expanded to include ballet and opera, as well as our usual coverage of theatre and musicals. ‘Tis approaching the season to be jolly, and that can only mean one thing in the theatre world –pantomime time! Love them or hate them, nearly everybody has been to one in their lifetime, and they’re a great festive theatrical experience for children. And when you think of Panto dames, there’s only one name that springs to mind – the unstoppable Christopher Biggins. Turn to page 8 to read our exclusive interview with the star, in which he reveals what he loves most about pantomimes and how he very nearly didn’t enter the world of the panto dame. For those of you who’ve heard about the forthcoming Beatles musical, Backbeat, we’ve spoken to the projection designer for the production about her daily experience on the show (page 48).  We’ve also got four wonderful rising stars of the stage on page 16. One of our profiled actors, Cynthia Erivo, is currently starring in the touring show of Sister Act; if you’d like to see her in action, turn to page 11, where we’re offering you the chance to win tickets to the highly-successful musical. Good luck

Claudine Nightingale Editor