The Buzz from the Bardette: Kenneth Branagh, Two Dames, Gorgeous Gowns And A Sing-Along

[**The Kinks Musical Sunny Afternoon**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/1571/Sunny-Afternoon-tickets.aspx) were big winners, taking home 4 trophies including **Best New Musical**, **Outstanding Achievement in Music**, **Best Actor in a Musical** and **Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical**. Wowee! I am ashamed to say I haven’t yet seen the show, however I have quickly rectified that situation and booked myself in for a [**Sunny Afternoon**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/1571/Sunny-Afternoon-tickets.aspx). After a fabulous year, the Young Vic (deservedly so) also picked up 4 awards for **Ivo Van Hove’s A View From The Bridge** and Mike Bartlett’s Bull, including a Best Actor gong for **Mark Strong**. I was blown away by **A View From The Bridge** when I saw it last month and therefore no surprises on such a great win, **Strong’s** performance was sensational and captivating. First up of the Dame’s was **Angela Lansbury** who was awarded **Best Actress in a Supporting Role** for **Blithe Spirit**. At nearly 90 years old, and as a child growing up with Bedknobs and Broomsticks, this was a real highlight for me – Bedknobs the Musical anyone? I sadly missed this production but always wished I had. It seems **Lansbury** has been getting a glimpse of the latest shows in the West End recently including [**Gypsy**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/1673/Gypsy-tickets.aspx) and **Sweeney Todd**. I’m hoping to find her my neighbour at an upcoming show (one can dream). The second Dame was **Judi Dench** who presented Kevin Spacey with Outstanding Achievement for his time at The Old Vic. He hands over the reins later this year after a magical 10 year run as Artistic Director. Possibly the biggest surprise of the evening was his rendition of 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'… I insist everyone head over to YouTube now to catch it if you missed it. Absolute gold. Now, social media has been all of a buzz recently at the news **Kenneth Branagh** is to take over the [**Garrick Theatre**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/32/Garrick-Theatre.aspx) with a new season starting in October. He brings with him a bushel of stars including **Dame Judi Dench**, **Lily James** and **Richard Madden**, not to mention the man himself performing in most. His season includes [**The Winter’s Tale**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/1179/The-Winter-s-Tale--tickets.aspx), [**Harlequinade**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/1750/Harlequinade-tickets.aspx), [**The Painkiller**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/1751/The-Painkiller-tickets.aspx), [**Romeo and Juliet**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/1752/Romeo-and-Juliet-tickets.aspx) and [**The Entertainer**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/1753/The-Entertainer-tickets.aspx). Tickets are on sale now, this is not to be missed! I’ve got an exciting week ahead, particularly as I’ll be seeing Homeland hunk **Damian Lewis** in [**American Buffalo at the Wyndham’s Theatre**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/1698/American-Buffalo-tickets.aspx). He’s joined by a stellar cast including **John Goodman** and **Tom Sturridge** in this revival of David Mamet’s gripping play. It’s running for a strictly limited season so make sure you don’t miss out. Have a theatre filled week! The Bardette