Adam Robinson

​​​​​​​This weekend will see the grand final of the biggest music event in the world come to Liverpool. The Eurovision Song Contest has created many a musical theatre star, but Sweden have been delighted for 14 years by commentary from a powerhouse of Swedish theatre, TV and film. I spoke with writer, director and TV star Edward af Sillén about his career and love for the contest.

The West End of London might be an epicentre for musical theatre, but it is not just UK Eurovision stars who have taken to the stage. An other Eurovision powerhouse country Sweden currently have six wins to their name, and also sparkling smorgasbord of representatives who have stood in the musical theatre spotlight.

In Part One we discussed some of the modern UK connected Musical Theatre Eurovision stars, but let's go back to the 90's where there was an exceptional run from 1991 to 1994 of stage steppers.

The Eurovision Song Contest is the world’s biggest music celebration. Many of the artists who have taken the iconic stage have also tread the boards of musical theatre. Let’s celebrate some of those Eurotastic thespians.

Liverpool is about to host the worlds biggest music event on behalf of Ukraine. A city already rich in culture, meets a mega event with a history stronger than Sam Ryder’s vocals. Liverpool City Council has not only opened its arms to the world, but it is providing a vast variety of events outside of the Eurovision arena.

Few musicals have to prewarn you multiple times to behave yourself. To consider those around you before getting so emotional your night out at the theatre turns into a West End audition. When the music choices are the songbook of Whitney Houston, it can be difficult to not become the queen of the night and start dancing in the aisles.

When a musical has to provide a pre-show warning of flashing lights, loud music and strobing effects, you know that’s a recipe for a wonderful night out for those who are strong enough. What would you expect from a musical based on a legendary global artist who does not have the term “subtle” in her vocabulary.

Heathers The Musical is a dark comedy, with the emphasis on the dark, making the comedy at times uncomfortable. A horror story in bold colours and bright songs. Yet it is surprising how entertaining and enjoyable a show can be with a story so unlikeable.

When you think of country music icon Dolly Parton, passion, storytelling and female empowerment spring to mind. Her musical 9 to 5 ticks all those boxes. Following the plot of the 1980 film of the same name, Dolly Parton again teamed up with the film's writers Patricia Resnick and Colin Higgins to bring the musical to Broadway in 2009.

When you step into the Little Death Club, the lights are low, the band is jamming and the anticipation is palpable.

Not fully stand up, not fully a play. Nor a sketch show or pure physical comedy. Splintered is a little bit of everything. A collection of calypso cabaret, all mixed up, reminiscent of the Caribbean itself. It explores and shares the voices of LGBTQI+ women in Trinidad and Tobago.

After five years at the Fringe, and a transatlantic turn on America's Got Talent, for which he was invited back for the Champions series, Colin Cloud returns to Edinburgh with new show Sinful.

The art of circus skills involves trust, talent and intimate physical contact. In a social landscape where the gender stereotypes of what it means to be a man, and what are acceptable public interactions keep changing, how does this effect male acrobats?

James Barr has had a glittering career on the airwaves for the past few years on stations such as Heat and Hits Radio, plus working for MTV. He has taken his fame and following to dip into the stand-up comedy pool, and this guy can truly swim.

After winning the esteemed French theatre award, the Moliére, for Best Comedy Play, Fishbowl brings its slapstick physical comedy to the Edinburgh Fringe for the first time.

Theatre with lasting cultural impact is not something that's created often. Especially not modern ballet. Yet Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake has that impact, and deservingly so.

Courage, friendship, determination and hope, War Horse is a love story like no other. After the auction purchase of a foal by a foolish father bidding to save his pride, the Narracott family must work out what to do with a bay thoroughbred horse on their Devon farm. Glasgow born actor Scott Miller plays Albert Narracott, the young country son who bonds with the horse, naming him Joey. Their connection appears unbreakable until a hasty decision pushes their connection to its limits.

As children, we are brought up on fairy tales set in far faraway lands. A boy-meets-girl story, typically helped by dancing animals or singing furniture.

There is a prince, a princess and a quest for happy ever after. You may think you have heard it all before, but add a big green ogre, a talking donkey and a dragon that can sing and you'll quickly learn this is no typical fairytale.

A frustrated New York thespian finds himself in the dusty hills of Nevada with two choices, follow instructions and foreclose the town's rundown theatre, or follow his heart and save it with a spectacular show.