Diary: Upholding factual Standards

London versus New York, Lloyd Webber versus Sondheim – the musical theatre rivalry between the UK and the US is well-trodden ground, and if you asked anyone with a vested interest in either they are bound to have an opinion.

Both have enjoyed eras of dominance, with some arguing that the West End surged ahead in the 1980s, only for it to have lost its sparkle when it comes to new musicals in the face of shows like Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen.

But not so if you ask the Evening Standard, which is preparing to host its 2017 theatre awards. In a recent comment piece, the ES bigged up its forthcoming “star-filled ceremony” and plugged its publicly voted audience award – proof, apparently, of the West End’s hit-making credentials.

“The strength of the shortlist, including Dreamgirls and School of Rock, testifies to the quality of new productions. Broadway can look to its laurels,” it said triumphantly.

Slightly awkward then, that both Dreamgirls and School of Rock began life on Broadway before making their way across the pond.

The Standard’s slip-up only really serves to prove two things – that the concerns about the West End’s ability to keep up in the new musical stakes are probably founded, and that perhaps the Evening Standard is the one that should be looking to its laurels.

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