REVIEW: Hamlet (Harold Pinter Theatre) ★★★★★
When it comes to Shakespeare people tend to adopt one of two views. On one side people argue that we need to make it relevant and accessible and therefore adjust interpretations accordingly. On the other side of the argument are the people who say, if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. Robert Icke’s production of […]
REVIEW: THE LAST ONES (Jermyn Street Theatre) ★★★
The Last Ones, set in the aftermath of the 1905 Russian revolution, premieres in the UK at the Jermyn Street Theatre. The rarely staged play also marks Artistic Director Anthony Bigg‘s last hurrah at the venue. Maxim Gorky‘s chaotic piece glimpses into the toxic relationships of the Kolomiitsevs. Head of the family and former police […]
REVIEW: TOMMY (Theatre Royal Stratford East) ★★★★★
Tommy is an iconic rock opera, born from the 1969 album from The Who. In 1975 it was turned into a film with a star studded cast including Tina Turner, Elton John and the members of the band. The show came to the stage in London in 1979 and gained a Broadway revival in 1992, […]
REVIEW: JACK & I – THE JACK THE RIPPER MUSICAL (Barons Court Theatre)
Jack the Ripper, also known as Leather Apron, murdered at least five prostitutes between 1888 and 1891 and was never identified, let alone brought to justice. His methodology was to slit the unfortunate women’s throats, mutilate their bodies and then, often, remove certain organs. So, is this a documentary?, or perhaps a horror story? No […]
Sondheim Society & Mercury Musicals Developments Student Performer of the Year and Stiles and Drewe Prize
An afternoon listening to some of the most promising young graduates from an array of drama schools, singing Sondheim and songs written by new composers hosted by Clive Rowe with a special performance by the phenomenal Janie Dee. What’s not to like? I think what set my personal favourites apart, was the ease at which […]
REVIEW: ANNIE (Piccadilly Theatre) ★★★★
With a plethora of musicals featuring children currently consuming the bright lights of Theatre Land, Annie joins the ranks following a successful nationwide tour. The show, telling the story of a young redhead New Yorker during the great depression, who takes on the world with nothing more than a positive attitude and the tattered clothes on […]
REVIEW: ALL THAT (Lion and Unicorn Theatre) ★★★★
Taylor and Riley have been together nine years, have bought a house but have fallen upon harder times. When they decide to rent out their spare room to another gay couple, their simple, quiet, happy lives become a little more complicated. All That is a play about sex, relationships and monogamy that makes you think. […]
REVIEW: THE UGLY ONE (Park Theatre) ★★★
The Ugly One by Marius von Mayenburg opens at Park Theatre, directed by Roy Alexander Weise, winner of the JMK Award. The German playwright has had his work translated into over 30 languages and performed worldwide. The Ugly One debuted in London at the Royal Court Theatre in 2007 to rave reviews. The play is […]
REVIEW: TAPE FACE (Garrick Theatre) ★★★★
What was New Zealander Sam Wills thinking about when he created his persona, Tape Face? True Tape Face is clever and definitely charming and yes his act is original for the most part. And funny? Oh yes, very funny. Since reaching the finals of America’s Got Talent, Tape Face has appeared live on American television, […]
REVIEW: THE BARBER SHOP CHRONICLES (National Theatre) ★★★★★
The Barber Shop Chronicles at the National Theatre is an utter gem of a play. Set in seven different barbershops around the world, the play interweaves different views and experiences and presents them in a powerful and punchy piece of theatre. Never preachy, the show delves into different aspects of what it is to be […]