Everything Theatre

I’ll Be Back is billed as a Terminator parody, but it’s really a loving homage to the first two films in the franchise, written and performed by the excellent Justine Malone at the warm and always welcoming Waterloo venue, The Glitch. Confession time: although I’m fairly sure I once saw the first Terminator film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as the eponymous time traveller, most of the references here had to be hastily verified on Wikipedia. That lack of knowledge didn’t stop me enjoying I’ll Be Back one bit – and nor did it faze my companion, who didn’t even realise it was based on the first two films in the long-running franchise. The show is described as “an action-packed 60 minutes of apocalyptic devastation, robotic transformation, emotional reunion, and how a plan formed in Blockbusters can save the world”, and it comfortably delivers on all of that and then some. Malone appears in full Sarah Connor (again, see Wikipedia) mode – all black, tight-fitting, big-booted and ready for action. Armed with no props apart from a lab coat and a leather jacket à la Arnie, she tells the story of a terminator sent back in time to stop Judgement Day and avert the end of the world. While…

An impressive rollercoaster, conjured from a table, two chairs and two people.

This silly play will keep you giggling throughout, the perfect tonic to the January blues

The intimate basement space helps Kessler’s three-hander to build tension and claustrophobia.

All the feel of a classic ghost story with a clever modern twist – but its gimmick of using headphones feels slightly unnecessary.

A substantial and compelling play with a strong script, strong performances and plenty to think about.

Re-imagined 1920’s shenanigans and tomfoolery by a rounded, professional ensemble.

The Orange Tree's Young Company deliver strong performances in a full and sometimes visually overwhelming adaptation.

A raw and reflective Christmas moment.

For Puck’s Sake is funny and whimsical, taking one of Shakespeare's most endearing characters and making them the focal point of their own story,

A hilarious, energetic transformation of this classic poem to a modern office setting, with excellent technical design, although there are some slight oversights in its construction of the plot.

A bleak but often revealing insight into Rat Pack star Peter Lawford's career, albeit one which suffers from some factual inaccuracies.

A sharp, relatable hour with a compelling premise and plenty of laughs, even if its most intriguing ideas never quite reach their full potential.

An amusing and gentle look at the human need for connection and purpose.

A promising work-in-progress exploring intergenerational trauma that becomes a little over-burdened by symbolism and convenient closure.

A lot of laughs on a wing and a prayer

Ditch the panto – this is the funniest, most innovative and puppetastic show you will see this Christmas!

A roaring and reliable pantomime-reminiscent show sure to become a staple in anyone’s festive schedule.

Even in the absence of daring modifications, this revival remains a comedy success.

Suspend your disbelief: world class puppet power elevates a traditional tale into a dazzling family show that’s comical, clever and classy.

An entertaining and visually impactful spectacle.

A serving of powerful and playful family drama that spans generations, as a Jewish family deals with getting together for a takeaway on 25 December.

Cornley Drama Society should be ashamed of themselves – the show was a complete shambles. Nothing went right. The audience were in hysterics. What a disgrace.

Sh!t Theatre delivers a truly unique, wickedly funny and sobering lesson on populism and how history (mis)remembers powerful women.

Bourne’s choreography elegantly soars in a dance show that will capture your heart.

A hugely impressive adaptation with stunning puppetry, a delightfully witty script, brilliant effects, and fabulous performances.

You will believe a bear can talk in this timely celebration of the benefits of kindness.

A stylish, gripping adaptation of John Le Carré’s timeless Cold War spy thriller

A wintry reimagining of Shakespeare’s popular comedy that is intriguing, occasionally unsettling, but not always entirely convincing. 

A brilliant double bill by Ballet Black as they make their Sadler’s Wells debut.