Everything Theatre Reviews, interviews and news for theatre lovers, London and beyond

Sarah Daniels Directed by David England ★★★★   Pros: A funny, hard-hitting and incredibly well written play.   Cons: The large space made for a tricky acoustic meaning some speech is lost every so often.    Our Verdict: A seriously fantastic play that, despite its Victorian setting, is incredibly relevant to society and women today.     Courtesy of The Space Victorian South East London: the docks are alive and buzzing with traders, ships and livestock ready to be sent to ...

Nikolai Gogol Directed by Lucy Richardson ★★★ Pros: An interesting take on a familiar classic.  Cons: Everyone was so interesting to watch on stage that it was hard to decide who to focus on at any one time.  Our Verdict: A comedy of errors with a healthy dose of slapstick humour.  Courtesy of LMU Recently I watched a ‘comedy’ on the fringe that, unfortunately, I didn’t find very funny. With dramatic plays, much can be forgiven if it’s not enjoyable. ...

The actors bring the story to life with humour and the space and minimal props are used well. Definitely worth seeing if you are new to opera and I’m sure that seasoned opera-goers may enjoy the change.

Written and directed by Rachel Yates ★★★★ Pros: A lovely set design. Deeply moving performances from all of the cast. Cons: Somewhere around the middle I felt it went a little slower than necessary. The show covers a lot of material but there was so much to take in I felt it could run straight through. Our Verdict: A strong attempt to explore the thoughts and feelings of the UK foster care system. Worth seeing! Courtesy of the Chickenshed Theatre ...

Bola Agbaje Directed by Franko Figueiredo★★★★ Pros: Fantastic, polished design and an excellent script with a great balance of drama and comedy Cons: The chemistry of the cast was at times a bit inconsistent Our Verdict: A well-produced and unique production by an acclaimed writer in a great space – you can’t go wrong! Courtesy of The Albany The Albany Theatre in Deptford is currently home to The Burial, a new play by acclaimed playwright Bola Agbaje. It is a ...

Conor McPhersonDirected by Josie Rourke★★★★ Pros: A relatable script, great cast and a beautiful set make this a theatrical experience that draws you in and makes you feel like you are in a country pub in Ireland, eavesdropping on the locals.Cons: No real negatives to mention – it’s funny, touching and enjoyable but not very exciting or dynamic. There is nothing really to challenge or chew over. Our Verdict: This is a lovely, quiet, funny, heartfelt play that seems to ...

William ShakespeareDirected by Jeremy Herrin★★★★ Pros: An event at the Globe is not just a performance – it is an experience! This is a wonderful story, with magic (and Merlin!) lots of action and humour performed by a fantastic cast. Cons: What’s not to like? Not the most comfortable three hours of theatre thanks to the wooden bench seats and legroom designed when people were a foot shorter, but do not let that put you off, its’ all part of a ...

Clancy Flynn Directed by Rosanna Mallinson ★★★★★ Pros: The best immersive theatre I’ve seen in a very long time. Cons: The murder mystery style acting isn’t to everyone’s tastes.  Our Verdict: Be inside a horror film: a fabulously fun evening that gets under your skin. You’ll be talking about this one for a while. Courtesy of Immercity Waiting for a show to start has never made me so excited. This immersive performance begins the moment you arrive, with the actors ...

Written and directed by Rikki Beadle-Blair  ★★★★ Pros: A play that packs a serious punch; will hurl you outside your comfort zone. Tremendously powerful performances, excellent design and a slick production all round. Cons: Takes a while to get going, and it perhaps touches on a theme too many in places.  Our Verdict: Don’t miss this one – a prime example of how powerful theatre can be. Credit: Jane Hobson The Theatre Royal Stratford East prides itself on being a ...

Sean Michael Welch Directed by William E.P. Davis  ★★★ Pros: Very funny with plenty of wordplay and physical comedy.  Cons: A few jokes wore out their welcome.  Our Verdict: A hilariously infuriating short piece that features its actors well and rarely ceased to elicit laughs. Courtesy of AXIS Arts Following Unwrap Your Candy, the White Bear houses Gentlemen, Please – the tale of a duel gone terribly, hilariously wrong. Where the previous show fails to find its comedic hot spot, ...