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

Presented by Graduates of The Poor School  ★★★★  Pros: Witnessing so much talent and potential makes for a thrilling evening. Cons: Nothing springs to mind. Our Verdict: A wonderful evening showcasing the talent of the school’s graduating students in a varied collection of repertoire. As the oldest of six children, I’m all too aware of what a school production traditionally entails. Having endured many nativities and small-scale musicals, I can’t say that my expectations for this showcase of The Poor School’s graduating students ...

Lila WhelanDirected by Lila Whelan★★★★ Pros: Dark, witty and with a strong cast, The Rules is a cross between a psychological thriller and an Elizabethan tragedy, with a couple of gags thrown in. Cons: Some of the delivery could be tightened and the lighting might benefit from some more subtlety, but these are minor criticisms in a very solid production. Our verdict: For fans of American Psycho, The Rules is a must-see. For everyone else, it is highly recommended. It ...

Patrice EtienneDirected by Rikki Henry★★★★ Pros: A good mix of humour and emotion, with a truly accessible storyline. Cons: Parts of it were a little slow, not helped by a boiling hot auditorium! Our Verdict: A raw and energetic production, with neat and innovative staging. Courtesy of Martyna Przybsz  I love a lot of things. I love wearing skinny jeans. I love the feel of moss on my face. I also love lying. But being in love – that’s a ...

Presented by London Grey and Green Theatre Company ★★★ Pros: Four 15-minute pieces offer a snapshot of some interesting female writers. Cons: With the exception of one piece, the idea that women living in London lead different lives to women living in other parts of the UK was not considered in as great a depth as it could have been.  Our Verdict: A light evening that won’t challenge you intensely. Each separate show has its own style and message which ...

William Shakespeare Directed by Nathalie Adlam ★★★ Pros: An atmospheric production. Fine performances that bring Shakespeare’s language to life. Cons: The complex plot is difficult to follow; the play’s disparate elements don’t cohere. Our Verdict: A valiant attempt at a problematic play. Courtesy of The Space I had never seen or read Cymbeline prior to attending this production by Les Foules Theatre. Yet, because the play features a mishmash of so many Shakespearian tropes, it felt familiar. There’s a love ...

Lucy Kirwood Directed by Lyndsey Turner ★★★★★ Pros: An excellent script addresses some fascinating issues, with top-notch performances and a stunning set. What more could you ask for?! Cons: At over 3 hours the play is long, but to be honest I don’t know what you could lose – I really have no complaints. Our Verdict: I suspect this play is going to go down as one of the best new plays this year. I’d thoroughly recommend you try to ...

Dennis Potter Directed by Psyche Stott ★★ Pros: The cast give good performances as seven year old children. A lot of effort has gone into the research of children’s lives of the war era. The post show Q&A with the cast was also interesting. Cons: The delivery is too quick, homogenous and relentlessly shouty. The plot is sparse and at 45 minutes long, you don’t get a lot of entertainment for your ticket price. Our Verdict: A nostalgic piece which ...

Sleepwalk Collective Directed by Sammy Metcalfe ★★★ Pros: An unrelenting journey of sound that unsettles your senses. Cons: Narrative and the audience’s position are too confusing to follow. Verdict: An interesting example of immersive theatre with well-researched and effective sensory illusions. There is clear vision, but unfortunately it just doesn’t fulfil it. Courtesy of BAC Amusements is the hardest kind of performance to write about because it is designed to be experienced as an individual. Ushered in to the space ...

In a guest blog for Everything Theatre, we hear about the BBC’s Performing Arts Fund in 2013. Applications have recently opened, and this year a series of schemes focussed on theatre have been launched. Since it was established in 2003, the BBC Performing Arts Fund (BBC PAF) has supported and awarded grants to 1,250 individuals and 237 community groups from across the UK. We receive our income from voting lines on BBC One entertainment programmes, such as The Voice. This ...

Aeschylus, translated by Paul Elmer More Directed by Cieranne Kennedy Bell  ★★★ Pros: An ancient and powerful story that is rarely performed, with strong actors and an unusual and intriguing method of storytelling. Cons: At times difficult to follow, and many aspects of the performance are overcompensation for the lack of action.  Our Verdict: Emotionally charged and engaging. This brutal tale will appeal more to those with an interest in Greek mythology, but still has a powerful connection with a ...