Pros: Stylish performances from the three-man cast add real edge to this compelling story. Cons: The play could have used an extra 30 minutes to give the characters more depth. I arrived unfashionably early at the Old Red Lion so had time to absorb the atmosphere in this wonderfully traditional pub. The walls are lovingly adorned with a timeline detailing its 600-year history and photos of luminaries known to have been customers; Karl Marx, Charles Dickens and George Orwell, to ...
Read More »Author Archives: Brian Penn
The Easter Rising and Thereafter, Jermyn Street Theatre – Review
An innovative approach to storytelling, as leading figures from Irish history cross swords in a rousing clash of ideals.
Read More »My Mother Said I Never Should, St James Theatre – Review
Pros: A bright script, with some sparkling one liners and an excellent cast, led by the redoubtable Maureen Lipman. Cons: Although it pays tribute to the strength and stoicism of women, the story doesn’t really pick up the equality issues to which it frequently alludes. Before watching My Mother Said I Never Should, ever the history buff, I was drawn to the programme notes and a timeline entitled ‘100 years of progress’. Major developments in women’s rights were listed, from the ...
Read More »Labels, Theatre Royal Stratford East – Review
A superbly crafted study of contradiction and prejudice, confronting us all with uncomfortable truths.
Read More »Unearthed, St James Theatre – Review
A perceptive study of family dynamics, delivering an important message about sibling rivalry and relationships in general.
Read More »F.A.N.Y (First Aid Nursing Yeomanry), Arts Theatre Studio – Review
A heart-warming, stirring account of women contributing to the war effort, and a fascinating precursor to female suffrage that followed shortly afterwards.
Read More »Something Something Lazarus, King’s Head Theatre – Review
A weird and wonderful mix of genres creates a unique production that always holds the attention.
Read More »Joan, Babs and Shelagh Too, Draper Hall – Review
A one-woman show that cleverly reviews the life of Joan Littlewood – albeit still in development.
Read More »I Loved Lucy, Jermyn Street Theatre – Review
A compelling two-hander delivered with rare insight and intimate understanding of life and love.
Read More »Big Brother Blitzkrieg, King’s Head Theatre – Review
An innovative production is let down by an insubstantial script and weak plot.
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