Pros: Thought-provoking storytelling from an excellent cast. Cons: The phlegmatic British attitude in the telling of the story left me a bit cold, but then I think that was the point. Fans of Mike Bartlett’s previous work (Dr Foster, King Charles III, Earthquakes in London) might be drawn to the Arcola Theatre in the hope of enjoying more of his writing, and they won’t be disappointed. Originally performed as a BBC radio play Not Talking now takes its stage premiere, and the text ...

A fresh, energetic and funny adaptation of a well known Shakespeare favourite. Lives up to the claim of being an accessible introduction, if by chance you haven’t seen it before.

An engaging but somewhat confused evening of boundary-pushing performance.

A right Royal romp through an alternative 2011, where prince-in-disguise Bertie and his fiancée, pub chef Chelsea, are about to turn Daily Express readers potty.

Despite the play’s moving subject matter, 213 Things About Me fails to engage with the audience and can feel heavy.

An intensely physical and high octane journey through bigorexia and body dismorphia that could do with an emotional punch.

A disturbing, though thoroughly absorbing study of gang culture and knife crime in London.

A toe-tapping musical adaptation of the iconic early noughties drag queen movie, with live music impressively integrated into the action.

Flawless entertainment in this hilarious and heart-warming family comedy about a cross-cultural wedding.

Pros: Identity and the self are touchingly portrayed by a cracking cast of fabulous actors. Cons: The whole show felt a touch too long, especially in the baking hot Old Red Lion! I had no idea what to expect upon entering the wonderful, but none too fancy Old Red Lion Theatre for Response 3: Reality & Quarry. The press release gave nothing away for the first three shorts, Reality, Tourmaline and Dry Feet, while Quarry was introduced with an amusing, yet bemusing, synopsis, along the lines ...