A young woman is entrusted by her dying mother with a wooden box containing all the stories and words she knows. But not prepared to listen to them again, the bereaved daughter hides the box under her bed, wanting to forget about it. As the years go past, she grows lonely and misunderstood, gradually giving in to the Shadow Man – a sly creature who lingers around her and whispers demeaning messages into her ear. An impending sense of unworthiness ...

The story of Charles Darwin’s voyage of discovery that would go on to change the world is a visually spectacular production of a fascinating period in history.

Pros: The characters, the cast, the venue… do I need to go on? Cons: There are no loos on site, so don’t overdo it on the interval drinks! Iris Theatre’s shows at Saint Paul’s Church in Covent Garden, also affectionately known as the Actor’s Church, are one of those fixtures of the summer theatre calendar. After a foray into darker realms last year with Macbeth, the company is back on familiar, family-friendly ground with The Three Musketeers. This adaptation by ...

Pros: All the advantages of being outside in a garden space helping to create a magical atmosphere – flowers, breeze, full moon in a clear sky. Cons: All the disadvantages of being outside in a garden space, spoiling the magical atmosphere – pollen, noises off, helicopters. Right in the heart of Covent Garden, St Paul’s Church Yard is a cool space even on one of the hottest days of the summer, shade provided by the surrounding buildings and a gentle breeze.  Being ...

Workmanlike adaptation of Jane Austen’s final novel

An endearing show which, while it entertains and amuses, educates children and serves as a reminder to the rest of us.

This stage adaptation of Lord of the Flies is made emotional and thought-provoking by the unified strength of the performances, music, lighting and choreography.

A classic Julia Donaldson story is brought to life in this engaging, exhilarating adventure. Your little ones will love it.

Pros: Silly family fun with a creative set, musical numbers and lots of laughs. Cons: The ending runs out of steam and may lose the interest of younger audience members. FacePlant Theatre have put a serious issue at the centre of a gloriously silly hour-long piece of theatre aimed at adults and children of all ages. Our unlikely hero is 17-year-old Billy, whose cantankerous love-interest has set him the seemingly impossible task of retrieving 7000 rubber ducks which are adrift ...

Pros: The craftsmanship of the puppeteers can almost be overlooked as their simplicity hides the skill involved in bringing them to such life. Cons: It can be a little chilly at this time of year. I could start by pointing out how Puppet Theatre Barge’s Joey’s Circus has some great character development, especially that of Punch, for so long portrayed on stage as a trouble maker, but here allowed to demonstrate his more caring side, using his cunning to thwart ...