A Border Story – Sarah Pitard Directed by Eyal Israel The Utility People – Michael Ross  Directed by Cat Robey ★★ Pros: A lot of genuine humour and originality in the writing, delivered admirably by the actors Cons: Two short plays meant there was less to get your teeth into. The stories lacked a deeper sense of emotion, and it was overall a bit unnecessarily preachy. Our verdict: A snappy and witty couple of plays with an interesting and topical message but ...

A brilliant, gory fairy tale that strikes just the right balance between being touching, terrifying, and comic.

Henrik IbsenDirected by Richard Eyre★★★★★ Pros: A devastating and powerful play, stunning performances and a simple but wonderfully atmospheric set. Cons: Would be hard put to find any! Our Verdict: An assured and brilliant new adaptation. Courtesy of Almeida Theatre Ghosts is set in a dark house in rural Norway. Helene Alving is preparing a memorial for her late husband with the help of Pastor Manders. Her son Oswald has just returned from a number of years away from home ...

Dramaturge: Katherine MarkwickMovement Director: Bert Roman ★★★★ Pros: Original and clever premise, entertaining imagery, an evocative soundtrack and two highly-skilled performers working in perfect harmony. Cons: Might not be to your taste if you don’t like physical theatre or miming. Our Verdict: A clever and captivating piece that skilfully mixes comedy with tragedy, and features an excellent partnership of two accomplished performers. Credit: Single Shoe Productions I’ve never been to a theatre quite like The Nursery before. Located under a ...

E V CroweDirected by Joe Murphy★★★★ Pros: An excellent all-rounder which creates tension and climaxes beautifully.Cons: The ending felt a little contrived. Our Verdict: Virgin expertly elucidates work-a-day stress and the struggle for empowerment in modern day UK with guts, gusto and grit. Credit: Robert Day Virgin is part of the Ideal World Series at Watford Palace Theatre; a series about the impact of the digital world. Virgin looks at a couple in the country who are seeking to find ...

David Henry Hwang  Directed by Ng Choon Ping ★★★★ Pros: Dramatically relevant and as thought provoking as it is spirit-lifting as a play. Marvellous costumes and scenes. Good character development. Cons: Some hesitant acting especially in the first half but nothing that would detract from this play’s magic atmosphere. Our Verdict: A very well made production of a much overdue British adaptation of this Chinese-American multi-awarded play. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended.  Credit: Anna Nguyen I was thrilled to be invited ...

William Shakespeare Directed by Jessica Ruano ★★★★ Pros: Great rendition of Shakespeare’s comedy classic. Enthusiastic performances and superb direction. Cons: I would have liked the cast to perform the entire play instead of this abridged version. Our verdict: Shakespeare fans and newbies alike will very much enjoy this bite-sized version of As You Like It. A truly wonderful rendition that leaves you yearning for more. Courtesy of The Rose This was my first visit to the historic Rose Theatre in ...

Paul ZindelDirected by Amy Gunn★★★★ Pros: This production fits any day, any mood and anyone and everyone. Cons: I honestly find it very hard to think of anything. Our verdict: One of the sweetest, most tender productions out there at the moment. Aimed at all kinds of audience, you will simply love it. Courtesy of Outfox Productions A new production of the 1964 play by Pulitzer Prize-winner Paul Zindel, The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds tells the story ...

Daniel York Loh Directed by Justin Audibert ★★★ Pros: This show actually produced laughter, rather than just a smile. Cons: Old jokes from the beginning of the show feel a little like they are re-hashed again and again throughout the show with nothing new to add except shock factor. Our Verdict: If you enjoy The Book of Mormon style of comedy then this show is for you. A clever piece performed by 5 strong actors. Although it has a very ...

Marietta Kirkbride Directed by Simon Kane & Elf Lyons ★★★ Pros: Well performed, a great stage set and entertainingly annoying characters. Cons: An hour and half felt like a long time without a breather but any break would have damaged the tension and flow of the play. Our Verdict: The play was enjoyable as a portrait of sibling relations but there is no great denouement so enjoy the ride rather than expect a grand finale. Credit: tnt-images A short walk ...