Presented by Dirty Market Theatre★★★ Pros: Original, brilliantly funny, macabre, dark, bizarre, fantastical – get the idea? Cons: The plot is difficult to follow in parts but just go with the flow; you’re in other-worldly realms here in Hoxton. Our Verdict: Imagine Tim Burton directing an episode of Emmerdale whilst on an acid trip. Just go along with an open mind and let Dirty Market create their wonderful havoc.  Credit: Jemima Yong This Dirty Market production is in association with Camden ...

Colman DomingoDirected by Titas Halder★★★★★ Pros: Colman Domingo’s endless energy is contagious in this fun yet emotional piece. Cons: The concept is not original and the show doesn’t experiment with new ideas or new types of theatre. Our Verdict: A thoroughly enjoyable show which will get your feet tapping to some awesome tunes. You’ll leave with a smile on your face. Courtesy of tricycle.co.uk The basic premise of A Boy and his Soul has been seen on stage many times: ...

Alfred de Musset Translation by Peter Meyer Directed by: Martin Parr ★★★★ Pros: Wonderfully witty dialogue and brilliant performances. Cons: The punctuation of brief operatic interludes seemed a little out of place. Our Verdict: Great entertainment in an unusual setting makes for a special evening of theatre. Courtesy of The Osbourne Studio Gallery I was intrigued by the prospect of attending this show given that it is being staged in an art gallery in Belgravia rather than an auditorium. We ...

Maureen ChadwickDirected by Simon Evans★★★★ Pros: Creative, hilarious and unique, with a seasoned cast and great set. Cons: The plot arc felt quite abrupt, characters didn’t seem fully formed. Our Verdict: An innovative and thoughtful story of lost love as well as a relevant reflection on what it means to be a lesbian, a mother and a woman. It’s well worth your time! Credit: Catherine Ashmore Riverside Studios has a penchant for hosting excellent and varied new work, recently having ...

Written and performed by Phoebe Waller-BridgeDirected by Vicky Jones★★★★ Pros: An absolutely hilarious comedy which will have you laughing out loud. Waller-Bridge manages to captivate the audience’s attention for the duration of the story. Cons: If rude sex-related jokes don’t appeal to you then this production is most definitely not for you. Our Verdict: People with an open sense of humour will fast become fans of this production and I can’t wait to see what else Waller-Bridge has up her ...

Elizabeth Kuti Directed by Robert Price ★★★ Pros: Beautiful, subtle and thoughtful storytelling from three unique perspectives, each with an intriguing personal tale. Cons: The accents were – at first – heavy-handed and difficult to understand. The narrative, although clever and intricate, did not quite click together as satisfactorily as it could have. Our Verdict: A compelling story which, in trying to connect three seemingly disparate people through the ages, ends up brushing over plot points or making tentative references ...

William Shakespeare Adapted and Directed by Tom Latter ★★★ Pros: A dynamic and enjoyable adaptation of the classic Shakespeare comedy with some very good acting and innovative use of space. Fun costumes and an excellent theatre space. Cons: Some rushed transitions and a bit more running around than necessary detracted from the overall experience. Our Verdict: The 1950s Shakespeare East London adaptation is a great idea that gives this classic comedy a new life. The performance is fast and dynamic ...

John Webster Directed by Owen Horsley ★★★ Pros: Interesting staging and style, with engaging character portrayal and genuinely eye-opening moments. Cons: A sense that it was a bit rushed and the cast a bit inexperienced in dealing with this kind of piece. Our Verdict: A visually arresting and memorable production that’s a great way into this classic play. Courtesy of Eyestrings Theatre Company Ah Malfi: sun, sea, sand. Crazy boat trips. Shaving-foamed bananas. Drunk kids lying blissfully in their own ...

William Shakespeare Directed by Pamela Schermann ★★★★★ Pros: A fantastic adaptation of Shakespeare with a very poignant modern twist and a wonderful cast! Cons: There are a lot of physical limitations to the venue, including a lack of toilets. Our Verdict: A very interesting take on how something written so long ago still has devastating impact when considered in today’s society. Credit: Robert Piwko Pamela Schermann’s The Taming of The Shrew presents an interesting idea. Take the classic Shakespeare play ...

by Ann Henning JocelynDirected by Alex Dmitriev ★★★★  Pros: Play offers an insight into a little-known time in poet Ted Hughes’ life. Cons: Would have been nice to have a longer show! Our Verdict: A one-act play that packs an emotional punch. Courtesy of Jermyn Street Theatre Doonreagan takes place a few years after the death of Sylvia Plath – the famous American poet who committed suicide in the 60’s. Her husband, fellow poet Ted Hughes, has moved his children ...