Pros: An engrossing war story brilliantly told by a two man cast. Cons: A disappointingly camp cabaret section at the start of Act II looks out of place and disturbs the story’s tone. There are subtle reminders that November has arrived: the clocks go back, street lights flicker into life earlier and Christmas adverts creep onto TV screens. Another permanent reminder is Remembrance Sunday. Billy Bishop Goes To War gives a very personal account of the titular character, told by his ...

Strong performances illuminate a script that promises more than it delivers.

Pros: The beautifully written script and the performances of Sinead Cusack and Michael Cardone, closely followed by the remainder of the cast. Cons: Very, very occasionally, there was a slight tendency towards Porridge like characterisation. Calling herself a ‘Victorian do-gooder’, Lady Anne Tree conducted a long campaign to be allowed to teach prisoners skills through which they could have paid work whilst in prison and improved prospects upon their release.  Her proposal was approved as late as 1992, and the ...

This revival of a 1935 play can be better appreciated for its historical value, rather than its appeal to modern tastes.

Both plays are sharply observed and well written but thank god for St. Hilda who lightened an otherwise sombre mood.

Worth seeing for the performance, but the show overall left me cold.

Brian picks runs down his pick of the year and awards the inaugural Reggies.

Pros: This is a well-constructed production, at times charming, at times heart-breaking. Cons: Both acting and story become increasingly repetitive, interfering with the play’s ability to be at all memorable. We are in a flat in Belsize Park in 1991. Books, art prints, classical sheet music, old-fashioned furniture and other bric-a-brac are scattered about, whilst Brahms’ Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor Opus 25 plays. Otto Huberman, a dotty old man who is obviously the flat’s sole inhabitant, listens ...

Jermyn Street Theatre’s specially commissioned new play is a fiery concoction of mental distress, marital problems and volatile chemistry that, whilst set in 1896, translates well to a modern audience. A real gem of a show.

A funny and somewhat educational course in British culture during WW2, featuring a fair bit of audience participation along the way.