Everything Theatre blogger Rachel Proctor gives her opinion on the treatment of younger people in theatre audiences, concluding that a little more consideration wouldn't go amiss...

A quick overview of London theatre, suitable for tourists, city-breakers and those less well acquainted with London's theatrical offerings!

Written and Directed by Suzanne AndradePresented by 1927★★★★ Pros: Finest use of projection I have ever seen and great ensemble work. Cons: Some adult viewers might be fooled into thinking this is a kids’ show. Our Verdict: This is brilliant stuff from a very talented company. Courtesy of The National Theatre If 1927‘s The Animals and Children Took to the Streets sounds familiar, it is probably because you have come across it before. Indeed it is returning from its recent international tour ...

Lucy PrebbleDirected by Rupert Goold★★★★ Pros: Excellent performances, a beautiful, clinical design and a script that proves Prebble isn’t a one trick pony. Cons: Prebble clearly has an opinion about the issues involved, and consequently it can feel more like a lecture than an exploration in places. Our Verdict: Another excellent Cottesloe production from the NT and Headlong. Definitely worth seeing for the emotional journeys, even if you have no interest in the topic of mental illness and neuroscience. Credit: ...

everything theatre originally reviewed this production in the Cottesloe Theatre at the National. It will transfer into the Olivier Theatre at the National on 23rd February 2013, where it is currently booking until 15th May 2013: http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/this-house James GrahamDirected by Jeremy Herrin★★★★ Pros: A cracking script, scintillating performances, and a great overall concept. Cons: Few and far between, but I didn’t think some of the musical interludes were fitting. Our Verdict: A brilliant piece of new writing, and a high quality ...

Tirso de Molina, in a new version by Frank McGuinnessDirected by Bijan Sheibani★★★ Pros: Spectacular design, interesting concept, and excellent performances, particularly in moments of humor. Cons: The content was a bit dense – made all the more complicated by the inconsistent attempt to update the era and language. Our Verdict: An interesting and unique work, but the production fails to revitalize this Spanish classic for a contemporary audience. Courtesy of the Evening Standard When you first enter the Olivier ...

Howard BarkerDirected by Tom Cairns★★★ Pros: Some interesting concepts in the scripts and good performances on stage. Cons: Sometimes a bit slow, and tries to say a lot of things at once. Our Verdict: Enjoyable with the usual high production values, but not groundbreaking. Courtesy of the National Theatre One thing you don’t expect to see when you pay a visit to the National Theatre is a catastrophic set malfunction. In a way, we were lucky to witness such a ...

Michael MorpurgoAdapted and directed by Simon Reade★★★★ Pros: It is brilliantly acted and beautifully written. Cons: Whilst billed for eight years and upwards, I feel age ten is probably more appropriate. Our Verdict: A wonderful all round show, sadly finished now but we hope for a prolonged run in due course! Courtesy of The Telegraph It has been quite some time since I have wholeheartedly joined in a spontaneous standing ovation. It was definitely well-deserved in this production of Private ...

A must see, Theatre at its absolute best. Creative, fun, engaging and something slightly different. Tremendous.

George Bernard ShawDirected by Nadia Fall ★★★ Pros: An old play with very current issues; interesting to watch. Cons: The characters lack refinement and are a little disappointing, and it didn’t make me feel anything in particular. Our Verdict: It’s a good show overall, but it’s not quite up to the National’s usual standards. Courtesy of Alastair Muir for the Daily Telegraph The Doctor’s Dilemma was written in response to the theatre critic William Archer’s claims that George Bernard Shaw wouldn’t ...