Pros: By honing in on Höss, Hyland’s play doesn’t choose the obvious Holocaust perpetrators (Hitler, Himmler, Mengele et al). Cons: Crescendos in Höss’ speech become distracting; likewise, proximity to the audience and prolonged emphasis of gestures can overkill the intensity. The term ‘political hygiene’ is a chilling one, especially when spoken by Rudolf Höss, commandant of Auschwitz-Birkenau, a place he has just described as ‘the largest human slaughterhouse in history’. Hearing these words on a hot Saturday night in gentrified ...
Read More »Tag Archives: New Wimbledon Studio
The Secret Letters of Gertie and Hen, New Wimbledon Studio – Review
Over two-and-a-half hours long, this new play is still very much work in progress and would benefit from a drastic pruning.
Read More »The Blue Bird, New Wimbledon Studio – Review
An hour's worth of fun for younger children, providing a good introduction to theatregoing and some play acting ideas to develop.
Read More »Hotel For Criminals, New Wimbledon Studio – Review
Deserving of its cult status, Hotel For Criminals combines an incredible cast and creatives to create a unique world all of its own.
Read More »Fabric, New Wimbledon Studio Theatre – Review
Pros: A brilliant script and a beautiful performance from Nancy Sullivan. Cons: Although intimate, the venue has a dark and airless atmosphere, which can sometimes be uncomfortable. London theatre never fails to surprise me. The latest shock is that the New Wimbledon Theatre has a studio! Like all good studio theatres it stands at the vanguard of new, innovative productions and Fabric is no exception. It tells the story of Leah (Nancy Sullivan) in a one woman, one act play ...
Read More »Titus Andronicus, New Wimbledon Studio – Review
A version of Titus Andronicus which says true to the text while mixing in some new ideas.
Read More »Some Girl(s), New Wimbledon Studio — Review
Some standout performances bring this black comedy about the scars left by our romantic pasts to life.
Read More »Doctor Selavy’s Magic Theatre, New Wimbledon Studio – Review
Once you get past trying to figure out what’s going on, and instead just relish in the show’s wackiness and unpredictability, it becomes a highly enjoyable piece of musical theatre.
Read More »Freefall, Wimbledon Studio
Matthew Bulgo and Becky PrestwichDirected by Alice Malin★★★★ Pros: Superb new writing, nuanced and heartrending performances from the entire cast. Cons: Only that both plays are heartbreakingly sad! Our Verdict: A perfect pairing of two plays exploring the themes of memory, grief and loss. Painful and wonderful to watch. Double bills often don’t make for a coherent and satisfying evening of theatre. Not so with Freefall. The two plays featured, The Bear, the Owl and the Angel by Becky Pretwich and ...
Read More »Our Friends, The Enemy, New Wimbledon Studio
Alex GwytherDirected by Tom O’Brien★★★ Pros: Fantastic design coupled with a bright and enthusiastic performance based on a fascinating historical moment. Cons: The plot didn’t have much of an arc and despite an engaging performance, the script might have been better suited as a short story or full-cast production rather than a solo piece. Our Verdict: There were many great elements at play here but ultimately the dramatic presentation lacks effectiveness. Courtesy of New Wimbledon Theatre Alex Gwyther is the ...
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