Pros: Laugh-out-loud funny, with catchy tunes. An interesting retelling of history. Cons: Not enough drag for me! It’s not very often I come across drag king shows, which is primarily the reason why I was drawn to Joan. For those who don’t know a drag king is (often but not always) a woman who dresses up in masculine clothing to personify gender stereotypes. This approach to a retelling of Joan of Arc’s story seemed to me like a unique way to merge drag, cabaret ...

A raw, visceral and, above all, human show. Powerful poetry in play form. Everything theatre should be.

Pros: Brilliant writing, excellent acting Cons: You have to be comfortable with audience participation to enjoy the show There are many reasons why I love Woody Allen. Not least of them is his rare gift of addressing profound existential issues in a way that is not only thoroughly enjoyable but also hysterically funny. In this regard Focus Group, a play adapted by Toot Theatre from David Foster Wallace’s short story Mister Squishy, is not unlike an Allen comedy. It tells ...

Bold and intelligent, this play is an experience unlike any other though a few aspects and ideas fall flat.

Fabulously flamboyant, wonderfully witty and above all an absolute smash hit.

Pros: At last a fairy tale to promote LGBTQ equality. Cons: Don’t expect elaborate set and costumes, but focus on the acting. Oval must be one of the cutest Underground stations in London. Coming up the escalator I was welcomed by classical music, pot plants and even a little shelf unit for the book exchange. A white board with the ‘thought of the day’ reminded me that every great action starts with a great dream and set the mood for ...

Laura Sampson talks to Owen Calvert-Lyons, Head of Theatre and Artist Development at Ovalhouse, about his new role and what's next for this innovative fringe theatre.

Charming and well-written, but heavy on the whimsy.

An interesting and engaging study of female afro hair and its meanings in British society.

An interesting exploration of the relationship between exploitation and entertainment in reality TV. The ideas are compelling and the acting is strong, but play would benefit from tighter structure and plot.