Acclaimed playwright Howard Brenton talks with us about his 1973 play Magnificence as it returns to the London stage for the first time in over 40 years.

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 ...

Ryan Craig, David Greig, Zinnie Harris, Diana Son and Colin Teevan Directed by Nicolas Kent ★★★ Pros: A fascinating commentary on the influences and dangers of nuclear weapons in the modern world. Cons: A shame it is truncated into two productions – it seems bizarre not to present the origins of the bomb alongside its consequences. Sometimes feels like too much of a geopolitics lecture.  Our Verdict: An urgent and interesting production overall, and a fitting swansong for Nicolas Kent.  ...

Conceived and directed by Lloyd NewsonCo-Production between the National Theatre and DV8 Theatre★★ Pros: DV8’s stylised physical theatre. Cons: The political agenda is uncomfortable. Our Verdict: DV8 is a brilliant physical theatre troupe, it’s a shame about the topic they’ve picked to perform which only detracts from what they do best. Courtesy of Gergoe Nagy for the Guardian Through verbatim speeches and stylised movement, DV8 are back on stage at the National Theatre, tackling the potentially flammable issue of Islam’s ...