A beautiful, impacting and original story that sadly just didn't deliver.

Three shows in our Editor's Choice this week. These represent some of the best shows our reviewers saw last week, which are still running in the week to come... so you use this list as a shortcut to plan your week of theatre-going!

A rediscovery of a classic. Not for everyone, but if you brave this violent and unapologetic performance, you will be a Shakespeare convert!

An epic, dramatic ancient tale of the world’s most passionate woman performed with a bit too much passion and drama.

Anna LongarettiDirected by James Barry ★★★★ Pros: A very easy production to watch. It is perfectly balanced and hits all the right notes on motherhood without pointing out the obvious or portraying mothers as martyrs. Cons: If you aren’t a mum, some of the story might not have the same effect on you. However, this is the only minor con I can find. Our Verdict: A truly well performed, directed and written play which is worth two hours away from ...

Maureen ChadwickDirected by Simon Evans★★★★ Pros: Creative, hilarious and unique, with a seasoned cast and great set. Cons: The plot arc felt quite abrupt, characters didn’t seem fully formed. Our Verdict: An innovative and thoughtful story of lost love as well as a relevant reflection on what it means to be a lesbian, a mother and a woman. It’s well worth your time! Credit: Catherine Ashmore Riverside Studios has a penchant for hosting excellent and varied new work, recently having ...

Afsaneh GreyMusic by Erick Flores Directed by Pia Furtado★★★ Pros: Engaging, hilarious and tragic at the same time with enormous skills on stage. It definitely will get you thinking about society and morals. Cons: Direction is a bit confusing at times and the aptly orchestrated noise on stage could get on your nerves after a while. Our Verdict: A play with great potential that is more about society’s obsession with celebrities than an obsessive celebration of Jade Goody.  Courtesy of ...

While the production provides an enjoyable viewing experience, it being a musical adds nothing to Gatsby as a story.

Joe Evans Directed by Linnie Reedman ★★★ Pros: An interesting story and the music, costumes and set really evoke the atmosphere of the time. The Halbwelt Kultur troupe of chorus girls are a definite highlight– they are fab! Cons: The drama lacks depth and the second act is a bit lengthy. The performance of the title role isn’t quite dynamic enough to do justice to such a charismatic character. Our Verdict: In the program, author Charlotte Breese describes Hutch as ...

Aristophanes, adapted by Theatre Lab Company Directed by Anastasia Revi ★★★★ Pros: An explosively relevant and hilarious adaptation, with clean design, a multi-talented cast, and great original music. Cons: Elements of the re-imagining seemed slightly out of place, and some moments of the play appeared far more polished than others. Our Verdict: An exciting and impassioned update that provides no shortage of laughs during its quest to make a political and economic appeal. Courtesy of Theatre Lab Company Last March, ...