Lively, interlocking characters put extra gloss on a story that quickly runs out of steam; but we did get a chicken meal thrown in!

By using its ancient model so closely and yet trying to be completely different from it, this adaptation tries to have its cake and eat it.

Yes, a few tasteless jokes, but the lively and cleverly written musical numbers were really enjoyable. Overall an entertaining stage adaptation with some captivating performances throughout.

A barnstorming update of a musical showcasing the unique talent of Lionel Bart.

Not spectacular but funny and with enough surprising turns to keep you entertained.

This unabashedly wacky and high spirited take on a Christmas classic is lots of fun.

Somalia SeatonDirected by Dawn Reid★★★ Pros: Crowning Glory is dynamic, versatile, and unapologetic in its exploration of beauty and identity. Cons: The show concentrates on very specific experiences and may at times feel alienating to some audience members. Our Verdict: Crowning Glory is a worthy and polished navigation through topics of beauty and identity, combining humour, passion, and style with expertise. Courtesy of TRSE and Sharron Wallace Somalia Seaton’s Crowning Glory is a play about owning yourself. Through a series ...

Tanika Gupta Directed by Kerry Michael ★★★ Pros: Slick, technically excellent and a text-book example of how to present a huge range of characters with very few actors. Cons: Hard to develop an emotional attachment to the piece.  Our Verdict: A gently enjoyable insight into a 35 year-old marriage where one partner makes a radical decision. Quite funny, extremely well executed, but lacking in tension which stops it from being truly engaging. Credit: Robert Day Love N Stuff is a ...

Sarah Rutherford Directed by Dawn Reid ★★★★  Pros: A play about women, with an A-list cast, female director and author, that asks important questions about race.  Cons: Perhaps the play could have gone further in certain areas, but more of that later.  Our Verdict: A good ice breaker to kick off the latest Angelic Tales Festival. Courtesy of Theatre Royal Stratford East Earlier this week, the Theatre Royal’s season for new writing got off to an excellent start with a ...

Written and directed by Rikki Beadle-Blair  ★★★★ Pros: A play that packs a serious punch; will hurl you outside your comfort zone. Tremendously powerful performances, excellent design and a slick production all round. Cons: Takes a while to get going, and it perhaps touches on a theme too many in places.  Our Verdict: Don’t miss this one – a prime example of how powerful theatre can be. Credit: Jane Hobson The Theatre Royal Stratford East prides itself on being a ...