William Shakespeare Devised by Cut String Theatre ★★★★ Pros: Intelligent performances, inventive staging. A raw, enjoyable experience. Cons: If you are used to conventional theatre, especially in terms of box office experience, then this might not be for you – but you’ be missing out.  Our Verdict: Remarkable work from a determined and extremely talented new theatre company with exciting potential.  Courtesy of Cut StringTheatre Cut String Theatre is one to watch. It is an ever saturated arts market where ...

William Shakespeare Adapted by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield Directed by Matt Rippy ★★★★★ Pros: Great venue, enthusiastic performances, perfectly timed comedy. These renditions of the Bard’s work will appeal to keen Shakespeare fans and the not so keen alike. Cons: None except that the queue at the bar was a bit long at the interval, but when is it not?Our Verdict: A brilliantly timed, hilarious homage to Shakespeare’s work which appeals to audiences of all ages. Courtesy of Reduced Shakespeare ...

William Shakespeare Presented by Wyrd Sisters Theatre ★★★ Pros: Beautifully performed by each and every cast member. Cons: The immense heat came close to ruining the experience. Our Verdict: A fantastic rendition of this Shakespearean classic, but bring a fan! Credit: Ciaran Cunningham I was intrigued to see this unusual version of Shakespeare’s Scottish play from the Wyrd Sisters Theatre Company. Made up of an all-female cast – aside from the three male witches – the Bard’s dark tragedy is ...

William Shakespeare, adapted by Manuela Ruggiero and Anthony KhaseriaDirected by Manuela Ruggiero★★★ Pros: Excellent use of all that The Rose has to offer, including the lake and surrounding areas. Cons: The use of physical theatre, including the use of dance, could be off putting for some. Our Verdict: A good production overall, though fans of Shakespeare may not care for this modern take on one of his most famous plays. The Rose Theatre, Bankside, is an old Elizabethan theatre and is ...

William Shakespeare, adapted by Edward Hall and Roger WarrenDirected by Edward Hall  ★★★★★ Pros: Everything – it is a feast for the eyes, the ears and the heart. Cons: Impossible to find anything wrong with it. Our Verdict: I have no doubt Shakespeare would feel proud to see the way his plays have been brought to life by Edward Hall and Propeller. Courtesy of Hampstead Theatre The Taming of the Shrew is a play within a play. The first play ...

William Shakespeare, adapted by Edward Hall and Roger Warren Directed by Edward Hall★★★★  Pros: Excellent staging, music, acting, costumes… nothing falls out of place.Cons: Very few to be honest, but perhaps just short of the elusive fifth star!  Our Verdict: I have no doubt Shakespeare would feel proud to see the way his play is brought to life by Edward Hall and Propeller.  Courtesy of Hampstead Theatre All male Shakespearean company Propeller gives new life to Twelfth Night in this production. ...

William ShakespeareDirected by James Tobias★★★★ Pros: A talented cast who are up to the challenge of Shakespeare’s verse; well-conceived set design; flashy dance numbers to enhance the experience; the plays themes remain incredibly relevant.Cons: I felt the play dragged in places and could have used a bit more energy. Occasionally the noise from the adjoining pub distracts from the play’s more subtle moments. Our Verdict: An excellent production of one of the Bard’s lesser-known plays. The play’s dark and sinister themes ...

William Shakespeare Directed by Grassroots Shakespeare London ★★★★ Pros: A pacey, modern production with plenty of humour and excellent comic moments. There is a lot of really enjoyable character interpretation, which adds a colour and relevance to the script. Cons: In delivering the prose in modern voice and comic character, at times the diction was unclear and parts of the story were lost. The blind casting worked better for some characters than for others. Our Verdict: A very enjoyable version ...

William ShakespearePresented by Iris Theatre ★★★★ Pros: Great work by the actors and directors on making sure the Shakespearean language is understandable to all. Wonderful scenery including the use of lights and haze to set the mood of the play. Cons: Shakespeare does it again with the length of the play – too long! Especially as roughly 200 people have to move from stage to stage in between scenes. Our Verdict: A step up for Iris Theatre who are improving ...

A wonderful production showing just how funny Shakespeare can be in all kinds of weather.