Everything Theatre Reviews, interviews and news for theatre lovers, London and beyond

Mike Carter and Lizzie Quinn for Crow TheatreDirected by Natasha Campbell★★★★★ Pros: Brilliant and truly unique immersive theatre in a superb venue. Cons: None whatsoever with the show, but had some problems finding where ‘the meeting point’ was. Our Verdict: A real gem and a fantastic surprise; the best immersive theatre I’ve experienced. Tremendous stuff! Courtesy of Crow Theatre It’s been nearly 3 months since we last awarded our highest accolade to a production; perhaps we’re too picky, but our ...

George Bernard ShawDirected by Nadia Fall ★★★ Pros: An old play with very current issues; interesting to watch. Cons: The characters lack refinement and are a little disappointing, and it didn’t make me feel anything in particular. Our Verdict: It’s a good show overall, but it’s not quite up to the National’s usual standards. Courtesy of Alastair Muir for the Daily Telegraph The Doctor’s Dilemma was written in response to the theatre critic William Archer’s claims that George Bernard Shaw wouldn’t ...

Kieran LynnDirected by Bruce Guthrie★★★★ Pros: A short, sweet and very amusing performance with some cracking acting in the beautifully cool Finborough auditorium. Cons: Energy levels dropped in certain places where the dialogue got slightly long-winded and frustrating. Our Verdict: A great show which successfully addresses a serious issue in a comical manner. Well worth seeing! Courtesy of Frances Loney for WhatsOnStage Human beings really are a bizarre species. That was the overarching thought that was ringing in my ears ...

Bertolt Brecht, translation by George TaboriDirected by Jonathan Church★★★★ Pros: A really fantastic lead with excellent supporting performances! It’s Brecht. Cons: A little draggy in places. It’s Brecht. Our Verdict: Chichester is always worth a visit, and this is a good all-round production! Courtesy of Tristram Kenton for the Guardian I know the Brecht basics, and I know about the silent scream in Mother Courage, but I’ve never seen a Brecht play in a theatre before. This left me somewhat ...

July JensenDirected by Amy Bonsall★★★★ Pros: A truly fascinating venue hosting a snappy and energetic performance. Cons: Mormon culture is probably not the most riveting subject matter. Our Verdict: Worth the detour – check it out! Courtesy of My Lovely Productions A play dealing with the difficulties of living in the Mormon community in the middle of the 19th century is more relevant today than one might imagine. With the presidential race tightening in the USA, more and more fuss ...

Jean GenetDirected by Paul Linghorn★★★ Pros: Some powerful moments in the second half and a superb performance from Chris Stevenson. Cons: A weak first half, and it feels like the team hasn’t completely ‘got to know’ the script yet, meaning that it lacks definition in some places. Our Verdict: An ambitious and positive show from a young company (feats which should be applauded), but it needs more work in places to make it a true success. Courtesy of Pandemonium Performance ...

Joe PenhallDirected by Roger Michell★★★ Pros: Trustworthy actors perform a compact piece with big laughs at the expense of gender stereotypes. Cons: Slightly unclear what Penhall’s point (if there is one) is! Our Verdict: A play which hopes to question the roles in childbirth, it’ll make the audience think but not too hard. An overall positive experience! Courtesy of Alastair Muir for the Daily Telegraph The Royal Court is a brilliant theatre. Situated on Sloane Square, it is well known ...

William ShakespeareDirected by Nicholas Hytner★★★★ Pros: Simon Russell-Beale’s superb performance in a superbly adapted play. Cons: Hardly any, slightly dragged towards the end of the second half. Our Verdict: Top-notch stuff from the National, and definitely worth seeing despite the fact that you may never have heard of it! Courtesy of Time  These days, I don’t look at the descriptions for the National’s shows before I book my tickets; I just assume that they are all going to be worth ...

A great piece of work from Iris Theatre Company - pick your day carefully and it's well worth the money.

Frank Wedekind, translated by F.J. ZieglerDirected by John Fricker★★★★ Pros: A well-designed and well-performed production of a show with a strong message. Cons: A little long at 2 hours 30 mins. Our Verdict: A great show from a young theatre company; we hope to see more of them soon. Courtesy of OutFox Productions Spring Awakening – a title which many will remember from the short-lived, but ultimately well-received Rock Musical which swooped into the West End in 2009. It can ...