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

Henrik Ibsen, in a version by Brian FrielDirected by Anna Mackmin★★★★ Pros: A first class production – the cast is fabulous, the set and lighting design are stunning and the play itself is a masterpiece worthy of its place amongst the great dramas of all time. It has one of the most dramatically staged endings imaginable. Cons: It is long – at times it is hard to stay focused on the lengthy, lilting dialogues. Our Verdict: This production engenders everything ...

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 ...

Jonathan LewisDirected by David Grindley★★★★ Pros: A brilliant ensemble piece with strong performances all round by talented, up and coming actors. Cons: The continuity was confusing… but that might just be me! Our Verdict: This play is as relevant today as it was in 1993. It should provide laughs and tears in equal measures and is a delight to watch. Courtesy of Tristram Kenton for The Guardian One of the true pleasures that living in London has given me over ...

A clever twist on a classic opera.

William ShakespeareDirected by Tim Carroll★★★★★ Pros: A great ensemble, wonderful music, and some amazing laugh out loud moments. Cons: Really? Our Verdict: Do whatever needs to be done to see this one. (Legally). Courtesy of Simon Annand for The Daily Telegraph Before you get all hot and flustered at our ‘rule-breaking’, we booked our tickets months and months ago and also queued an hour in advance to ensure ourselves good positioning in the yard. What I’m trying to say is, ...

Written and Directed by Phil OrmrodPerformed and co-devised by Tom Walton & Abigail Moffatt★★★★ Pros: Perfectly choreographed, great performances and nice design. Cons: Stream of consciousness monologues can make it a little hard to follow the plot in places. Our Verdict: Great! Another fun, engaging piece from the Ovalhouse. Courtesy of the Ovalhouse It’s been a while since we last ventured down to the Ovalhouse Theatre, March in fact. Since we’ve last been down, the theatre bar and restaurant area ...

Tirso de Molina, in a new version by Frank McGuinnessDirected by Bijan Sheibani★★★ Pros: Spectacular design, interesting concept, and excellent performances, particularly in moments of humor. Cons: The content was a bit dense – made all the more complicated by the inconsistent attempt to update the era and language. Our Verdict: An interesting and unique work, but the production fails to revitalize this Spanish classic for a contemporary audience. Courtesy of the Evening Standard When you first enter the Olivier ...

Chris DunkleyDirected by Ola Ince★★★★ Pros: The cast give a very strong performance of gritty subject matter and complex characters. The story is told in reverse which is a fantastic way to challenge the audience’s perception of the circumstances. It is particularly refreshing to be presented with an unconventional female lead. Cons: Domestic violence and abuse is confronted head on which some audiences may find unpalatable. Our Verdict: This is a powerful piece of drama, which resonates long after you ...

Albert CamusDirected by Stephen Whitson ★★★ Pros: A sharp production with an extremely strong cast. Excellent lighting, costume and sound design that compliment the seedy and unnerving themes and (not so under) undertones perfectly. Cons: It’s bloody depressing. Our Verdict: This is an excellent all-round production of which the cast, creative and production teams should be extremely proud – pity about the writing. Courtesy of the King’s Head Theatre It is a brave turn to perform a play by Albert ...

Caryl ChurchillDirected by Dominic Cooke★★★ Pros: A unique concept with an unnerving plot, delivered by a strong and familiar cast. Cons: The dialogue is disjointed which detracts from the credibility of the circumstances, and twenty minutes is not really long enough to get fully engaged. Our Verdict: If you are going to see one of the other two performances at the Royal Court it’s worth getting there an hour early to catch this. Credit: Johan Persson for the Royal Court ...