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

Here at everything theatre we love a good bargain. A while back, as part of the research for our everyone theatre interview series, we spent a rather cold and miserable afternoon on the streets of London asking people about why they didn’t go to the theatre. The top excuse was the price. So that’s why it’s so exciting when theatre opportunities are given away at reduced prices. If things are being given away for free then that’s even better. Well, thanks to Mastercard, ...

Tom Wells Directed by James Grieve ★★★★ Pros: A superbly well-written, well-acted, and well-designed production. Cons: While charming, the script occasionally borders on cliché. Our Verdict: A truly outstanding production with a fine balance of humour and heart. Courtesy of Watford Palace Theatre Watford Palace Theatre is on a winning streak in my book – after four visits this year, I’ve not even come close to being disappointed by a single production. The venue strikes again this month, housing the premier run ...

Elchin AfandlyevDirected by Matthew Gould★★★★ Pros: Elchin Afandlyev is a world-renowned writer. He has the ability to condense a lot of thinking into a 90 minute play, and some of his musings are inspired. Cons: The script is very literary and as such it is a bit of a challenge. Our Verdict: It’s not every day of the week that you can go and get an insight into the affairs of Azerbaijan. With the exception of this week. Courtesy of ...

Anton Chekhov Directed by Gavin McAlinden ★★★ Pros: A terrific Chekhov script with some interesting performances. Cons: This show has plenty of moments which fall flat and are not quite believable. Our Verdict: An unusual production of a classic play which tends to be a bit samey elsewhere. It’s certainly nice to see these characters getting a revamp. Courtesy of Theatro Technis Much as I love The Seagull, it is one of those plays I’ve seen once too often. Chekhov ...

In a guest blog for Everything Theatre, London Assembly Member Tom Copley talks about the challenges facing small theatres in the capital, and about the investigation he is leading to look at what can be done to assist them.

Ivan TurgenevDirected by Gavin McAlinden★★★ Pros: An interesting and entertaining story performed by an energetic and well-balanced ensemble. Cons: The lengthy Russian classic suffered some dull ruts. Our Verdict: An enjoyable and refreshingly simple period piece that succeeds despite some dragging. Courtesy of Theatro Technis The Acting Gymnasium allows actors to explore classic works by writers such as Turgenev and Chekhov among others, and their current production at the Theatro Technis is Turgenev’s dramatic comedy, A Month in the Country. ...

Madelaine BeeversDirected by Emma Williamson★★★★ Pros: A unique and fascinating venue with compelling performances from all the cast. Cons: At the end of two hours you may have a stiff neck if you sit on the front row, as it is akin to watching a tennis match at times. Our Verdict: Impressive on all fronts and a story which could easily have been set today. A creation SOOT Theatre Company can be proud of. Courtesy of SOOT Theatre If you ...

Roger SimeonDirected by Bryony Shanahan★★★★ Pros: Demonstrates character acting at its best. Chameleon-like performances by Patricia Rodriguez and Mercè Ribot take you on an unpredictable and whacky ride through the love and hate of sisterhood. Cons: This is a very specific kind of theatre – esoteric, philosophic and abstract. It may prove frustrating for those preferring linear plot lines and story structure. Our Verdict: Refreshingly different, this is a show that plucks us out of traditional storytelling and hurls us ...

Rodney AcklandDirected by Matthew Dunster★★★ Pros: Some very funny characters, and excellent performances. Cons: The comedy was much more brilliant than the deeper character moments. Our Verdict: Certainly worth the trip for a fun evening out. Credit: Keith Pattison Having recently consumed four whole seasons of the IT Crowd, I found myself wondering why Katherine Parkinson (who plays Jen Barber absolutely brilliantly) has slightly disappeared off the map, in particular in comparison with the astounding successes of her co-leads. So ...

James ErnestDirected by Don Mc Camphill and Luke Lutterer ★★★ Pros: A solid play in a great little venue. A particularly strong performance from Francis Adams. Cons: The start was a little slow and the ending a bit contrived. Our Verdict: The playwright James Ernest could be one to watch for the future. So why not go and see his early work? Courtesy of  Disturbance The Space is a little old Presbyterian church on the Isle of Dogs. Oh the ...