Devised by Rosana Cade★★★★ Pros: A new approach to challenging audience members’ perceptions of others. Cons: It’s a very challenging piece that could get rather uncomfortable and is therefore definitely not for everyone! Our Verdict: A social experiment rather than traditional theatre, but a half hour spent in the company of six interesting actors that will change the way you think about your place in society. Courtesy of Battersea Arts Centre This was my first experience of one-on-one theatre. It ...
Read More »Monthly Archives: June 2013
Vaudevilles and Other Sketches, Jermyn Street Theatre
Anton Chekhov Translated and adapted by Michael Frayn Directed by Jenny Eastop ★★★★ Pros: Seamlessly staged and well-acted, with six different mini plays to get your teeth into. Cons: The sketch format meant there was, perhaps, an unsatisfying lack of investment in the characters. Our Verdict: A very professional production that will be accessible and enjoyable to most, but which as a consequence didn’t particularly push any boundaries. Courtesy of Jermyn Street Theatre When I was at school, I once wrote a sketch ...
Read More »The Decorator, The Space
Donald Churchill Directed by Franko Figueiredo ★★★ Pros: Ingenious farce set-up, vibrant comedic performances and a fun sixties setting. Cons: The actors’ accents can difficult to understand, making it easy to miss jokes. Our Verdict: The difficulty in understanding the dialogue is a problem that can’t be overlooked. It is a shame that this issue obscured the fine comedic performances, but The Decorator is still a goofy, fun evening out. Courtesy of The Space The Decorator is classic English farce ...
Read More »Dr N. H. Service, Ms Surveillance and Dame Lansley May, Etcetera Theatre
Written and directed by Paul Martin ★★★ Pros: A strong opinion piece with a definitive voice, unafraid of the provocative and outrageous – everything a good piece of political theatre should be. Cons: The strong, definitive ‘voice’ waxes didactic and prescriptive, wavering dangerously on the line of a monotonous rant. Our Verdict: The author makes a sharp point, but I felt I was being told what to think – off-putting for a free-thinking theatre-goer in a democratic society. Or is ...
Read More »Pride and Prejudice, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Quite simply, this is a must see for all Austen fans this summer.
Read More »Fuente Ovejuna, CLF Art Café
Lope de Vega Adapted by Tangram Theatre Company Directed by Daniel Goldman ★★★★★ Pros: Has theatre ever been this fun?! Cons: I don’t know the meaning of the word. Our Verdict: Theatre at its best, simply do not miss it. Read our interview with Daniel Goldman, Director of Tangram Theatre here! Courtesy of Tangram Theatre Lope de Vega was Spain’s most prolific and famous author under the ruling of Felipe II of Castilla and I of Portugal. He wrote over ...
Read More »The Incredible Adventures of Clown Slut, Old Red Lion Theatre
Joanna Griffin Directed by Lauren Bracewell ★★★ Pros: Fun, dynamic and entertaining. Superb delivery from Joanna Griffin recounting her adventures as the Clown Slut. Cons: The concept of the play seems to be directed to only a certain group of people, young graduates and students. Our verdict: The play gives you something to think about and coats its message in hilarity. Prepare for bellyaching laughter. Courtesy of facebook.com What does it mean to be a feminist? Feminists address issues such as rape, ...
Read More »Win tickets to see The Play That Goes Wrong! – Closed
Good news theatre fans: we’re giving away yet another set of free tickets! We’ve teamed up with Mischief Theatre to give you a chance to win two tickets to see their fantastic production The Play That Goes Wrong at the Trafalgar Studios, London. A couple of facts for you to bear in mind about this: 1. We reviewed this show when it was first performed at the Old Red Lion Theatre, and it met with our approval! A cracking ★★★★ show! Read the ...
Read More »IAMTWENTYFOUR, Tollington Park Studios
An interesting dance that explores the different shapes and faces that language can give your identity. It was truly fascinating to watch.
Read More »The Comedy of Oedipus, Lion and Unicorn
Ali SalemDirected by Ahmed El-Alfy★★★★ Pros: An entertaining and dynamic comedy. Cons: Due to lots of movement and excessive volume, the stage became overcrowded at times. Our Verdict: A well-executed, politically charged adaptation of a classic play. Some very good acting and dynamic direction make it enjoyable to watch. Guaranteed fun and laughter. As part of the international Shubbuk Festival – a window into contemporary Arab culture –this comedy, Courtesy of Giant Olive written in 1970 by legendary Egyptian playwright, was ...
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