Simone WatsonDirected by Simone Watson★★★★ Pros: An accessible play with engaging characters and recognisable scenarios. Cons: While there are a number of amusing scenes, those looking for escapism probably won’t find it here. Our Verdict: Lightning in a bottle: life in inner London captured in all its complexity. Courtesy of etceteratheatre.com With the title Knickers To That!, you would be forgiven for thinking that this play might be a farce or not have dramatic gravitas. This is far from the ...
Read More »Monthly Archives: November 2013
Psychopomp and Circumstance, The Hen and Chickens Theatre – Review
Written & directed by Michael Eckett★★ Pros: Energetic and dedicated performances and some genuinely funny moments. Cons: Some of the plays were stronger than others; at certain points I was baffled and my attention drifted. Our Verdict: A great subject that could be better exploited for both drama and/or comedy. Some more background information would have been helpful to get the best from the production. Courtesy of Sigil Club Productions The Hen and Chickens is a theatre space above a ...
Read More »Emma, Tristan Bates Theatre – Reviews
Jane AustenAdapted by Oneohone Theatre Company Directed by Asia Osborne ★★★★ Pros: A witty and bold production with just the right balance of carefully crafted narrative and flexible improvisation. Cons: Some of the text could have been more polished – the occasional Regency period language did not fit in well with the modern setting. Our Verdict: An immersive, fun, modern adaption of an old classic with matchmaker Emma and her friends brilliantly coming to life. Courtesy of ONEOHONE Theatre Company ...
Read More »Dogstar, Tabard Theatre – Review
Greg Freeman Directed by Ken McClymont ★★★ Pros: The philosophical arguments dressed in dark comedy surrounding ownership, friendship and the value we place upon a person. Cons: A little heavy on themes and intrigue around the main character – makes the audience lose the thread of the story somewhat. Our Verdict: A dark western comedy fit for anyone who enjoys good dialogues, a main protagonist with an uncanny resemblance to Clint Eastwood and intense moral topics. Courtesy of the Tabard ...
Read More »Tiger at the Gates, Lion and Unicorn Theatre – Review
Jean Giraudoux Directed by Nick Mouton ★★★ Pros: A story that resonates strongly with the current world-wide political climate, highlighting the absurdities and fickleness of war with intellect and wit. Cons: A heady play with a great deal of talk and a point to prove which, although interesting, might benefit from more action to reinforce and focus the debate. Our Verdict: An ancient story investigating the reasons behind the wilful propagation of war that, while relevant and poignant, becomes didactic ...
Read More »As You Like It, The Albany – Review
William Shakespeare A Transport Production Directed by Douglas Rintoul ★★ Pros: This is a different take on a classic Shakespeare comedy. Certainly good for those who know the story well and like to see a new perspective on the play and the world we live in Cons: Sometimes difficult to follow, this is not recommended for your first venture into the land of the Forest of Arden. Our Verdict: This production is not going to be for everyone but is ...
Read More »Tomorrow’s Parties, Battersea Arts Centre – Review
The devised nature means it’s a totally different performance each night – but as a result it manifested itself merely as an interesting acting exercise rather than anything particularly entertaining.
Read More »The Collective Project, Camden People’s Theatre – Review
Andrew Curtis, Will Howells, Mike Carter, Joseph Lidster, Guleraana Mir, Jo Pockett, Polly Churchill and Kate Webster Directed by Neil Sheppeck, Chris Lawson, Gavin Dent, Richard Jacques, Saraha Ford, Madelaine Moore, Bryony Thomas and Laura Kim ★★★ Pros: Every short play was witty and had moments of light and dark. Having female writers and directors with an all-male cast (and vice versa) made for some interesting perspectives. Cons: Some of the plays fell into the trap of becoming “message plays” ...
Read More »Romantic Fools, Canal Café Theatre – Review
Outrageous and dynamic parody on relationships, dating, marriage and meeting that special person.
Read More »Two Tapes/Loose Ends, Calder Bookshop and Theatre – Review
Luis Rivera Lopez, Griselda GambaroDirected by Luis Gayol ★★ Pros: Learning about events in Argentina’s political history. Cons: The first of the two short plays is very weak and without the programme, I would not have understood the context of the play. Performances varied in quality. Our Verdict: Though this double bill raises awareness about a seldom-discussed atrocity of recent history, the plays are not strong enough to do the subject justice. Courtesy of Calder Bookshop and Theatre Theatre 4 Identity ...
Read More »