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

'Identity Crisis' creator Phina Oruche on identity, the limits placed on black performers and speaking her own truth through a one-woman show.

Pros: Samuel Lawrence’s powerful and committed approach to an intense character. Cons: The play maintains an exaggerated level of tension which prevents the audience from truly relating to the characters, and makes for quite uncomfortable viewing. I’m all for a good love story. Especially if it’s tricky and passionate and full of drama. Threads is the story of Vic (Katharine Davenport) and Charlie (Samuel Lawrence), two exes reunited in the flat that they used to share. Over the course of an ...

It might be very much a one joke pony, but that one joke has so much to offer it’s worth seeing again and again.

While the bones of a decent plot were abandoned early on, there is no denying the entertainment value in a confident and supremely energetic production.

A pertinent, intelligent and often funny tragedy about war, fear and family.

A unique, timely and unforgettable dance work that will make you laugh, cry and think.

Pros: The performers have energy and commitment. Cons: Incoherent plot and characterisation. Little variation. Having overcome the travails of TFL, and with drink in hand, I made my way from the spacious bar at The Pleasance, past the main theatre and into the studio theatre known as StageSpace. I’ve been to The Pleasance before and enjoyed it, but this was my first opportunity to sample the more intimate qualities of the second space. Unfortunately the sound insulation is not the best, ...

A piece that gives insight into prison life.

A spectacular demonstration of physical abilities by a company with a strong ethos which could benefit from more theatrical direction.

Pros: Laugh-out-loud funny, with catchy tunes. An interesting retelling of history. Cons: Not enough drag for me! It’s not very often I come across drag king shows, which is primarily the reason why I was drawn to Joan. For those who don’t know a drag king is (often but not always) a woman who dresses up in masculine clothing to personify gender stereotypes. This approach to a retelling of Joan of Arc’s story seemed to me like a unique way to merge drag, cabaret ...