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

Marietta Kirkbride Directed by Simon Kane & Elf Lyons ★★★ Pros: Well performed, a great stage set and entertainingly annoying characters. Cons: An hour and half felt like a long time without a breather but any break would have damaged the tension and flow of the play. Our Verdict: The play was enjoyable as a portrait of sibling relations but there is no great denouement so enjoy the ride rather than expect a grand finale. Credit: tnt-images A short walk ...

D B Horrigan Directed by Tom Latter ★★ Pros: Some nice performances and good use of the unconventional space. Cons: Too long for the subject matter covered, some relationships seem unlikely. Our Verdict: A play which could be trimmed, and possibly reworked, to bring it to its full potential. Courtesy of Drayton Theatre Despite having been an avid theatre-goer in London for several years, the Drayton Theatre had eluded me until now. One of the perks of being a reviewer ...

Anders LustgartenDirected by David Mercatali★★★★  Pros: A powerful and intelligent script, excellent performance, functional and well-designed set. Cons: The play runs a bit short and couple have benefited from an extra scene or two to cinch the potency of the piece. Our Verdict: Black Jesus is a simply fantastic new work in every way and deserves a high place on your must-see list. Courtesy of Finborough Theatre Every time I visit the Finborough Theatre, I’m always shocked at the extent ...

Ciaran McConvilleDirected by Jamie Harper★★★ Pros: Impressive use of lighting and music to create an atmosphere which heightens your senses. Cons: This kind of promenade does provoke competition amongst the audience – all straining to get a good view of the action across the space. Be prepared to get some elbows! Our Verdict: This is good promenade theatre – energetic, slick and raw all at the same time. Courtesy of Hobo Theatre I was running a bit late in getting ...

James McLure Directed by Naomi Wirthner ★★★★ Pros: A funny and sad performance that is very well thought-out. Cons: An ending that could have been shorter, and sharper. Our Verdict: A very poignant look at the aftermath of the Vietnam War and the destruction left behind both physically and emotionally.  Courtesy of the Barebones Project PVT wars takes place in one of my favourite London venues, The Space, a lovely former church in Mudchute. The always-friendly staff and bar staff ...

Written and performed by Tayo AlukoDirected by Olusola Oyeleye★★★★ Pros: This is an interesting and important story told as an engaging and thought-provoking reminiscence. Aluko’s performance is impressively heartfelt and dynamic – I feel I have a real sense of this incredible man. Cons: There are few – the timeline does jump about a bit, which confused me at times. Our Verdict: This is an emotionally charged, insightful monodrama of a lesser known civil rights activist. Wonderfully performed, it leaves ...

Tony Diggle Directed by Matthew Gould★★ Pros: A simple, cheerful story that is easy to follow in a homely and friendly atmosphere.  Cons: The predictable storyline and the actors’ strange, unnecessary facial twitches. Our Verdict: A romantic comedy that would have benefited from a little more of both romance and comedy. Courtesy of Castlebar Productions Cycling for what seemed forever down posh but quaint King’s Road in Chelsea, as the traffic thinned and the trees became more abundant, made me feel ...

Wajahat AliDirected by Jatinder Verma★★ Pros: A unique and informative approach to the political and social climate faced by Muslims in America, with an incredibly detailed set. Cons: A heavy handed script and overacting makes the show difficult to bear at times. Our Verdict: The content of the show plus its expert design give it value, though ultimately some flaws in style and performance detract from from the best aspects. Credit: George Torode Wajahat Ali’s The Domestic Crusaders, which makes ...

Chris Thorpe  Directed by Sam Pritchard ★★★ Pros: An insightful look into violence and moral ambiguity in the modern world. Cons: Extremely inaccessible and demanding of its audience. I found the staging and the general style of performance very difficult to engage with. Our Verdict: This was very difficult to engage with. Brilliant in some ways, but certainly not easy watching. Courtesy of Soho Theatre I have to say, I feel a little guilty for not having loved this show. It ...

Stephen Sondheim Directed by Timothy Sheader Hosted by Digital Theatre ★★★★  Pros: We can see a show from 2010 and create a new live event around it. The atmosphere was very fun and personable with a lovely array of guests. Cons: Limited connection with the other audiences watching in other locations.  Our Verdict: A very fun way to revive a revival, I see screening parties becoming more popular. Courtesy of Digital Theatre Ever felt frustrated that you don’t have time ...