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

Part of the Camden Fringe 2013Written and directed by Samantha Ng-Knight ★★★ Pros: Plenty of amusing moments and obvious parallels to groups like The Sugababes and The Spice Girls. Cons: Certain characters, perhaps, could have been more roundly developed. Our Verdict: A funny and topical insight into the quest for fame. Courtesy of SLoCoach Productions In an age where everyone seems to want to be in the limelight, and shows like Glee, X-Factor and Fame Academy dominate prime-time television, it ...

A one-performer show it is, but one with a superb storyline that will keep you entertained and will have you moved all way through.

Average Audience Rating: ★★★★★ 7th-11th August at The Camden Head Book tickets for Camden Alice Harvey, London – ★★★★★ “It’s a personal story of failure peppered with lots of silly gags and some absolute crackers. I like shows where you groan, go awww and laugh. I’m a big fan of Sarah Millican, Iszi Lawrence is very different experience but I’m really glad I went. She spoke with the crowd a lot (picked on my husband!) and that made it even ...

William M. Hoffman Directed by Andrew Keates ★★★★  Pros: Seamless staging and impassioned acting. Cons: Almost zero, although being ultra-picky, I’ll say there was scope for the emotional scenes to be cranked up even more. Our Verdict: A virtually faultless production, with a gripping and well-structured storyline and exhilarating performances. Courtesy of Finborough Theatre On Wednesday, Stephen Fry published an open letter to David Cameron and the International Olympic Committee, urging them to take action against the violent anti-gay laws of Russia, ...

Average Audience Rating: ★★★★★ 7th-16th August at Lauderdale House Book tickets for Camden Anonymous – ★★★★★ “Such energy and fun, a new lease of life for a masterpiece of outdoor threatre. The Company bring new joy and orignal interpretation to allow newbies to Shakespeare to enjoy with light heart and for those that know the story well, to enjoy a new huge dollop of fun from the Actors and Production Team. Miss out on this show and its your own ...

Average Audience Rating: ★★★★★ 8th-11th August at The Camden Head Book tickets for Camden Beverley Hargreaves, Brookmans Park – ★★★★★ “Saw the show last night (09/08/13) – extremely funny, great audience participation by way of putting hecklers well and truly in their place. If you like your comedy very topical, edgy and thought provoking, this is a must for you – but hecklers beware! Only on for two more nights, so don’t miss out.” Anonymous – ★★★★★ “Man-Go Unshaved – ...

Part of the Camden Fringe 2013The Hard Comedy Troupe★★★ Pros: Funny and culturally relevant sketches are brought to life by a wickedly talented and engaging ensemble. Cons: The Hard Comedy’s material is intended for YouTube, and while the live show was funny, it didn’t really set itself apart from the work the troupe makes readily available online. Our Verdict: There’s no question that The Hard Comedy should be on your radar, but their material might be better suited for the ...

William Shakespeare Devised by Cut String Theatre ★★★★ Pros: Intelligent performances, inventive staging. A raw, enjoyable experience. Cons: If you are used to conventional theatre, especially in terms of box office experience, then this might not be for you – but you’ be missing out.  Our Verdict: Remarkable work from a determined and extremely talented new theatre company with exciting potential.  Courtesy of Cut StringTheatre Cut String Theatre is one to watch. It is an ever saturated arts market where ...

Nick PayneDirected by John Crowley ★★★★ Pros: Great writing that will have you laughing all evening. Cons: The joke! I’m saying no more. The ending might not feel right to everyone. Our Verdict: Humour applied to an unsavoury element of current culture. Social commentary with a funny bone. Courtesy of Johan Perrson and Donmar Warehouse The Donmar Warehouse* is one of my favourite theatres and I’ve never seen a poor production there. With this in mind, I was excited to ...

Part of the Camden Fringe 2013Sophocles, translated by Peter MaineckDevised by: Theatro Rheo★★ Pros: An emphatically physical depiction. Cons: The storyline is hard to discern, especially for anyone with no prior knowledge of the tale. Our Verdict: Better for fans of avant-garde theatre but may not be accessible enough for some people. Courtesy of Theatro Rheo Tuesday afternoon found me upstairs at The Oxford Arms on Camden High Street where the Etcetera theatre is located. As part of the Camden Fringe, Theatre ...