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Author Archives: Nathan Blue

Angry Alan, Underbelly, Big Belly – Ed Fringe Review

Pros: Fascinating glimpse of real-life misogynists Cons: The narrative is not always convincing A large projection screen in this cavernous venue scrolls through cherry-picked Twitter tweets of anti-feminist whinges. It’s an effective – if rather un-nuanced – way for writer Penelope Skinner to set out the stall of her latest play: as the ancient patriarchy starts to crumble, some men are biting back in a desperate attempt to perpetuate the status quo. The show stars Donald Sage Mackay (Skinner’s real-life ...

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BLUE HEART @ C Venues, C Too Ed Fringe Review

Pro’s: Two exceptional Caryl Churchill scripts Con’s: Committed but inexperienced actors With thousands of shows competing to make an impact in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, it’s a bold move for a student ensemble to dive into the fray, pitching their production up against veterans and professionals. The young players of the University of Greenwich’s Bathway Theatre Company deserve kudos for taking the plunge with a pair of challenging Caryl Churchill plays. They realise this project with no shortage of commitment ...

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The Nightingale And The Rose and other tales, Barons Court Theatre – Review

Pros: Skilful adaptation and winning performances Cons: A few less successful moments Although less celebrated than his plays, Oscar Wilde’s prose work is every bit as accomplished and distinctive. His fairy tales in particular are a unique take on the genre – they’re wise and unsentimental, which somehow makes their impact all the more emotional, and Wilde delights in using animals and flowers as a witty chorus to comment on the foibles of the human world. Young company Orange Moon do a ...

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The Owls Are Not What They Seem, Nursery Theatre – Review

Pros: Some thought has obviously gone into the set Cons: Confusing. The bonkers genius of David Lynch is entirely lacking I first experienced Twin Peaks courtesy of a friend’s dvd collection some years ago. Watching David Lynch’s extraordinary TV series, I immediately understood why it’s held in such high regard. Ostensibly an FBI investigation into the gruesome murder of small town teenager Laura Palmer, the show is a masterpiece of ensemble eccentricity in which every character is hiding a secret, and violence ...

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