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

A quirky Cornish comedy-drama dealing with the housing crisis and the growing gap between the haves and have-nots. May contain sea shanties and traces of mackerel.

Polly picks five shows to book now for 2018

A mind-bending, imagination-blowing adaptation of the cult classic TV series, laced with humour and hidden depths; Suitable even for sci-fi refuseniks.

Fearlessly confronting issues of racial and national identity, xenophobia and political correctness, White Pearl is both timely and watchable. Some characters’ habits and actions do irritate, but overlook them to enjoy this thought-provoking play.

Pros: A multi-layered concept, deftly handled by Morpurgo, who has the audience eating out of the palm of his hand. Cons: Audience participation elements might deter some theatregoers. Also, the Soho Theatre’s side-view seating makes it easy to miss some of the jokes. Have you ever sat through a highbrow 9-hour vanity project based on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, followed by a post-show Q&A? Nope, neither have I, but Joseph Morpurgo’s Hammerhead takes that concept and runs with it, imagining a ...

Actor Danny-Boy Hatchard talks tackling tough subjects onstage and bringing 'Eyes Closed, Ears Covered' to the Bunker Theatre.

Jermyn Street Theatre’s specially commissioned new play is a fiery concoction of mental distress, marital problems and volatile chemistry that, whilst set in 1896, translates well to a modern audience. A real gem of a show.

Pros: The confident and able cast deliver this play with conviction, in an unusual venue that makes it stand out even more. Cons: A weaker second act loses the flow (and the plot), leading to a distressing climax. Eyes Closed, Ears Covered is a full-on piece of theatre: it demands attention, but also scrutiny. On the surface, we see two teenage boys bunking off school for the day, back in 1986. They swap grim Woking and the school bus for ...

Two self-aware murder mysteries crammed with puns and clever dialogue. A must for fans of Agatha Christie, P.G. Wodehouse and Dorothy L. Sayers.

Pros: Excellent songs, use of sound clips and lights make this play stand out. Kane Power is a confident performer who balances the light and shade of the piece. Cons: As the volume is turned up to 11, the lights are flashing and Kane’s mother leaves upsetting voicemail messages, sensitive viewers may struggle to watch. Early on in Mental, there’s a disclosure from the man behind it: ‘This show will fail – how can I capture my mum’s experience?’. Kane ...