Pros: Some great performances and a pitch-perfect design Cons: The main storyline seemed less subtle than its tributaries I know Chickenshed Theatre for its big, glorious, all-ages Christmas shows, and for being pretty much the only thing that sweetens the bitter end of the Piccadilly line, at Cockfosters. But Chickenshed is so much more than that: it’s an industry leader in inclusive theatre, with a full professional programme of devised and scripted work, alongside a drama school, a popular cafe/bar, ...

An intricate thriller that keeps you guessing – but half an hour too long.

Pros: Eve Steele’s performance is raw, funny and unforgettable, capturing every side of her complicated character throughout his life. Cons: Final sections of the play could spend more time referencing how the main character’s actions affected everyone around him, and what the future might hold for them. You’d be forgiven for thinking a one-woman play about a thief in the grip of drug and alcohol addiction wouldn’t be a laugh a minute. You might assume that this character, James Joseph ...

So cleverly brought together, the partnerships between direction, creation and performance result in a show that’s both hysterical and touching.

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 ...

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

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.

Great for under-25 fans of rushing about and 90s rave culture.

Pros: The message about objectification of women is powerful and originally conveyed. Cons: The parts spoken with a Nigerian accent might be harder to understand for those who don’t speak English as a first language. The objectification of female bodies is deeply ingrained in any society, regardless of continent or hemisphere. Whether in Europe, Africa, or elsewhere, a woman is often called to face situations where her qualities and dignity are overshadowed by her physical features. The wolf-whistling and out-loud ...