Hannah Silva Directed by Hannah Silva ★★★★ Pros: Brilliant and engaging performances and beautiful, if challenging, script. Cons: Structure was at times too abstract and lacked clarity. Our Verdict: A brave and forceful examination of mental illness that has its audience sinking into a confusing, troubling dream-like landscape. Courtesy of Hannah Silva Blog The Disappearance of Sadie Jones’ subject matter of a young woman struggling with her mental illness is a tough one to tackle, so kudos to writer and ...
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A Christmas Carol: As Told By Jacob Marley, Deceased, Tara Theatre – Review
Charles DickensPresented by Brother Wolf Adapted and Performed by James Hyland★★★ Pros: Incredible acting from James Hyland brings the story to life. I could visualise every scene despite minimal set. Cons: I expected a slightly different perspective on the classic tale as suggested by the production’s subtitle (“As told by Jacob Marley”) but found it to be a fairly traditional telling. Our Verdict: A classic tale, cleverly told with one actor portraying all the characters. However, room for further interpretation ...
Read More »Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Tara Theatre – Review
Robert Louis Stevenson (Adapted by James Hyland) Directed by Phil Lowe★★★★★ Pros: This one-man show is incredibly demanding and physically taxing with multiple characters and non-stop dialogue. Award-winning actor James Hyland proves how talented he is, and sets a very high standard for theatrical performance. Cons: This not-to-missed production has a very short run: one night at the Tara Theatre. Our Verdict: James Hyland knows exactly what he’s doing and it’s a pleasure to watch someone with this incredible level ...
Read More »The Merchant of Venice, Brockley Jack Studio Theatre – Review
William ShakespeareAdapted and Directed by Ricky Dukes★★★★ Pros: The fantastic staging evoking a Venetian carnival with elements from The Godfather filtering through. Cons: The transition from the trial scene to the ending left me aching for a more intense performance on Shylock’s part. Our Verdict: A superbly presented, highly enjoyable and accessible take on one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays. Courtesy of the Brockley Jack Studio Theatre A new adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice is running at the ...
Read More »Genesis New Writing Night, Genesis Cinema – Reviews
Various writersDirected by Nick Myles★★★ Pros: Each of the four pieces was short enough to leave you wanting more. Radically different styles and themes kept the night interesting. Cons: A break between each piece and a late start made the event longer than it needed to be and quality varied in writing and acting. Our Verdict: A thoroughly enjoyable, casual evening with an active feedback process for the writers, though it was far from polished work and not for everyone. This ...
Read More »In the Next Room or the vibrator play, St James Theatre – Review
Sarah Ruhl Directed by Laurence Boswell ★★★★ Pros: Complex and worthy themes, played by an excellent cast on a first class stage set give this production a polished feel. The second act provides lots of laughs, balanced with some poignant moments. Cons: The first act is drawn out at times and the humour doesn’t really connect with the audience until after the interval. The diction is formal and a bit stilted, leaving the characters feeling a little wooden. Our Verdict: ...
Read More »Don Juan, The Destiny of a Libertine, The Cockpit – Review
Molière Adapted by Compagnie de la Flibuste Directed by Clement de Dadelsen ★★★ Pros: An enjoyable production of Molière with some excellent costumes. Cons: The pace of the show sometimes feels a little slow. Our Verdict: A great way to get your fill of classic French theatre in English. Courtesy of Don Juan Cockpit The old saying, “You wait ages for a bus, then two come at once” sometimes applies in the most unusual circumstances. In my case, with Molière. ...
Read More »Woyzeck, Omnibus Clapham – Review
Fantastic set but the text is such a strange play in itself that this production felt similarly strange. A weird collection of philosophies, passions and actions that make for an indefinable whole.
Read More »The Lady’s not for walking like an Egyptian, Ovalhouse – Review
Despite lacking a short catchy title, this piece was a strong anarchic performance which made the audience nostalgic for the 80s yet fearful of its politics returning.
Read More »Knickers To That!, Etcetera Theatre – Review
Simone WatsonDirected by Simone Watson★★★★ Pros: An accessible play with engaging characters and recognisable scenarios. Cons: While there are a number of amusing scenes, those looking for escapism probably won’t find it here. Our Verdict: Lightning in a bottle: life in inner London captured in all its complexity. Courtesy of etceteratheatre.com With the title Knickers To That!, you would be forgiven for thinking that this play might be a farce or not have dramatic gravitas. This is far from the ...
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