William Shakespeare Presented by Wyrd Sisters Theatre ★★★ Pros: Beautifully performed by each and every cast member. Cons: The immense heat came close to ruining the experience. Our Verdict: A fantastic rendition of this Shakespearean classic, but bring a fan! Credit: Ciaran Cunningham I was intrigued to see this unusual version of Shakespeare’s Scottish play from the Wyrd Sisters Theatre Company. Made up of an all-female cast – aside from the three male witches – the Bard’s dark tragedy is ...

The Honest Crowd★★   Pros: It’s unique and quite funny at times. The performers show excellent composure in the face of adversity. Cons: A little repetitive in the early stages and fairly unpleasant to watch at times. Not for those who don’t like a little audience-participation. Our verdict: An interesting experiment and very well performed. The script, while simple, does its job. Fans of performance art and surrealism may enjoy it. My friends will tell you that I don’t like ...

Emily Pulham Directed by Chris Dunkley ★★★★ Pros: All of the actors are excellent, and convincing. A very minimal set is cleverly utilised to add conviction to the scenes, and the theatre has a great atmosphere. Cons: Some of the more political rants don’t always sound true to the characters who are speaking them, and feel a little preachy (although the rants are not without purpose). Our Verdict: A wonderful piece – well cast, moving, enjoyable, thought provoking and darkly ...

Paul Raymond & Luke ManningDirected by Paul Raymond and Luke Manning★★★ Pros: Fresh, energetic and original. In Cahoots show a lot of promise and works the audience well, especially in such a small venue. Their improvisation is very strong and shows real comedic talent underneath the written material. Cons: The performance wasn’t as slick as it might have been. Whilst this added a certain organic quality to their show, they need to be careful not to let it get out ...

Witty, charming and destined to get better with age.

Andy Smith and Tim CrouchDirected by Karl James★★★★ Pros: Simple, hilarious and entirely relatable with a great connection between the two performers. Cons: May prove too simplistic for some. Our Verdict: A cozy little performance that felt intense yet somehow lighthearted, all at the same time. The Almeida Theatre was decked out in astroturf and plastic daisies as I entered. Done especially for the Almeida Festival, I was loving the cool, outdoorsy feel as I stepped out of the hot ...

William Shakespeare, adapted by Tim Welham Directed by Megan Watson★★★Pros: As one man shows of Shakespeare’s go, this was a feat to behold. Done with a succinct and intelligent adaptation of the script of Richard III. Cons: Richness of character and story get lost in this pared down version of the play. Those who are not familiar with the script are in danger of feeling lost, as all contextualising action and dialogue have been cut. Our Verdict: One applauds the immense feat of ...

by Pam Gems Directed by Helen Eastman ★★★★★ Pros: A fast-paced, engaging, politically charged show with characters that enter your heart slowly but surely. Powerfully directed and flawlessly executed.  Cons: Some may find the tiny estrogen-filled flat a bit claustrophobic by the end… but this is a 4-woman sitcom show after all! Our Verdict: Another great period show at the Finborough. Head to Earl’s Court before the show sells out!  Courtesy of Jagged Fence Productions “Is Valium habit-forming?” asks Dusa ...

Anthony Neilson Directed by Will Seaward ★★★ Pros: Brilliant, comic acting. Very funny at times. Cons: Long first half. Some concepts feel a little underdeveloped. Our Verdict: If you are willing to embrace the absurd this is a tenner well spent because the acting is hilarious and excellent. Courtesy of Clatterhouse Theatre This was my first visit to the Red Hedgehog; I loved it. The atmosphere is everything you’d expect from a small, independently run theatre. Just a door in ...

Lee Hall Directed by Max Barton ★★★★ Pros: Spoonface not only confronts the elephant in the room, she rides it. A touching and deeply thought-provoking production. Cons: A crushing reminder of the fragility of life which can be hard to watch in places.  Our Verdict: Lucy Hollis gives a memorable performance of Lee Hall’s breakthrough one-woman play. Courtesy of Jermyn Street Theatre The eponymous Spoonface Steinberg (Lucy Hollis), a young girl who suffers from autism, understands and explores the world ...