Thornton Wilder Directed by Tim Sullivan ★★★★ Pros: A very accessible play that caters for all tastes.  Cons: Don’t go expecting lots of scenery and props – the play is meant to be minimalist.  Our Verdict: An American classic that has universal appeal.  Courtesy of Savio(u)r Theatre Company I confess that initially I didn’t know much about Our Town before seeing the show. It’s a revered play that has won countless awards and has played nationwide throughout the US, so why hasn’t ...

William Shakespeare, adapted by Manuela Ruggiero and Anthony KhaseriaDirected by Manuela Ruggiero★★★ Pros: Excellent use of all that The Rose has to offer, including the lake and surrounding areas. Cons: The use of physical theatre, including the use of dance, could be off putting for some. Our Verdict: A good production overall, though fans of Shakespeare may not care for this modern take on one of his most famous plays. The Rose Theatre, Bankside, is an old Elizabethan theatre and is ...

Matthew Bulgo and Becky PrestwichDirected by Alice Malin★★★★ Pros: Superb new writing, nuanced and heartrending performances from the entire cast. Cons: Only that both plays are heartbreakingly sad! Our Verdict: A perfect pairing of two plays exploring the themes of memory, grief and loss. Painful and wonderful to watch. Double bills often don’t make for a coherent and satisfying evening of theatre. Not so with Freefall. The two plays featured, The Bear, the Owl and the Angel by Becky Pretwich and ...

Directed by Danielle McIlvenSpace Productions ★★★★ Pros: Space Productions revel in the rapidly fluctuating emotions of the play, keeping the audience consistently on the edge of disgust, laughter, anger and overwhelming sympathy. Cons: A few brief moments of unconvincing characterisation. Our Verdict: A highly tense yet enjoyable piece which, for the most part, had me on the edge of my seat.  Taken from the Danish film of the same name (The Celebration in English), Festen is an intense family drama ...

William Shakespeare, adapted by Edward Hall and Roger WarrenDirected by Edward Hall  ★★★★★ Pros: Everything – it is a feast for the eyes, the ears and the heart. Cons: Impossible to find anything wrong with it. Our Verdict: I have no doubt Shakespeare would feel proud to see the way his plays have been brought to life by Edward Hall and Propeller. Courtesy of Hampstead Theatre The Taming of the Shrew is a play within a play. The first play ...

Richard Greenberg  Directed by David Grindley★★★★ Pros: Storytelling at its best, aided by a wondrous cast.  Cons: The continuous melodrama may not appeal to all. Our Verdict: The American Plan is worth taking a look at. Passion oozes from the cast as the sun not only shines brightly over the Catskill Mountains, but also the stage at St. James Theatre.  Transferring from The Ustinov Studio at the Theatre Royal, Bath, The American Plan has now landed in London. St. James ...

Suzy AlmondDirected by Marie McCarthy★★★ Pros: An energetic cast, emotional stories and a wonderfully coordinated production which may have proved tricky for other directors. Cons: The script dragged towards the end and it was slightly confusing. Our Verdict: An innovative production in an amazing setting, highlighting the moving stories of those who seek solace in St Giles. The setting for When the Fallen Sang could not have been more magical. St Giles in the Fields is an ancient church near Tottenham Court Road ...

William Shakespeare, adapted by Edward Hall and Roger Warren Directed by Edward Hall★★★★  Pros: Excellent staging, music, acting, costumes… nothing falls out of place.Cons: Very few to be honest, but perhaps just short of the elusive fifth star!  Our Verdict: I have no doubt Shakespeare would feel proud to see the way his play is brought to life by Edward Hall and Propeller.  Courtesy of Hampstead Theatre All male Shakespearean company Propeller gives new life to Twelfth Night in this production. ...

Joel Horwood Directed by Jim Russell ★★★ Pros: Horwood’s four playlets are consistently funny, often poignant, and delivered by an enthusiastic and talented young cast. Cons: Some pieces were underdeveloped, causing confusion or requiring a little more length to be effective. Our Verdict: A charming and funny sequence of short plays which addresses experiences of loneliness from different angles and features a top notch ensemble.  Courtesy of Southwark Playhouse This month, the Southwark Playhouse presents an evening of short plays ...

William ShakespeareDirected by James Tobias★★★★ Pros: A talented cast who are up to the challenge of Shakespeare’s verse; well-conceived set design; flashy dance numbers to enhance the experience; the plays themes remain incredibly relevant.Cons: I felt the play dragged in places and could have used a bit more energy. Occasionally the noise from the adjoining pub distracts from the play’s more subtle moments. Our Verdict: An excellent production of one of the Bard’s lesser-known plays. The play’s dark and sinister themes ...