Reviews
Reviewing is at the heart of what we do. Here you’ll find all the reviews that our wonderful team have written. If you want to find something more specific, why not pick a genre of show instead from the menu.
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The Last of the Haussmans, National Theatre
Stephen BeresfordDirected by Howard Davies★★★ Pros: A cast that makes you go ‘wow’, a stunning set, and some wonderful individual performances. Cons: Some conversations didn’t seem quite real, despite it being a naturalistic production. Our Verdict: This play will do…
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A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Although it shows real promise, it lets itself down. It's worth seeing because it is different, but be prepared to feel disappointed in places.
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Antigone, National Theatre
Sophocles, in a new version by Don TaylorDirected by Polly Findlay★★★★ Pros: great performances, short, snappy staging. Cons: Greek tragedies aren’t everyone’s cup of tea – they are by definition depressing! Our Verdict: an engaging and worthwhile rendition of a…
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The Enlightenment Cafe, Old Vic Tunnels
Produced by LAStheatre★★★★ Pros: Great science and a great cast make for an enjoyable evening. Cons: Drunken, unfunny hecklers…who needs them? Our Verdict: Definitely worth doing if you’re a science enthusiast or just love a night doing something out of…
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The Beloved, Bush Theatre
Written and Directed by Amir Nizar ZuabiA ShiberHur, Young Vic production co-produced with the Bush Theatre and KVS Brussels, part of World Stages London★★★★ Pros: Original, engaging, thought-provoking. Cons: Bit weird and very uncomfortable in a couple of places. Our…
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The Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare’s Globe
Ilaaje Zid Dastiyaab HayTheatre Wallay, in association with KASHF foundation★★★ Pros: A big achievement for Pakistan’s theatre scene. Cons: Ran a bit long, especially the first half. Our Verdict: Despite it’s difficulties, a great contribution to a brilliant festival. Courtesy…
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The Sunshine Boys, The Savoy Theatre
Neil SimonDirected by Thea Sharrock★★★ Pros: A rare chance to see DeVito and Griffiths on stage, and both are on great form. Cons: Doesn’t actually deliver as many laughs as other comedies on at the moment. Our Verdict: Not essential…
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BABEL, Caledonian Park
A collaboration between World Stages London, WildWorks and Battersea Arts Centre. ★★ Pros: An intriguing idea and parts of it work very well. It’s nice to see that ambitious, large scale projects do still get made. Definitely makes for a…
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Othello, Shakespeare’s Globe
William ShakespeareRemixed by The Q Brothers★★★★★ Pros: A very strong and entertaining modernisation of a Shakespeare classic. Cons: The tragedy loses something in translation. Shakespeare’s original text is overwritten – not for purists. Our Verdict: A must-see, if nothing else…
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REDfest, Old Red Lion Theatre
New writing festival, various writers and directors★★★★ Pros: Great idea overall, very engaging and easy to watch and some very good pieces of new writing. Cons: Risky, there are some pieces that aren’t so good, and the theatre was too full…