A brilliant, gory fairy tale that strikes just the right balance between being touching, terrifying, and comic.

A one-performer show it is, but one with a superb storyline that will keep you entertained and will have you moved all way through.

Witty, charming and destined to get better with age.

Dennis Potter Directed by Psyche Stott ★★ Pros: The cast give good performances as seven year old children. A lot of effort has gone into the research of children’s lives of the war era. The post show Q&A with the cast was also interesting. Cons: The delivery is too quick, homogenous and relentlessly shouty. The plot is sparse and at 45 minutes long, you don’t get a lot of entertainment for your ticket price. Our Verdict: A nostalgic piece which ...

Anton Chekhov, in a new version by John Donnelly Directed by Blanche McIntyre  ★★★★  Pros: A modern script that pulls Chekhov into the 21st century, with some fantastic, natural performances and a great set.  Cons: Still a little hard to follow for those unversed in Chekhov. Takes a little while to get going.  Our Verdict: An enjoyable show and a great one to see if you want a digestible introduction to Chekhov. Courtesy of Tristam Kenton for Headlong  Those of you ...

Written and directed by Des Dillon ★★★ Pros: A great script. Funny and poignant with strong themes, cleverly delivered in a very credible setting. The cast are fantastic and deliver wonderful comic timing.  Cons: Although pacey and energetic, it is a little drawn out. The early encounters lack the blind anger that could be present when staunch rivals meet in such circumstances. The context outside of Scotland may not relate to all audiences.  Our Verdict: Des Dillon is a very ...

Luke BarnesDirected by Steven Atkinson★★★★ Pros: An incredibly powerful script delivered by a dynamic and talented performer. Cons: A lacklustre epilogue was a disappointing close to an otherwise completely engaging production. Our Verdict: A great piece of new writing and a shining example of what solo performances should strive for. Courtesy of Watford Palace Theatre Bottleneck, a product of HighTide Fesitval Theatre, wrapped up in London last week with a one-off performance at the Watford Palace Theatre after a brief ...

Written and directed by Alan Ayckbourn★★★ Pros: Strong performances, engaging characters and some good old-fashioned human drama played out in an unusual setting. Cons: The show attempts to ask, but then fails to address, questions about the future of mankind in the setting of technological development, which leaves you asking why Ayckbourn felt the need to set it when he did. Our Verdict: A talented cast fill this play with interesting characters and some fascinating drama unfurls. Shame about the ...

everything theatre originally reviewed this production at the Watford Palace Theatre. It will return to London from 30th January – 9th March 2013 at the St James Theatre: http://www.stjamestheatre.co.uk/events/our-countrys-good/Timberlake WertenbakerDirected by Max Stafford-Clark★★★★ Pros: Great ensemble production with a fabulous cast, and a message that remains incredibly important. Cons: Parts of the script remain tricky in places. Our Verdict: A very good production with an excellent cast that will make you feel good about the very fact you’re in a ...