William Shakespeare Adapted by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield Directed by Matt Rippy ★★★★★ Pros: Great venue, enthusiastic performances, perfectly timed comedy. These renditions of the Bard’s work will appeal to keen Shakespeare fans and the not so keen alike. Cons: None except that the queue at the bar was a bit long at the interval, but when is it not?Our Verdict: A brilliantly timed, hilarious homage to Shakespeare’s work which appeals to audiences of all ages. Courtesy of Reduced Shakespeare ...

Adapted by Graham LinehamDirected by Sean Foley★★★★ Pros: The main cast are skilled in delivering slapstick comedy and have excellent comic timing. The set is also very impressive and innovative. Cons: Some people may be put off by the silly humour, which is reminiscent of The Pink Panther and Gambit. Our Verdict: Slightly chaotic but overall an enjoyable performance with some laugh out loud moments. Courtesy of Vaudeville Theatre Following a successful run at the Liverpool Playhouse in 2011 and ...

Written and performed by Derren Brown ★★★★★ Pros: You will be completely enthralled and enraptured by Derren Brown’s hypnotic and mesmerizing show. Cons: None except the frustration of not being able to work out how he does it! Worse still, you won’t be able to discuss it with anyone for fear of spoiling it for them, or for fear of Derren Brown finding out and using his mind powers against you. Our Verdict: Without a doubt, go and see it. ...

Martin McDonaghDirected by Michael Grandage★★★★ Pros: Visually stunning, unabashedly hilarious, and flawlessly performed by an excellent cast including world-famous Daniel Radcliffe. Cons: Whether due to direction or flow of the script, some scenes dragged and lacked the same energy as the production overall. Our Verdict: Another excellent and well-rounded production from Michael Grandage– a must see for theatre lovers and Radcliffe fanatics alike! Courtesy of Michael Grandage Company Michael Grandage, Martin McDonagh, Daniel Radcliffe. I didn’t need any more information ...

Inua EllamsDirected by Thierry Lawson★★★★★ Pros: This is a wonderful piece of theatre from an incredibly talented writer/performer. Not knowing what you are seeing until the curtain goes up ensures you appreciate it without preconceptions. Cons: None really, although the set is a bare box and more could be done with the lighting to evoke the change in locations from Nigeria to London. Our Verdict: I love Inua Ellams – this is a fabulous piece of poetic writing and he ...

James Baldwin Directed by Rufus Norris  ★★★★★  Pros: A unique and remarkable script, exceptional performances and gorgeous costumes with the best live jazz you’ll find in London town. Cons: Literally nothing. Our Verdict: We love the National and yet this production surpasses even its own high standards. This is an unforgettable evening of first class theatre. Courtesy of The National Theatre ‘Some of the congregation are sick in the body, some are sick in the soul.’ The Amen Corner has already ...

Conor McPhersonDirected by Josie Rourke★★★★ Pros: A relatable script, great cast and a beautiful set make this a theatrical experience that draws you in and makes you feel like you are in a country pub in Ireland, eavesdropping on the locals.Cons: No real negatives to mention – it’s funny, touching and enjoyable but not very exciting or dynamic. There is nothing really to challenge or chew over. Our Verdict: This is a lovely, quiet, funny, heartfelt play that seems to ...

William ShakespeareDirected by Jeremy Herrin★★★★ Pros: An event at the Globe is not just a performance – it is an experience! This is a wonderful story, with magic (and Merlin!) lots of action and humour performed by a fantastic cast. Cons: What’s not to like? Not the most comfortable three hours of theatre thanks to the wooden bench seats and legroom designed when people were a foot shorter, but do not let that put you off, its’ all part of a ...

Written and directed by Anthony Neilson★★ Pros: This is a very different format which is interesting and challenging – there is a lot to think about. The acting is very good and the sound and lighting design are really excellent. Cons: It’s not really comprehensible – the theme seems inconsistent and diluted by unrelated scenes and other themes. The characters are shallow and selfish and there is little connection with the audience. Our Verdict: There are some great ideas here ...

Tanya Ronder Directed by Rufus Norris  ★★★★★ Pros: Outstanding acting and direction. A beautiful new space which re-defines ‘temporary’ venues. Cons: I’d be clutching at straws. Maybe that it gets a little warm in The Shed! Our Verdict: Unmissable theatre in the London’s most exciting new venue. Courtesy of The Telegraph It’s not every day that the National Theatre launches a new venue. Although it is sad that the Cottesloe is being closed, we know that it will rise again ...