everything theatre originally reviewed this production in the Cottesloe Theatre at the National. It will transfer into the Olivier Theatre at the National on 23rd February 2013, where it is currently booking until 15th May 2013: http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/this-house James GrahamDirected by Jeremy Herrin★★★★ Pros: A cracking script, scintillating performances, and a great overall concept. Cons: Few and far between, but I didn’t think some of the musical interludes were fitting. Our Verdict: A brilliant piece of new writing, and a high quality ...

William ShakespeareDirected by Tim Carroll★★★★★ Pros: A great ensemble, wonderful music, and some amazing laugh out loud moments. Cons: Really? Our Verdict: Do whatever needs to be done to see this one. (Legally). Courtesy of Simon Annand for The Daily Telegraph Before you get all hot and flustered at our ‘rule-breaking’, we booked our tickets months and months ago and also queued an hour in advance to ensure ourselves good positioning in the yard. What I’m trying to say is, ...

Tirso de Molina, in a new version by Frank McGuinnessDirected by Bijan Sheibani★★★ Pros: Spectacular design, interesting concept, and excellent performances, particularly in moments of humor. Cons: The content was a bit dense – made all the more complicated by the inconsistent attempt to update the era and language. Our Verdict: An interesting and unique work, but the production fails to revitalize this Spanish classic for a contemporary audience. Courtesy of the Evening Standard When you first enter the Olivier ...

Caryl ChurchillDirected by Dominic Cooke★★★ Pros: A unique concept with an unnerving plot, delivered by a strong and familiar cast. Cons: The dialogue is disjointed which detracts from the credibility of the circumstances, and twenty minutes is not really long enough to get fully engaged. Our Verdict: If you are going to see one of the other two performances at the Royal Court it’s worth getting there an hour early to catch this. Credit: Johan Persson for the Royal Court ...

Howard BarkerDirected by Tom Cairns★★★ Pros: Some interesting concepts in the scripts and good performances on stage. Cons: Sometimes a bit slow, and tries to say a lot of things at once. Our Verdict: Enjoyable with the usual high production values, but not groundbreaking. Courtesy of the National Theatre One thing you don’t expect to see when you pay a visit to the National Theatre is a catastrophic set malfunction. In a way, we were lucky to witness such a ...

Michael MorpurgoAdapted and directed by Simon Reade★★★★ Pros: It is brilliantly acted and beautifully written. Cons: Whilst billed for eight years and upwards, I feel age ten is probably more appropriate. Our Verdict: A wonderful all round show, sadly finished now but we hope for a prolonged run in due course! Courtesy of The Telegraph It has been quite some time since I have wholeheartedly joined in a spontaneous standing ovation. It was definitely well-deserved in this production of Private ...

Caryl ChurchillDirected by James Macdonald★★★★ Pros: Churchill continues the push the boundaries of British dramatic enterprise. Cons: The nature of the piece means some of the scenes leave you wanting more. Our Verdict: A thought-provoking, exhilarating ride through all those scenes you see happening all around you everyday. Courtesy of Alastair Muir for the Telegraph I’ll happily spend hours people-watching. I know very few people who don’t, in fact, and for me some of the best experiences I’ve had in ...

Tarell Alvin McCraneyDirected by Dominic Cooke★★★★ Pros: Fantastic set design, excellent performances and truly stunning musical interludes. Cons: If there has to be one, I would say the characters are a little stereotyped, but only a little. Our Verdict: A wonderful, unique and high quality production at an intimate venue. Courtesy of the Royal Court Theatre I was wowed the minute I walked into the 80-seat Jerwood Theatre Upstairs. It never ceases to impress me how versatile and creative the ...

Brian FrielDirected by Lyndsey Turner★★★ Pros: A great script with an interesting concept in splitting the lead role between two actors. Well-acted by a credible cast. Cons: The stage direction could have been more dynamic and the set design significantly restricted the view from my seat. Our Verdict: An enjoyable, well-acted production. Full appreciation was hindered by the bizarrely obstructed view so select your seats carefully*! Courtesy of Johan Persson for The Telegraph Right – I am going to have ...

A must see, Theatre at its absolute best. Creative, fun, engaging and something slightly different. Tremendous.