West End/ SOLT venues
We’ve expanded our definition of West End to include those big venues that whilst not physically in the West End, budget wise are very similar. Think of places like Southbank Centre or Royal Albert Hall. Generally these are the venues that are members of the Society of London Theatre and eligible for all the big award ceremonies. Whilst we don’t attend lots of these shows, now and again it’s fun to savour the glitz and glamour they can offer.
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The Pride, Trafalgar Studios
by Alexi Kaye Campbell Directed by Jamie Lloyd ★★★ Pros: The acting is very strong, and there is a nice balance between drama and humour. Cons: With the exception of one scene, there is little action or movement on stage.…
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The Same Deep Water As Me, Donmar Warehouse
Nick PayneDirected by John Crowley ★★★★ Pros: Great writing that will have you laughing all evening. Cons: The joke! I’m saying no more. The ending might not feel right to everyone. Our Verdict: Humour applied to an unsavoury element of…
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The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) (revised), Leicester Square Theatre
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:…
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The Ladykillers, Vaudeville Theatre
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…
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Derren Brown: Infamous, Palace Theatre
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,…
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The Cripple of Inishmaan, Noel Coward
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…
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Surprise Theatre, Royal Court
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…
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The Amen Corner, National Theatre
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…
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The Weir, Donmar Warehouse
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…
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The Tempest, Shakespeare’s Globe
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:…