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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She Stoops to Conquer, National Theatre
Oliver GoldsmithDirected by Jamie Lloyd★★★★ Pros: A delightful variety of hilarious characters and a brilliant plot. Cons: I honestly don’t think anyone stopped laughing for long enough to think of any. Our Verdict: If you’ve been fortunate enough to catch…
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One Man, Two Guvnors, Theatre Royal Haymarket
Richard BeanDirected by Nicholas Hytner★★★★★ Pros: Easily the funniest show in town, different-in-a-good-way to the original, Owain Arthur is ridiculously good, The Craze are still playing the music. Cons: None. Except for the fact that it gets out at the…
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Can We Talk About This?, National Theatre
Conceived and directed by Lloyd NewsonCo-Production between the National Theatre and DV8 Theatre★★ Pros: DV8’s stylised physical theatre. Cons: The political agenda is uncomfortable. Our Verdict: DV8 is a brilliant physical theatre troupe, it’s a shame about the topic they’ve…
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The Comedy of Errors, National Theatre
William ShakespeareDirected by Dominic Cooke★★★★ Pros: A wonderful cast and a fun, modern staging. Surprisingly emotional ending. Cons: Not the funniest ever staging of the play, the set definitely dominates at times. Our Verdict: Plenty of laughs and plenty of…
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Travelling Light, National Theatre
Nicholas WrightDirected by Nicholas Hytner★★★ Pros: Interesting and light-hearted story, some good performances and a superb set design. Cons: A little silly in places, and quite hard to concentrate at first because of the accents. Our Verdict: Not the National’s…
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In Basildon, Royal Court
David Eldridge Directed by Dominic Cooke ★★ Pros: A part of the country that few playwrights choose to write about and a well-executed artistic vision. Cons: Not very inspired writing, a couple of badly placed, almost caricature-like secondary characters and…
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The Recruiting Officer, Donmar Warehouse
George FarquharDirected by Josie Rourke★★★★ Pros: A great play, some sublimely funny performances, and a highly entertaining evening. Cons: None really, one slightly weak performance and a very hot venue (if those count!). Our Verdict: Highly recommended, a very funny…
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Noises Off, The Old Vic
Michael FraynDirected by Lindsay Posner★★★★ Pros: Frayn’s superb script, the ridiculous achievement that is Act 2, Robert Glenister’s wonderful portrayal of Lloyd Dallas. Cons: Hardly any, slight issues with the deliberate bad acting in Act 1. Our Verdict: Probably the…
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The Madness of King George III, Apollo Theatre
Alan BennettDirected by Christopher Luscombe★★★★ Pros: Alan Bennett’s script is superb and David Haig’s performance is outstanding. Cons: We can’t think of any… Our Verdict: A resounding success and highly recommended. Not ground breaking, but just very, very good theatre.…