William Shakespeare Directed by Zoé Ford  ★★★★ Pros: A bold production bursting with energy.  Cons: At times, amidst the shouting, the actors’ words were lost. Our Verdict: A visceral experience that will stay with you forever.  Credit: Adam Trigg The play Titus Andronicus hasn’t always been revered by the critics and public. Arguably the first play that Shakespeare wrote, it followed the fashion of the time of revenge plays with violence and high body counts. You could say that Shakespeare ...

Rodolf Sirera Esteve Soler Directed by Sílvia Ayguadé ★★★ Pros: A rare opportunity to see prime examples of Catalan theatre in Britain. Cons: Its strength is also its weakness. The plays deal extensively with social and political themes, it’s not likely to appeal to everyone. It is also a rather long evening. Our Verdict: An interesting curio. Surreal theatre with intelligence and bite. Worth checking out if you’re free and up for something different. Courtesy of Bots & Barrals Theatre ...

Alastair Brett and Sian Evans Directed by James Robert Carson ★★★ Pros: A brave and ambitious attempt at tackling a contentious and complex subject, with a delightful performance by Karina Fernandez as the astute Rosa. Cons: At the end of two hours, the play fails to have any real impact because it is not clear what its point is. Our Verdict: The play manages to create its own identity, and the decision to tackle a controversial event in history on ...

Created and Performed by Claire Gaydon★★★ Pros: A very enjoyable performance from a charming young actress and some lovely, magical storytelling. Cons: The story seemed to contain quite a bit of filler and sitting in the Arcola Tent in December can be a fairly uncomfortable experience. Our Verdict: Not a particularly energetic or engaging story but it is brimming with warm-hearted, feel-good cheer and an uplifting performance that is both refreshingly minimalistic and natural. Be sure to wear your thermals ...