Directed by Jennifer Rose Lee★★★★ Pros: This show is sure to put a smile on your face. It’s physical comedy at its most physical and comedic. Cons: The set and costumes aren’t particularly inspiring. This show is contemporary in its interpretation of Arabian Nights, so the scenery and wardrobe didn’t need to be so traditional. Our Verdict: Well conceived, genuinely humourous, and executed with confidence and energy. Courtesy of Blue Elephant Theatre Arabian Nights was amusing from the moment it ...

Dramaturge: Katherine MarkwickMovement Director: Bert Roman ★★★★ Pros: Original and clever premise, entertaining imagery, an evocative soundtrack and two highly-skilled performers working in perfect harmony. Cons: Might not be to your taste if you don’t like physical theatre or miming. Our Verdict: A clever and captivating piece that skilfully mixes comedy with tragedy, and features an excellent partnership of two accomplished performers. Credit: Single Shoe Productions I’ve never been to a theatre quite like The Nursery before. Located under a ...

Thomas Kyd Directed by Ricky Dukes ★★★★ Pros: An easy to understand, highly watchable production of this Elizabethan play edited down to an hour and a half and performed by a highly skilled cast. Cons: Unusual lighting choices, constant smoke and a hot theatre made for a somewhat uncomfortable viewing experience. Our Verdict: The quick pace, use of physical performance, modern costumes and well-crafted performances make this production by one of Shakespeare’s contemporaries a refreshing alternative to typical classical theatre ...

Devised TheatreDirected by John-Michael MacDonald★★ Pros: Unusual and visually intriguing, with some innovative stylistic direction.Cons: The improvised nature meant the piece fell flat at times – it might be too weird for some people.Our verdict: A strange and unnerving production, which seemed to be conflicted between a conventional linear play and a physical interpretative performance. Every so often, I get night terrors. Once I dreamt I was in a room full of wardrobes, and these Courtesy of the Blue Elephant ...

Tiffany Wood from the Original Cervantes “Don Quixote”Directed by Ian NicholsonResearch and development by Simon Day and Aitor Basauri ★★★ Pros: Never boring, at times comical and fittingly dynamic physical theatre. Good use of Spanish accents and guitar. Fun to watch.  Cons: Limited resources inevitably dictate small crew, bare props and no visual aids. But this was a work-in-progress after all. Our Verdict: A thoroughly enjoyable hour of physical theatre, guaranteed to keep you entertained and leave in good spirits. ...

Roger SimeonDirected by Bryony Shanahan★★★★ Pros: Demonstrates character acting at its best. Chameleon-like performances by Patricia Rodriguez and Mercè Ribot take you on an unpredictable and whacky ride through the love and hate of sisterhood. Cons: This is a very specific kind of theatre – esoteric, philosophic and abstract. It may prove frustrating for those preferring linear plot lines and story structure. Our Verdict: Refreshingly different, this is a show that plucks us out of traditional storytelling and hurls us ...

Presented by Glass-eye Theatre ★★★ Pros: A wonderful story line full of humanity and imagination. Cons: Alexandra Krassa’s depiction of ten year old Ailsa Thomas was unconvincing at times, preventing much of an attachment to the character. Our Verdict: A captivating performance which uses physical theatre to convincingly place you in an imaginary world. It also involves some very exciting shadow puppets. Courtesy of the Blue Elephant Theatre One of the many joys of visiting the Blue Elephant Theatre is ...

Sophocles Directed by Ricky Dukes ★★★★ Pros: A brilliant example of how Greek Tragedy can be made relevant to the modern day, and accessible to all audiences. Cons: One or two moments of slightly “shouty” acting where more emotion could perhaps have come through. Our Verdict: This production of the famed Sophocles masterpiece is fast-paced and gritty for its entirety, ingeniously proving that the intimidating genre of Greek Tragedy is both applicable to the current day and hugely enjoyable. Courtesy ...

William ShakespeareDirected by Ricky Dukes★★★ Pros: A nice, wintery feel to a traditional summer tale (who doesn’t love a good snow machine?). Smooth and creative scene changes, a terrific performance from Bottom and quite a few very funny moments (though mostly thanks to Bottom). Cons: Some of the performances require toning down and sadly the show never quite comes together fully. Our Verdict: A promising production which still requires a lot of improvements to make it work really well. The ...

Presented by Smoking Apples Theatre★★★ Pros: The show boasts lots of very interesting and original ideas. Cons: The actors overstretch their abilities making the show seem amateurish in places. Our Verdict: An interesting show with some great ideas. Credit: Jax Braithwaite Situated off Camberwell Road in South London, the Blue Elephant is a vibrant arts venue offering a variety of award-winning, multi-cultural performances from every genre imaginable. Founded in 1999, this hidden gem has staged a huge amount of successful, ...