A fun and entertaining show with real-time political debate

Pros: Has little to commend it, aside from a cast who are clearly enjoying the material.      Cons: Suffers from an overdone plot, clunky dialogue, poor characterization and, most regrettably, nothing to say. Brexit was, for better or worse, a defining moment in British history. Depending on your outlook, the vote to leave the European Union could represent triumph or travesty, a chance to redefine British society and identity or a woeful regression to a darker time in European politics. Theatre can, ...

A well-meaning but overly ambitious first outing by new theatre company Unshaded Arts.

This production has some solid acting. Unfortunately, the concept behind it is not explored satisfactorily and the direction allows for the whole thing to feel very disjointed.

Reductive in its assessment of post-Brexit Britain, and complacent in the assumptions it makes about its audience. Great music and energetic dancing can’t redeem a misguided concept.

Pros: An entertaining and witty script, with energetic performances and wry political insight Cons: Too many weak political gags, and unconvincing regional localisation The English Heart is a play about love, lust, trust and relationships. But it’s also about the heart of England – Boston, Lincolnshire, the home of Brexitland and location of UKIP leader Paul Nuttall’s final bid for power. The opening scene is set just after the referendum, and Marie (in a strong performance by Anya Williams) is ...

Pros: Adorable, hilarious characters in a fun and vibrant roller-diner setting (minus roller-skates). Funny moments are in abundance and the cast are superb. Cons: The politics behind the show are very blatant, but its comment is ambiguous. Roller Diner, the winner of the Soho Theatre’s prestigious Verity Bargate Award for new writing, is set in Eddie Costello’s authentic American diner… in Birmingham. It is a hub of sticky ketchup and family spats (but not customers, as it would seem). When ...

Serious musical talent wrapped up in off-the-wall daftness.

With the EU Referendum looming, Samantha Simmonds considers an age-old political question: What Would Shakespeare Do?