A modern approach to an ancient tragedy, with gut-wrenching performances

Olivier award-winning director Dominic Cooke discusses his first foray into television with the BBC's 'Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses.'

Both plays show promising intentions, but are ultimately disappointing.

Bruce Norris Directed by Dominic Cooke★★★★ Pros: This is an extremely well-written piece, commenting on current economic issues using an historical context. Polished performances and fluid set changes keep the pace and interest high.  Cons: The American accents are inconsistent and distracting. The final scene, although poignant, is a tad cheesey and the costumes in this scene prevent the important punch line from being clearly audible.  Our Verdict: Another great script from the Royal Court with high production standards. This play ...

Martin Crimp Directed by Dominic Cooke ★★★★ Pros: This is a brilliantly acted, humorous, confrontational, thought-provoking play which continues to mature long after you leave the theatre. Playwright Martin Crimp is the real star of the show. Cons: The extremes of human behaviour are all laid bare and delivered with base language. This show is not for a sensitive audience. Our Verdict: This is a fantastic play for an audience who enjoys challenging, provocative theatre. Audiences who are easily offended, or like ...

Caryl ChurchillDirected by Dominic Cooke★★★ Pros: A unique concept with an unnerving plot, delivered by a strong and familiar cast. Cons: The dialogue is disjointed which detracts from the credibility of the circumstances, and twenty minutes is not really long enough to get fully engaged. Our Verdict: If you are going to see one of the other two performances at the Royal Court it’s worth getting there an hour early to catch this. Credit: Johan Persson for the Royal Court ...

Tarell Alvin McCraneyDirected by Dominic Cooke★★★★ Pros: Fantastic set design, excellent performances and truly stunning musical interludes. Cons: If there has to be one, I would say the characters are a little stereotyped, but only a little. Our Verdict: A wonderful, unique and high quality production at an intimate venue. Courtesy of the Royal Court Theatre I was wowed the minute I walked into the 80-seat Jerwood Theatre Upstairs. It never ceases to impress me how versatile and creative the ...

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 reasons to go see it beyond the appeal of seeing Lenny Henry. Courtesy of Johan Persson for the Daily Telegraph It has been a while since I last queued at 7.30am for National Theatre tickets and I had almost forgotten ...

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 a rather dull and unnecessary ending, difficult to engage with the main characters. Our Verdict: Probably not worth your money considering what else you could be watching, but if serious drama really is your thing, then you may want to ...