by Vicki BaronPresented by Empty Photo Theatre★★★ Pros: The theme of death is sensitively dealt with and dark comedy is peppered throughout the performance. Cons: I was left wanting more of a conclusion from the characters’ clashing relationships. Our Verdict: An enjoyable and succinct show dealing with desolate themes with a delicate hand.  Courtesy of Empty Frame Theatre Chris is Dead is a brave and poignant piece by Empty Photo Theatre. It explores the death of university student ‘Chris’ and the ...

Part of the Camden Fringe 2013Sophocles, translated by Peter MaineckDevised by: Theatro Rheo★★ Pros: An emphatically physical depiction. Cons: The storyline is hard to discern, especially for anyone with no prior knowledge of the tale. Our Verdict: Better for fans of avant-garde theatre but may not be accessible enough for some people. Courtesy of Theatro Rheo Tuesday afternoon found me upstairs at The Oxford Arms on Camden High Street where the Etcetera theatre is located. As part of the Camden Fringe, Theatre ...

Part of the Camden Fringe 2013 Steve Yokey Directed by Dan Armour ★★★ Pros: Some excellent characterisation, quite funny in parts. Cons: Weak script, choral work potential was slightly untapped. Our Verdict: The acting and witty delivery make this piece enjoyable to watch, but the concepts leave something to be desired.  Credit: Tim Hinchliffe Very Still and Hard to See combines elements of modern ghost stories with Japanese folk tales to examine the darker side of human nature. Buck Mason, ...

Part of Camden Fringe 2013Diana De FexDirected by Marion Pierce★★★ Pros: At times exciting and always challenging. Cons: Some glimpses of originality but too few. Our Verdict: Be prepared to be charmed by this woman whose story really packs a punch to the gut. Courtesy of Etcetera Theatre Good theatre will make you think, great theatre will leave you a changed person. On paper this autobiographical one-woman show should do both. It doesn’t. There are, however, moments of genius. Yet ...

Part of Camden Fringe 2013Tom Nicholas★★ Pros: There is a story to be told in this play. With twist in the tale and some clever dramatic devices there is enough to keep the character development moving forward to its conclusion. Cons: The content is naïve and tenuous, falling short of its aim to drill down into what it meant to be under 25 in 2010. The grandiloquent language doesn’t sit well with the character and leaves him feeling disingenuous. Our ...

Average Audience Rating: ★★★★½ Until 1st August at the Etcetera Theatre. Book tickets for Camden RichardWright, London – ★★★★ “I saw Elf Lyons is a pervert last night and I believe it is indeed a top notch show of comedy. It’s funny and far more informative then you could ever imagine or dream. The show is extremely well written and performed. Many comedians don’t have the acting skills to pull off bits that are “acted out” but that’s not the case here. ...

William Shakespeare, adapted by Tim Welham Directed by Megan Watson★★★Pros: As one man shows of Shakespeare’s go, this was a feat to behold. Done with a succinct and intelligent adaptation of the script of Richard III. Cons: Richness of character and story get lost in this pared down version of the play. Those who are not familiar with the script are in danger of feeling lost, as all contextualising action and dialogue have been cut. Our Verdict: One applauds the immense feat of ...

Written and directed by Paul Martin ★★★ Pros: A strong opinion piece with a definitive voice, unafraid of the provocative and outrageous – everything a good piece of political theatre should be. Cons: The strong, definitive ‘voice’ waxes didactic and prescriptive, wavering dangerously on the line of a monotonous rant. Our Verdict: The author makes a sharp point, but I felt I was being told what to think – off-putting for a free-thinking theatre-goer in a democratic society. Or is ...

Sarah Page Directed by Kevin Williams ★★★★ Pros: A play about a recent event is always interesting, and tying it in with a smaller, personal story is a masterstroke. Cons: It could be argued that at one point in the play, things are overwrought, but then again with a lot of families, life can be like that – and then some! Our Verdict: A strong play that has well-rounded characters that are emotionally engaging. Time zips by! Credit: Dan Barry ...

Written and performed by Ashley Alymann★★★★★ Pros: Combining the art of storytelling with contemporary performance, this piece captures the all-encompassing excitement one might remember from childhood.Cons: Slightly too long in running time, the ending seemed rather abrupt for such a captivating and intricate piece.Our Verdict: A masterfully told tale; an enthralling and empathetic experience that allows just enough give at the end to marvel at the feat of the performance just witnessed. Courtesy of the Etcetera Theatre It’s very easy to ...