Pros: The plot makes a good point about empathy and self-pity. Cons: Too many scene changes in the first half disrupt the flow of the play. Set in an unnamed British town, The Oppression Olympics shows the lives of some of its residents crossing paths as they compete to establish who is the most miserable among them. In a desperate attempt to stay afloat, all the characters eventually come together to show empathy, but, ultimately end up causing even more ...

Pros: The unusual setting in a library. Cons: The large windows facing a busy street can be quite distracting. A stone’s throw from Borough station, John Harvard library bears the name of the Southwark clergyman who emigrated to Massachusetts in 1637 and bequeathed most of his estate (including 400 books) to the current Harvard University. Now, the structure is also home to a public Local History Library, offering a bright and accessible space for adults and younger readers. To celebrate ...

Twist successfully takes the complexity of the Syrian refugee crisis and condenses it into one human experience. The approach makes for an emotional and thought-provoking show that is not too hard to comprehend, moving to watch and which suits its younger target audience.

A treat for lovers of London, with beautifully observed characters and situations. Although the plot feels sleepy at times, the contemporary relevance makes it compelling.

A raw, visceral and, above all, human show. Powerful poetry in play form. Everything theatre should be.

The history of London’s theatres is almost the history of London itself, so enmeshed is the West End with the cultural tapestry of the capital. Folklore, tales of catastrophe and the personalities who make their name in the Smoke; all surround the bright lights of theatreland, and every year millions of tourists are entranced by the sweeping architecture and picture book antiquity of London’s glamorous pathway to the stars. Every name trips off the tongue even if you have never ...

Pros: Moving, inspiring and eye-opening. This experience should be part of every school programme. Cons: There is a fair amount of walking up and down the stairs involved so, if you have any access requirements, let the box office know in advance. I arrived at the Battersea Arts Centre after a day of far too much discouraging news on international politics. Most likely, 2016 will be remembered as a year when extensive migration was met with fearful and openly hostile ...

Marianna Meloni gives her impressions of the Official London Theatre Audio Tour with Ian McKellen, a new way to experience London's Theatreland with one of the British theatre's biggest stars.

Past, present and future collide in the atmospheric Wilton’s Music Hall as Dick Whittington and the colourful cast of Old London Town provide a great evening of family entertainment.

This performed recital of Jewish life stories is inventive and insightful, though at times its demanding method distracts from the storytelling.