The Witches starts off looking like it might be a Matilda-sized hit

A riotous, entertaining and excellently staged performance.

This is one of my favourite productions of the year so far. Joshua James in particular gives an incredibly emotional and dramatic performance. The rather depressing plot never feels as though it is dragging and the comedic elements throughout ensure loud audience laughter. This is one production I would advise everyone to see.

Lucy Kirwood Directed by Lyndsey Turner ★★★★★ Pros: An excellent script addresses some fascinating issues, with top-notch performances and a stunning set. What more could you ask for?! Cons: At over 3 hours the play is long, but to be honest I don’t know what you could lose – I really have no complaints. Our Verdict: I suspect this play is going to go down as one of the best new plays this year. I’d thoroughly recommend you try to ...

Brian FrielDirected by Lyndsey Turner★★★ Pros: A great script with an interesting concept in splitting the lead role between two actors. Well-acted by a credible cast. Cons: The stage direction could have been more dynamic and the set design significantly restricted the view from my seat. Our Verdict: An enjoyable, well-acted production. Full appreciation was hindered by the bizarrely obstructed view so select your seats carefully*! Courtesy of Johan Persson for The Telegraph Right – I am going to have ...

Laura WadeDirected by Lyndsey Turner★★★ Pros: Funny, angry and well performed. Audience unlikely to be populated by Tories… Cons: Don’t feel it is entirely sure what it is trying to say in places… Our Verdict: A fun production, especially for those seeking an outlet for their vitriol. Courtesy of Alastair Muir for the Daily Telegraph I walked past George Osborne at the National fairly recently. I’d just come out of The Comedy of Errors, I think, and there he was. ...

Edgar and Annabel  Sam Holcroft Directed by Lyndsey Turner ★★★★ The Swan  DC Moore Directed by Polly Findlay ★★★★ The Swan, courtesy of the Evening Standard As you will know from my review of Double Feature 2, I miserably failed to attend Double Feature 1 in late July due to an incident in the Solent. However, last weekend I made it back to the National’s pop-up performance space in the Paintframe to watch the second (well, technically the first…) batch ...

Nightwatchman  Prasanna Puwanarajah Directed by Polly Findlay ★★★★★ There is a War Tom Basden Directed by Lyndsey Turner ★★★★ Courtesy of the National Theatre In an ideal world, I would review Double Feature 1 first, and Double Feature 2 second – I’m sure you’ll agree with my exemplary logic. This was the original intention, as I was booked to see Double Feature 1 in mid-July, and I only saw Double Feature 2 last week. Our plan was to then release ...