Best play is the blue ribbon award for the Reggies; the genre that originally gave the fringe its profile. In third place is Wipers Times at the Arts Theatre. Co-written by Ian Hislop, the play is a glorious mix of comedy, pathos and drama as the human cost of war is laid bare. In second place, Tiny Dynamite at the Old Red Lion. A play from the pen of Abi Morgan does exactly what it says on the tin. A ...
Read More »Tag Archives: Old Red Lion
RETURN OF THE REGGIES (Part 1)
Such was the reaction to last year’s Reggies, we felt compelled to beg Brian to stage a sequel; so yes, we are proud to announce that the Reggies are back. Newly expanded to a ridiculously comprehensive seven categories, it’s a barometer of the best in London theatre during 2018. There may be only one person bestowing the Reggies, but there is a slavish dedication to fairness; sleepless nights agonising over who should be in, who should be out; yes Brian ...
Read More »One Jewish Boy, Old Red Lion Theatre – Review
Pros: Funny dialogue, smart observations and powerful performances from two leads with natural chemistry. Cons: The lack of nuance and erratic pacing sometimes makes the play difficult to engage with, particularly during moments of revelation. Europe has a long history of antisemitism. Hatred of Jewish people has existed on the continent for centuries, and is not going away anytime soon. Last week, a survey of European Jews found that nearly a third avoid attending events due to safety fears. In Britain, ...
Read More »Frankenstein, Old Red Lion Theatre – Review
Pros: An original play with a largely female cast. Good use of props and set pieces to create the multiple locations of the play as well as nice use of puppetry. Cons: The issue of feminism wasn’t really explored despite the gender swap of the lead characters. It felt like the script could have done with an edit to make it more succinct as was a little meandering in places. Burn-Bright’s production of Frankenstein replaces the male scientist from Mary ...
Read More »Hear Me Howl, Old Red Lion Theatre – Review
Pros: Alice Pitt-Carter’s energetic portrayal as she rips through a 70 minute performance with ease. Cons: A slightly uneven plot doesn’t quite deliver the pay-off that is so richly deserved. Whenever I’m handed earplugs prior to a show I feel a curious mix of fear and excitement. Fear because I’m reminded of Idol Berserker at the Barbican (which involved earplugs, plastic ponchos and cling film: believe me that’s all you need to know); but also excitement because it means I’m ...
Read More »Response 3: Reality & Quarry, Old Red Lion – Review
Pros: Identity and the self are touchingly portrayed by a cracking cast of fabulous actors. Cons: The whole show felt a touch too long, especially in the baking hot Old Red Lion! I had no idea what to expect upon entering the wonderful, but none too fancy Old Red Lion Theatre for Response 3: Reality & Quarry. The press release gave nothing away for the first three shorts, Reality, Tourmaline and Dry Feet, while Quarry was introduced with an amusing, yet bemusing, synopsis, along the lines ...
Read More »Going for the Gut in ‘Mumburger’
'Mumburger' playwright Sarah Kosar shares how her 'stomach-churning' new play goes straight for the gut.
Read More »Benighted, Old Red Lion Theatre – Review
Perfect for those who want to be transported back in time. You will be kept on the edge of your seat.
Read More »‘Benighted’ Playwright Duncan Gates on the Process of Adaptation
Benighted playwright Duncan Gates discusses the process of adapting J.B. Priestley's 1927 novel for the stage — and the lessons he's learned along the way.
Read More »Odd Shaped Balls, Old Red Lion Theatre – Review
Everything that fringe theatre should be: an important tale to tell and told in an explosion of multi-faceted performance.
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