Zain Russell, Author at North West End UK

2Apr

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Choir Boy – Stratford East

Choir Boy is an engaging and thought-provoking play that centres on the character of Pharus played by Terique Jarrett, an outspoken, confident student at an elite prep school for Black boys. As a young, gay man, Pharus is navigating both his identity and his place within a rigid, tradition-driven environment. The production balances humour and tension effectively. There are several genuinely funny, laugh-out-loud moments, often driven by the boys’ natural banter, playful teasing, and bursts of spontaneous energy, including unexpected dancing. These interactions feel authentic, capturing the way teenage boys might behave with one another. The cast as a whole deserves credit here; their chemistry makes the dialogue feel fluid and convincing, with a rhythm that adds to both the comedic and...

21Mar

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Ruth – Wilton’s Music Hall

Ruth is a powerful musical based on the life of Ruth Ellis, who in 1955 became the last woman to be executed in Britain. The show dives deeply into her life, exploring her time as a nightclub hostess, the social and class pressures she faced, and the restrictive gender roles of the era. It is both a compelling story and a thought-provoking reflection on power, morality, and the consequences of one’s actions. Hannah Traylen and Bibi Simpson both deliver phenomenal performances as Ruth, portraying her at different stages of her life. The production is framed with Ruth confined in her cell, awaiting her execution. While she waits, she recounts the story of her life, from childhood to the events that led her to this tragic moment. These reflections are brought to life through flashbacks, wi...

20Mar

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Oh, Sister Mary! – Arches Lane Theatre

Oh, Sister Mary! is a delightfully entertaining new cabaret performance that introduces audiences to the unforgettable character of Sister Mary, a spirited nun from Soho, London. The show, brought vividly to life by the exceptionally funny Tim McArthur, combines storytelling, song, and audience interaction to create a thoroughly immersive and joyous experience. From the moment Sister Mary steps onto the stage, it’s clear that this is no ordinary cabaret. Through a series of amusing anecdotes from her time as a nun, Sister Mary takes the audience on a journey filled with witty observations, cheeky innuendos, and laugh-out-loud moments. Tim McArthur’s impeccable comedic timing ensures that each story lands perfectly, drawing constant laughter from the audience. Whether recalling the quirk...

5Mar

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Double Indemnity – Richmond Theatre

Double Indemnity is a thrilling stage adaptation that dives deep into the darker side of human nature, exploring how lust, greed, and temptation can drive even the most ordinary people toward murder. The play captures the essence of classic noir storytelling, asking the audience to consider just how far someone might go when love and money become intertwined. The story follows insurance broker Walter Huff, played by Ciarán Owens, whose seemingly routine job takes a dangerous turn when he meets Phyllis Nirdlinger, the wife of one of his clients. Phyllis, portrayed by the wonderful Mischa Barton, quickly draws Walter into an illicit affair. What begins as flirtation soon escalates into something far more sinister, as the two begin plotting the murder of Phyllis’s husband in order to claim...

26Feb

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Dracula – National Youth Theatre

Everyone knows the classic Gothic horror tale of Dracula, first written by Bram Stoker, but the National Youth Theatre offers a bold reinterpretation that feels almost like two plays in one. The first act remains largely faithful to the spirit of the original story. Sasha Jagsi commands centre stage as the young woman who has been bitten by Dracula and is visited nightly as he continues to drain her blood. Her portrayal captures the terrifying uncertainty of a character questioning her own sanity: is she unwell, losing her mind, or actually dying? Through visions, night terrors and sleepwalking episodes, the audience is drawn into her psychological unravelling. Jagsi’s slow, deliberate movements and her haunting, bewitching stare out towards the audience create an unsettling atmosphere....

18Feb

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Deep Azure – Sam Wanamaker Playhouse

Deep Azure, written by the late Chadwick Boseman, who tragically passed away in 2020, is a haunting and deeply moving play. Inspired by the real-life killing of Boseman’s university peer, Prince Jones, the production chooses not to dwell on the events leading up to the tragedy, but instead explores its profound impact on friends, family, and peers. In today’s climate, the themes feel especially resonant, confronting grief, loss, and systemic injustice in a way that is both raw and intimate. Selina Jones delivers a remarkable performance as Azure, the grieving girlfriend struggling with an eating disorder. Her portrayal is both heart-wrenching and compelling. The screams and sobs she unleashes, particularly at the end of the first act, are unforgettable. They are heightened by the acapel...

Passenger: One for the Road – Theatre Royal Haymarket

4Feb

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Passenger: One for the Road – Theatre Royal Haymarket

It was an absolute pleasure to see Passenger perform in the intimate setting of the Theatre Royal Haymarket for a one-off performance in a venue that perfectly suited the reflective and emotionally rich nature of his work. Best known for the global hit Let Her Go, Mike Rosenberg otherwise known by his stage name Passenger, has recently turned his songwriting talents to musical theatre, having written the music for The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, currently playing at the same venue. For one night only, Passenger performed a selection of songs from the musical, alongside several pieces that did not make the final production, before closing the evening with a few of his most recognisable hits. The story at the heart of the musical follows Harold Fry, an ordinary man who impulsively ...

Paranormal Activity – Ambassador’s Theatre

9Jan

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Paranormal Activity – Ambassador’s Theatre

Paranormal Activity, the iconic horror film franchise known to terrify cinema audiences worldwide, has successfully made the leap from screen to stage in a chilling and immersive theatrical production. From the very first moment, the audience is plunged into complete darkness, immediately creating an atmosphere of unease that never truly releases its grip. This bold opening choice sets the tone perfectly, preparing us for a night of suspense, fear, and psychological tension. Written with precision by Levi Holloway and directed masterfully by Felix Barrett, the production is cleverly constructed to draw the audience deep into the emotional and supernatural journey of its characters. Rather than relying solely on shock tactics, the play allows tension to build gradually, making every mome...

12Dec

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Robin Hood – New Wimbledon Theatre

Christmastime always brings with it the joyful traditions of British pantomime, and each year theatres across the country welcome new celebrity cast members to add sparkle to the season. This year, New Wimbledon Theatre presents a lively and colourful production of Robin Hood, made all the more exciting by the appearance of the hugely talented dance group Diversity. Their presence alone elevates this pantomime into something uniquely energetic and memorable. The show follows the familiar story of Robin Hood and his Merry Men as they steal from the rich to give to the poor, all while the villainous Sheriff plots to capture the hero. While the narrative remains classic panto fare, the production values make it feel fresh and engaging. The sets are beautifully designed, bursting with vibra...

Jack and the Beanstalk Adult Pantomime – Kings Head Theatre

2Dec

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Jack and the Beanstalk Adult Pantomime – Kings Head Theatre

As the festive season approaches, so does the beloved tradition of pantomimes, and this year the King’s Head Theatre adds its own cheeky twist with Jack and the Beanstalk. The production offers two versions, one family-friendly and one strictly for adults, and it was the adults-only performance that truly pushed the boundaries in the most hilarious way. This late-night rendition revels in adult humour, packed with innuendos and outrageous character names including the wonderfully provocative Fairy Flick My Bean. Elliott Backer-Costello as Jack and Joseph Lukehurst as the villainous Nightshade showcased brilliant chemistry throughout, especially during their more risqué physical comedy moments. Their playful, exaggerated antics, sometimes ending up in hilariously compromising positions, ...