Zain Russell, Author at North West End UK

24Oct

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

The Wanderers – Marylebone Theatre

The Wanderers is a moving and thought-provoking play inspired by true events. It delves deeply into the complexities of relationships, faith, and family, offering a nuanced exploration of how people navigate love and identity within different cultural frameworks. Set within the Jewish community, the story follows two very different marriages that reflect contrasting worlds. Esther and Schmuli are Orthodox Jews living within the confines of strict religious rules and traditional gender roles. Their lives are guided by faith and duty, highlighting the tension between devotion and personal freedom. In contrast, Sophie and Abe are secular Jews, free to make their own choices, yet still bound by the universal struggles of marriage, expectation, and emotional fulfillment. The narrative cen...

19Oct

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Fanny – King’s Head Theatre

Fanny is a hilarious and clever play that blends fact and fiction to retell the story of Fanny Mendelssohn. Set in the nineteenth century, the play explores the life of Fanny, sister to the famous composer Felix Mendelssohn. While classical music lovers may be familiar with Felix’s work, Fanny’s contributions are often overlooked, despite evidence that she co-composed several of his pieces. The play highlights how Felix discouraged her from publishing her own music, adding a bittersweet edge beneath the comedy. This production offers a brilliantly funny introduction to the Mendelssohn family and the colourful cast of characters surrounding them. The story focuses on Fanny as she’s courted by Wilhelm, played by Riad Richie. Richie’s sharp timing, quick wit, and playful energy delivered s...

10Oct

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

The Choir of Man – The Arts Theatre

The Choir of Man invites us into “The Jungle” pub, a place where everyone is welcome, and takes us on a lively journey exploring the lives of men in an intricate, authentic pub setting. One of the most unique and memorable features of this production is that the set itself is a fully functioning bar. Before the show begins, audience members are invited onto the stage to immerse themselves in The Jungle, grab a drink, and interact with the cast, whether having a chat or getting caught up in playful pranks around the pub. Throughout the performance, various audience members are also invited to join the cast on stage, further enhancing the immersive experience and making the show feel less like traditional theatre and more like a night out among friends. Even if you’re not one of the...

20Sep

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Oscar at the Crown – The Crown

Oscar at the Crown follows the story of Oscar Wilde, reimagined in a dystopian futuristic world. This particular night marked the debut of Jan Sport stepping into the role of Wilde, and they delivered an electric performance. From the very start, the energy was high, with sharp, high-octane choreography lighting up the stage. The atmosphere is immersive from the moment you arrive. Walking down the stairs, you’re greeted with nostalgic clips from 90s TV classic The O.C., setting the tone before you even reach the venue. Entering feels more like stepping into a nightclub than a theatre, with a live DJ, dancers, and an audience swept into the action right away. The production lays out its “three rules,” encouraging the audience to move freely throughout the performance, following the ca...

15Sep

By Zain RussellNo Comments

North West

Not Your Superwoman – Bush Theatre

Not Your Superwoman, stars Golda Rosheuvel and Letitia Wright; two powerhouse actresses who breathed life into Emma Dennis-Edward’s deeply moving play. The story follows a mother and daughter, Joyce and Erica, who have grown apart over the years as they mourn the loss of their family matriarch — “Mummy” to Joyce and “Granny” to Erica. At its heart, the play is about family ties strained by silence, grief, and distance, yet bound by love and memory. Using Guyana as its vibrant backdrop, Not Your Superwoman becomes more than just a family drama, it becomes a meditation on the importance of culture as both a source of identity and a bridge across generations. Through the music, the language, the food, and the rituals of remembrance, Dennis-Edward captures how culture is often the thread...

12Sep

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Every Brilliant Thing – SohoPlace

Every Brilliant Thing is a one-person play that features different actors across its 14-week run. I had the chance to watch Ambika Mod take on this ambitious challenge, guiding us through the life of her character, beginning at the age of seven, when she is first confronted with her mother’s attempted suicide. This is a profoundly moving story that highlights the small joys around us and the little things that can make life worth living. From Club Penguin to the joy of sharing a book with someone and seeing them love it too, the play reminds us of the beauty in seemingly ordinary moments. Although technically a one-woman show, this production cleverly incorporates a great deal of planned audience participation. Each performance sees audience members randomly chosen to read out lines,...

4Sep

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Emerald Storm – Emerald Theatre

Emerald Storm is a dazzling fusion of dance, song, and cabaret that delivers an electrifying evening of entertainment. Combining the raw energy of Riverdance with the rhythmic flair of tap, the production sweeps the audience into a whirlwind of movement and music that is both exhilarating and immersive. From the moment you enter the Emerald Theatre, the atmosphere is carefully curated to set the tone. Guests are welcomed by an inviting bar area where live Irish music fills the space. The band Fiddlin’ About immediately charms the crowd, performing a lively repertoire that ranges from country classics to contemporary pop. The intimate setting, enhanced by plush seating and an upscale cabaret vibe, ensures that the evening feels special even before the show starts. When the show be...

Scenes with Black Folk – Camden People Theatre

20Aug

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Scenes with Black Folk – Camden People Theatre

Scenes with Black Folk sets out with a bold and important premise: to ask, what are the rules of being Black? Who decides, and who enforces them? And what happens when those questions are asked aloud? On paper, it promises to be thought-provoking and powerful, a piece that could explore the complexities, contradictions, and lived realities of Black identity across time. Unfortunately, the production falls short of that promise. While it gestures toward weighty themes, it lacks the substance and cohesion needed to make them resonate. Instead of offering sharp insight or meaningful reflection, the play leans heavily on clever-sounding wordplay and poetic fragments that ultimately feel hollow. Symbolism is suggested but rarely lands with clarity or impact, leaving the audience with mor...

Dragging your Heels – Camden People’s Theatre

20Aug

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Dragging your Heels – Camden People’s Theatre

Dragging Your Heels, part of Camden Fringe, is a charming little play about a recently divorced builder, Ben, who dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian. By the end of the show, he manages to face his stage fright by embracing a whole new persona by stepping into drag as a way to perform with confidence. The central message is thoughtful: drag can be many things: a character, a persona, an art form, even a political statement. Here, it becomes a means for someone to follow their dreams and step onto a stage. It’s a touching idea, and the play pays tribute to the transformative power of drag in a warm and accessible way. The production itself is minimal, with a cast of three who keep the story moving through jokes and small musical numbers. There were moments of genuine laughter, ...

Brigadoon – Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

14Aug

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Brigadoon – Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Set in the beautiful Scottish Highlands, Brigadoon is a timeless tale brought vividly to life in this revival. As someone who had never encountered the 1950s musical before, I found myself instantly swept into its world. From the music to the set design, everything evoked the feeling of a mid-century classic, and it was immediately clear why this story has endured for so long. The experience began before the first note. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is tucked away behind lush gardens in its own charming enclave, complete with bars and food stalls. The space feels like a small village within the city, and the outdoor setting is perfect for a warm summer evening. The intimate layout means every seat has a clear view of the stage, adding to the sense of connection between audience and per...