Zain Russell, Author at North West End UK

Wilko: Love and Death and Rock ‘n’ Roll – Leicester Square Theatre

6Jul

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Wilko: Love and Death and Rock ‘n’ Roll – Leicester Square Theatre

Wilko: Love and Death and Rock ‘n’ Roll is a play with music that tells the story of legendary guitarist and songwriter Wilko Johnson, most famous for his work with the band Dr. Feelgood. As someone unfamiliar with Johnson’s legacy before watching this, the show served as a striking introduction, not just to his music, but to the man behind it. The play begins at a pivotal moment: Wilko being diagnosed with terminal cancer and given a year to live. Rather than retreating, he sets out on a final farewell tour, determined to go out doing what he loves. This sets the stage for a reflective memoir-style journey, as we’re taken back through his life, glimpses of his childhood, the formation of Dr. Feelgood, his creative process, and the personal moments that shaped him, including his marr...

The Play That Goes Wrong – The Duchess Theatre

3Jul

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

The Play That Goes Wrong – The Duchess Theatre

This year marks the arrival of the 11th cast of The Play That Goes Wrong, and with it comes a fresh injection of talent and energy that truly breathes new life into this already beloved production. The new ensemble not only lives up to the show’s high standards but, in many ways, elevates it with their own unique flair. One of the most delightful aspects of this play is that it begins before the curtains even rise. From the moment you step into the theatre — even while waiting in the queue — the chaos has already started. For a first-time attendee like myself, I was completely taken in. I genuinely thought things were falling apart behind the scenes, only to realise later that it was all a brilliantly orchestrated gag. That level of immersion was not only unexpected but genius. Once ...

19Jun

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

The Last Laugh – Richmond Theatre

The Last Laugh is a fast-paced and nostalgic stage show that transports audiences back in time to celebrate three of Britain’s finest comedians: Tommy Cooper, portrayed by Damian Williams; Eric Morecambe, brought to life by Bob Golding; and Bob Monkhouse, played by Simon Cartwright. From the moment the curtain rises, the energy is palpable, and what immediately stands out is how astonishingly accurate each actor is in embodying the comedian they represent. Their mastery of the mannerisms, voices, and comedic timing is so convincing that it genuinely feels like you are watching the real legends share the stage together. One of the show’s greatest strengths is how it seamlessly blends homage with humour. The script incorporates many of the comedians' iconic catchphrases and inside jokes—m...

14Jun

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

King of Pangea – King’s Head Theatre

King of Pangea is a new musical produced by Jerry Mitchell that takes audiences on an emotional journey through the challenges of growing up, family bonds, illness, and grief. It tells a moving story about a boy named Sam Crow, who grows up in a loving household only to face the devastating impact of cancer—not once, but twice. The musical begins with Sam watching his mother battle and survive cancer. Later, as a university student, he is confronted with a similar situation—but this time, it ends in loss. The narrative powerfully explores how grief reshapes a person's world. Sam Crow is played by Alfie Blackwell, with Tayt Joshua Silvester-Stoller portraying his younger self. Both deliver compelling performances, capturing the deep emotional struggle of processing trauma at a young a...

7Jun

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Miss Myrtle’s Garden – Bush Theatre

Miss Myrtle’s Garden is a powerful and moving production that delicately explores the emotional terrain of memory, love, and loss. Centered around Miss Myrtle and the people closest to her, the story subtly but poignantly addresses themes of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Without ever explicitly naming the illness, the play allows the audience to experience the disorientation, warmth, and heartbreak that come with it. Diveen Henry gives a remarkable performance as Miss Myrtle. Her portrayal is layered and deeply human—she shifts effortlessly from moments of sharp wit to bouts of confusion and vulnerability. Her relationship with her late husband Melrose is the emotional core of the play. Mensah Bediako brings grace and gentle charm to the role of Melrose, and his onstage chemistry with H...

This Is Not a Murder Mystery – Drayton Arms Theatre

29May

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

This Is Not a Murder Mystery – Drayton Arms Theatre

This Is Not a Murder Mystery is a sharply written and tightly directed comedy-thriller by Peter Rae, performed in the intimate upstairs theatre above the charming Drayton Arms pub. With direction by Helen Bang—who also stars as the whimsical, scene-stealing Elizabeth Treasure—this fast-paced production delivers an evening full of energy, cleverness, and an unexpected twist. Set entirely in a regional theatre’s dressing room on the opening night of a fictional murder mystery, the play cleverly blurs the lines between backstage drama and on-stage intrigue. From the moment the lights go up, we’re immersed in a chaotic, hilarious, and occasionally poignant world of ageing actresses, youthful optimism, and theatrical egos. Helen Bang, Rosalind Blessed, and Laura Morgan have an infectious ...

The Crucible – Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

22May

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

The Crucible – Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

The Crucible, written by the extraordinary Arthur Miller, remains a powerful examination of mass hysteria, moral panic, and how fragile truth becomes in a climate of fear. At Shakespeare’s Globe, the play is given fresh urgency in a setting that amplifies both its historical weight and its emotional resonance. The Globe Theatre itself enhances the drama. Watching a performance in this open-air venue, with its wooden balconies and standing pit, is a unique and deeply atmospheric experience. The historical design transports you to another era, which makes The Crucible—though written in the 20th century—feel like a natural fit. The architecture reinforces the themes of scrutiny, public shame, and isolation. Set in 1692 Salem, the play dramatises a society tearing itself apart over accus...

9May

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Einkvan – The Coronet Theatre

Einkvan by Jon Fosse was performed at the beautiful Coronet Theatre, a venue that perfectly blends period charm with a capacity for avant-garde staging. The ambience was evocative and well-suited to the abstract, meditative tone of the production. The performance centers around a family in emotional disarray, focusing on a son who refuses to speak or respond to his parents. Despite their desperate attempts to connect—pleading with him to talk, reminiscing about shared memories, or offering simple gestures like having a beer—he remains distant and unresponsive. His silence is both the emotional core and the great mystery of the piece. Visually, Einkvan is stunning. The entire performance unfolds behind a semi-translucent veil, rendering the actors as ghostly figures moving in slow...

Scenes from a Repatriation – Royal Court Theatre

2May

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Scenes from a Repatriation – Royal Court Theatre

Scenes from a Repatriation is a bold and thought-provoking play that centres around a 1,000-year-old statue of Guan Yin, which was taken from China and is now housed in the British Museum. This production offers a rich philosophical exploration of the questions surrounding ownership of cultural artefacts—who has the right to possess them, and what meanings they hold for individuals across time and place. From the outset, the play is an intense, quite disturbing and an unconventional experience. It unfolds through a series of dynamic, often surreal scenes, each presenting a different perspective on the statue’s significance. The statue of Guan Yin becomes more than a historical object; it is a spiritual icon, a political flashpoint, and a symbol of commodification in a world where cultur...

11Apr

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Midnight Cowboy – Southwark Playhouse

Midnight Cowboy stars Paul Jacob French as Joe Buck, a young and naïve cowboy escaping his small-town roots for the bustling, unforgiving streets of New York City. French delivers a perfect American cowboy accent and brings depth and vulnerability to his role, proving his impressive acting range. Upon arriving in the Big Apple, Joe crosses paths with Rico “Ratso” Rizzo, played by Max Bowden - a streetwise, scrappy hustler barely surviving on the fringes of society. Bowden’s portrayal is gritty and raw, capturing the desperation and charm of a man who’s constantly scheming just to make it to the next day. Together, Joe and Ratso embark on a heartbreaking journey through the underworld of sex work, chasing dreams of wealth, happiness, and an escape to a better life in sunny Florida...