London Archives - North West End UK

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong – Apollo Theatre

15Dec

By Gemma PrinceNo Comments

London

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong – Apollo Theatre

Mischief’s comedy crew are back and better than ever in their latest rendition of A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong at the Apollo Theatre. Directed by Matt DiCarlo, the story follows the fictional Cornley Drama Society in their attempt to re-create Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale, with hilariously chaotic consequences. In a style like Mischief’s other Goes Wrong shows, which have firmly cemented them as comedic geniuses, we see the original Mischief team reunited, including Nancy Zamit, Greg Tannahill, Chris Leask, Jonathan Hall, and Henry Lewis, joined by Sasha Frost, Daniel Fraser, and Matt Cavendish. We see some familiar characters from the Goes Wrong franchise return, including Chris, Robert, Nancy, and Dennis. Getting to see these characters in a different setting but as funny a...

Gawain and the Green Knight – Park Theatre

15Dec

By Charles PipeNo Comments

London

Gawain and the Green Knight – Park Theatre

Based on the medieval Arthurian poem, Gawain and the Green Knight is a new reinterpretation by Felix Grainger and Gabriel Fogartey-Graveson, that transposes the story to a modern-day corporate setting. Cybersecurity firm Camelot Corp is undergoing major restructuring and rebranding. The CEO Arthur (Cara Steele) has decided to adopt a new model that mimics stories of the heroic Knights of the Round Table. Gary (Felix Grainger) – redubbed Gawain – is being sacked (exiled) just before Christmas for being too boring and lacking “spark”. When a mysterious green stranger shows up at the office Christmas party and proposes a game, Gawain accepts the challenge, beheads the stranger, and wins the respect of his boss. One year later, Gawain must uphold his end of the game and journey by elevator ...

Revenge: After The Levoyah – Soho Theatre

14Dec

By Charles PipeNo Comments

London

Revenge: After The Levoyah – Soho Theatre

Following the death of their grandfather, in the midst of the 2019 allegations of antisemitism within the Labour Party, Jewish twins Lauren (Gemma Barnett) and Ben (Charlie Cassen) are recruited by Malcolm Spivak to “do something about it”. Malcolm’s plan is to kidnap Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn. Nick Cassenbaum’s hilarious script satirises the media’s frenzied attacks on Jeremy Corbyn in the lead up to the 2019 General Election. Although set in 2019, there are clear modern-day parallels; claims of antisemitism are frequently used to discount any criticism of the State of Israel and its actions in Gaza. As well as being a sharp satire, the play excels as a spoof of gangster, heist, and spy movies. The playful script, dynamic direction, and evocative sound and lighting design perfe...

14Dec

By Eleanor HallNo Comments

London

Evita Too – Southbank Centre

A joyously inventive dissection of Isabel Perón’s life, 'Evita Too' is an unforgettable piece of theatre. Questing to write a musical about Isabel - who is still alive, according to Wikipedia - Rebecca Biscuit and Louise Mothersole artfully interweave historical facts with the comic iconography of 'Evita'. Having already completed a run at Soho Theatre, this show was ambitious in its use of the Southbank’s more spacious Purcell Room to explore power dynamics with a playful approach. Clowning and music were the instruments of choice in this interrogation of the legacy of a woman forgotten, despite being the world’s first female president. Thrown to the wind was the invention of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, with Sh!t Theatre's original songs embargoing any familiar intrusions. ...

12Dec

By Dave SmithNo Comments

London

Kenrex – The Other Palace

A true crime story of a still unsolved crime in small town America, KENREX blends genres, true crime, western, music into something far, far greater than the sum of its parts. What begins as an almost true crime podcast style reconstruction of a murder turns into a study of how a small community shapes its own mythology, and how fear, loyalty and silence can outlast the truth. After acclaimed runs in Sheffield and Southwark Playhouse, this transfer to The Other Palace just confirms how brilliant KENREX is. Ken Rex McElroy was a violent bully who terrorised the small town of Skidmore, Missouri, for years. With no sheriff and no police within an hour's drive, the law was never able to stop him. A snake-oil lawyer (with a brilliant introduction that almost adds musical as a genre to ...

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...

Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo – Young Vic

12Dec

By Stewart Who?No Comments

London

Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo – Young Vic

The basic premise of Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo prompted a profound reaction in this particular citizen of the planet, who also happens to love theatre. Rajiv Joseph has written a play addressing the cataclysmic consequences of the American invasion of Iraq and downfall of the Saddam regime. This is a topic that’s uncomfortable for many. It’s awkward for those who cheered, engineered and gleefully took part in it. It’s also a thorny subject for the millions who looked away as it unfolded and lazily enabled the horror. The former and current citizens of Iraq undoubtedly have feelings on this matter which run deeper than sporadic discomfort. There are many whose livelihoods and sanity are invested in either keeping this topic off the table, or muddying the waters. Creative projects w...

10Dec

By Charles PipeNo Comments

London

The Last Bantam – Etcetera Theatre

Written and performed by Michael Hughes, The Last Bantam tells the interesting true story of the “Bantam Battalions”: British WWI battalions composed entirely of men between the height of 5’ and 5’3”. If – like I hadn’t – you haven’t heard of the Bantam Battalions, then the story of how such battalions came to be is intriguing. From the various reasons short men would go out of their way to enlist, to the logistical considerations such as outfitting the soldiers in their uniforms, to having to raise the trenches’ firing steps, this play is full of fascinating historical titbits. History buffs will probably enjoy references to battles and events throughout the war and learning how the Bantams played a role in them. The fantastic costume and props add another degree of historical authenti...

Traveling Dancers: Cabaret Show – Kunstraum Gallery

8Dec

By Anisha PucadyilNo Comments

London

Traveling Dancers: Cabaret Show – Kunstraum Gallery

Travelling Dancers: Cabaret Show was a memorable showcase. One could sense the joyous celebration that was deeply meaningful for each of the dancers, some of whom were on stage for the first time. Curated and performed by SWANA artists, the evening had something for everyone. Ana Gabriela Hernández curated the endearing programme featuring her Bellydance Lab group; a percussion duet by Ana and Seda; Juzour Dance Collective; Politika; a work-in-progress by Lucia; and her own character performance, Venus. Following her degree in Dance and Anthropology at the University of Roehampton, Ana self-produced the evening at the cosy Kunstraum Gallery. For those not aware, this unique space supports artists with roots in the African and Caribbean diasporas and people of colour across the world. Ku...

The Liar, the Bitch and the Wardrobe – Union Theatre

8Dec

By Alan Stuart MalinNo Comments

London

The Liar, the Bitch and the Wardrobe – Union Theatre

There are times in the theatre when you can feel an entire room surrender to delight, when a show strikes the rare balance between clever writing, full throttle performance and joyful mischief. ‘The Liar, the Bitch and the Wardrobe’ at the Union Theatre delivers exactly that kind of night. It is, without exaggeration, pure writing genius. Joshua Coley’s unapologetic and confident script spins a riotous adult panto that is as sharp as it is shameless, packed with more wit, filth and surprise than should reasonably fit into two hours. Every gag lands well, every callback builds, every twist feels fresh. It is a gleefully untamed carnival of comedy, queerness, and musical mayhem! The premise alone sets the tone. Two hapless, fruity East London wartime young lovers, evacuated to the hilario...