London Archives - Page 2 of 149

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...

8Dec

By Michelle KnightNo Comments

London

Cinderella – The Rose Theatre

The Rose Theatre hosts Chris Bush and Roni Neale’s Christmas characterisation of Cinderella featuring a cast of professionals and the young company. What strikes you immediately is the set, with its small compact house, with its larder fridge, cereal boxes, chairs emulating stepping stone access to the attic bedroom above. The illusion of a fully functional home was truly amazing. Throughout the production the revolving house becomes the scenes of the pumpkin carriage, the castle and the forest. A clever use of the staging and lighting that enabled a sense of magical wonder, credit to Ryan Dawson Laight. The young cast kick off the show with lanterns and ensemble of “Where does the time go”. A strong start to open Act 1 and into the story of Ella pla...

8Dec

By Anisha PucadyilNo Comments

London

Private View – Soho Theatre

Private View is the debut play by playwright Jess Edwards, a vulnerable portrayal of queer love that burns itself by moving too close to the flame, too soon. It is held together by sincere performances from Patricia Allison (Sex Education) and Stefanie Martini (The Gold), who draw you in from the tantalising portrait shots on the show poster to their believable portrayals. Directed by Annie Kershaw, Private View runs at Soho Theatre from 27th November – 20th December. https://sohotheatre.com/events/private-view/ Come for the sizzling chemistry of the hot flush queer romance; stay for the realities of staying in love—true to any relationship. The play captures the essence of the tenderness of attraction. It ruminates on how, in falling in love, we open ourselves to the spotlight, ...

4Dec

By Charlotte MansfieldNo Comments

London

The Horse of Jenin – Bush Theatre

Alaa Shehada’s one man show about growing up in Jenin is a funny and powerful tale of Palestinians trying to lead ordinary lives under the ever-present threat of violence. Comedy is the tone from the outset, as Shehada begins by engaging with the audience, getting us to laugh, clap along to music and interact with him to ease us in. He then tells us about his birth, the first boy born to his parents, passed around by all his aunts and uncles in celebration. At the same time, another boy was born in the area, Ahmed, who becomes Shehada’s best friend. When a German artist comes to Jenin and starts collecting the debris from the latest Israeli attack, the boys are confused at first – why would someone want this rubbish? But then a sculpture of a horse is unveiled, piec...

The Christmas Thing – Seven Dials Playhouse

4Dec

By Carole GordonNo Comments

London

The Christmas Thing – Seven Dials Playhouse

Tom Clarkson and Owen Visser have returned with their anarchic Christmas show, The Christmas Thing. The vague title is perfect for a show that veers wildly between songs, slapstick, games and skits. It harks back to the Morecambe and Wise Christmas Specials of the 1970s, with music, sketches, slapstick, cracker jokes and a bit of topical satire thrown in - if that legendary duo had been high on magic mushrooms. The set-up is a live TV studio, with members of the audience offering up their party pieces as they become the show's "special guests". So in between songs and sketches, audience members gargle the National Anthem or do the splits or hunt for a missing box of Christmas cheer. The frenzied pace is interspersed with some whizzy and technically clever video pieces introducing ...

Broke and Fabulous in the 21st Century – Etcetera Theatre

4Dec

By Charlotte MansfieldNo Comments

London

Broke and Fabulous in the 21st Century – Etcetera Theatre

How do you live a life as beautiful as the one that’s in your head? This is the question facing the characters of Dale Robertson's one act play. Described as a ‘dramedy for today’s generation’, it is a commentary on navigating the modern world told through the eyes of two friends, Alex and Petunia, both broke and in their 30s. As the audience enters, Alex (Dale Robertson) is already on stage, lying on a low bed, pouting and scribbling in a notebook. Clothes are strewn around the room, partly a result of his latest sexual encounter with not-quite-boyfriend Tom (Rowland Stirling) and partly because this is his lifestyle - chaotic, messy bohemian. He's an out of work actor and writer who can only afford one meal a day (but has enough for alcohol and drugs when he wants th...

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, ...