London Archives - Page 50 of 123

2Aug

By Maani WayNo Comments

London

The Crown Jewels – Garrick Theatre

The Crown Jewels has opened in London’s West End this summer for a limited run. With its star-studded cast and satirical comedy, this play is an interesting take on the monarch and the true story of Colonel Thomas Blood’s attempt to steal the Crown jewels in 1671. It is evident from the opening number that this show sets out to mock and provide the audience with humour. Carrie Hope Fletcher opens the show as the Lady of the Bedchamber to King Charles II singing a folk-like song ‘Praise Him’ which draws the audience in. However, it is later unclear whether this show is attempting to be a musical. Fletcher has an undeniable range and belt – the limited songs giving her the opportunity to showcase her impressive talent. Unfortunately, the songs throughout the show felt somewhat misplaced a...

30Jul

By Anisha PucadyilNo Comments

London

Word-Play – Royal Court

Artist – audience - resonance - reflection - WEIRD - discomfort - indifference - values - public - harm - community - responsible? – cracked - so many tiny pieces. Rabiah Hussain has made a masterpiece. Word- Play is evocative, heart-wrenching and poignant. Kudos to director Nimmo Ismail for the skilled use of light, space, and direction. Each of the actors painted with broad strokes scenes from across London. Some we have observed, some we have heard of and many that clawed into our skins and made us feel deeply. From scenes of bastions of power making guffaws to the playground to dinner-time social niceties, the drama uncovers the discomfort that often remains unexpressed in social interactions using words that give light to our unconscious biases and blind spots. Also, how we lean...

Same, Same, But Different – Brixton House

26Jul

By Anisha PucadyilNo Comments

London

Same, Same, But Different – Brixton House

‘Same, same, but different’ is a rocking blockbuster. It packs the romance, the relationship's transformation and deepening, and almost a decade of the queer couple in an hour-long play! With its keen perception of the lived realities of mixed-race couples, heteronormative families, and insensitive work environments, it is crafted with finesse to hit a nerve across broader demographics. This play must be seen, celebrated, talked about and seen again. We meet the endearing characters of Cam and Jesse at the age-old queer meet cute outside the dance hall. Though one is familiar with all the beats of romance, it is refreshing to see a queer and non-binary couple express their love, friendship, commitment and decision-making on stage. The agony and ecstasy of romance is scene painted with t...

Frank Sinatra’s Songs for Swingin’ Lovers! – Cadagon Hall

25Jul

By Michelle KnightNo Comments

London

Frank Sinatra’s Songs for Swingin’ Lovers! – Cadagon Hall

A one night only extravaganza of songs from the Frank Sinatra’S iconic album; ‘Songs for Swingin Lovers!’ released in 1956, performed by Stephen Triffitt and supported by the amazing Manhattan Swing Orchestra, a full big band with strings. Stephen performed classic favourites such as ‘You Make Me Feel So Young’, ‘Old Devil Moon’ and ‘Come Fly with Me’ and with extra songs such as ‘Witchcraft’ and ending in a rapturous rendition of ‘My Way’ and ‘New York New York’. Stephen included facts and narrative surrounding Franks’ songs, his collaborations with Capital records until he left in 1960 and his lyricist Nelson Riddle. It is an evening of celebration of the magnitude of the Frank Sinatra songbook, Stephen Triffitt undoubtedly is a master of his craft he is very comfortable with the song...

25Jul

By Zara OdetundeNo Comments

London

Ride – Southwark Playhouse Elephant

Ride is a British musical that Returns to London after a period at the Charing Cross Theatre last year. This show is back and even better than before. Presented as a pitch for her very own newspaper column we see Annie Londonderry commandeer office assistant Martha and together the two of them narrate Annie’s journey in 1894 to be the first woman to circumnavigate the globe via bicycle. The performers speak directly to the audience as though we are the panel they are pitching to. Which is great for this story especially given the double act cast and small intimate set. The transition between relaying the story to the board vs Annie disappearing into her reality was profound and the shift was palpable via the energy in the audience. All the book, music and lyrics are by Freya Cat...

24Jul

By Riana HowarthNo Comments

London

Henry I – St Paul’s Church

Rabble Theatre presents a fine dramatization of King Henry I’s life. It was truly thrilling to watch history reenacted, made even more pungent by the gore and striking stage combat. I knew very little about Henry I, so it was a delight to learn about the past in a way that was so visceral. We sat on pews before a skatepark of a stage (designed by Sarah Jane Booth), streaked with blood red and earthy tones in the holy setting of the St Paul’s Church. The acoustics brought the play to life and the church setting reflected its reverence to an immersive effect. The in-depth research by writer Beth Flintoff must have inspired and informed the strong character choices which were cohesive with their actions and decisions. I could see parallels between modern archetypes in the characters suc...

Around the World in 80 Days – Churchill Theatre

20Jul

By Paul AckroydNo Comments

London

Around the World in 80 Days – Churchill Theatre

This Titled Wig Production, originally developed in collaboration with York Theatre Royal, is a romp from beginning to end. It is colourful, energetic and engaging. Based on Jules Verne's famous novel, it creatively combines Verne's narrative of the imaginary journey of Phileas Fogg with that of Nellie Bly, a real life American journalist who circled the world in 72 days in 1890. The stage design by Sara Parks had a circus theme, with a colourful red and white tent-like tower structure with several gangway protrusions. The cast ascended and used these in a number of creative ways as the story progressed. Fogg’s journey was illustrated by means of a revolving banner, wound on by the cast. It gave some problems on press night which the cast imaginatively solved. The five strong e...

19Jul

By Akshay RahejaNo Comments

London

Diana – Soho Theatre

In Diana, a captivating one-person musical, Peter Smith draws inspiration from the enigmatic Diana, the blonde British icon who bared her soul on television. Smith, a renowned figure in the New York cabaret circuit, reveals their fascination with Diana, ignited by watching Martin Bashir's infamous interview. Yet, the show appears more about Smith, frequently delving into anecdotes about family, leaving us perplexed about its true focus. The lack of clarity leaves us yearning for a clearer narrative. Smith excels at crafting sensationalist one-liners, but disappointingly, do not lead anywhere substantial. Instead, it feels like a collection of shallow headlines, akin to tabloid gossip that entices but lacks depth. This alluring yet ultimately open production leaves much to be desired. ...

19Jul

By Maani WayNo Comments

London

The Choir of Man – Arts Theatre

“Cheers, everybody!” This fresh, innovative and hilarious show has launched itself on the West End, promising solid enjoyment which is sure to leave you fully satisfied at last orders. While the story is a tale of a group’s highs and lows, with some rhyming dialogue and narration by poet Michael Hamway, this is not the key aspect of the show. A little unconventional, The Choir of Man allows audience members to grab a pint at the pub on stage before the performance, allowing for the actors to interact with the audience and set the scene and spirit of the show. Audience participation is a focal part of this show, and is one of the more distinctive parts of this production. Tom Carter-Miles performs a comically romantic rendition of Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream” to a lucky audience membe...

15Jul

By Zoё MeeresNo Comments

London

Disruption – Park Theatre

Artificial Intelligence is having a moment. From ChatGPT and now a Google rival, ‘Bard’, to journalists calmly asking robots with near-human faces if they’re planning a rebellion against us, Andrew Stein’s cautionary tale about AI feels perfectly timed. The stage is set for a reunion dinner. Tech entrepreneur Nick is in town, buoyant from his latest business sale and has arranged to meet up with some old friends; three thirty-something couples who are grappling with the kind of first world problems that plague the middle classes like private school fees, whether to buy a bigger house, which exotic destination would be preferable for a holiday and so on. Enter Nick’s mysterious (unblinking) partner, Raven – together, they have a proposition that could solve all of Nick’s friends’ ...