London Archives - Page 8 of 114

24Sep

By Savitha VenugopalNo Comments

London

Lilith – New Wimbledon Theatre

The stage is stark – white and blank save for the tree in the centre, laden with red fruit. This is the setting of an ancient story, the characters well known. You already know what that tree is, what it is going to do to Adam and Eve. But what of Lilith, the one who fell through the pages, the first companion of Adam, banished from paradise? The play – directed by Olivia Swain and Aimee Dickinson, written by the latter along with Aliya Gilmore – tells the story from the much-vilified Lilith’s perspective. Created along with Adam as a single entity “with four limbs and twin mouths”, Lilith was then cleaved from Adam and each named after the rhythm of their heartbeats. Together, they explore the garden of Eden with the delight of children, tasting fruits, naming animals and flowers, m...

The Lonesome Death of Eng Bunker – Omnibus Theatre

20Sep

By Olivia CoxNo Comments

London

The Lonesome Death of Eng Bunker – Omnibus Theatre

The story of Chang and Eng Bunker is one of enduring curiosity: two Siamese immigrant twins, conjoined by a band of cartilage and a shared liver, fascinated audiences across the US and achieved an unorthodox version of the American Dream. But on January 17th, 1874, Eng woke up to discover his conjoined twin brother was dead, before passing away himself a few hours later. The Lonesome Death of Eng Bunker, directed by Iskandar R. Sharazuddin, depicts Eng’s final solitary hours through puppetry, music, and striptease. Across an enchanting 60 minutes, writer and performer Tobi Poster-Su is at one with his puppets, bringing each figure — no matter how big or small — to life with a thrumming heartbeat. From the smallest tea bag to the largest human-like puppet, Poster-Su takes an extrao...

The Truth About Harry Beck – Cubic Theatre

19Sep

By Samantha CollettNo Comments

London

The Truth About Harry Beck – Cubic Theatre

The iconic London Tube Map is known the world over. But what about the man who invented it? Very little is known about Harry Beck, until now. Enter Andy Burden, writer and director, who’s made it his mission to shine a light on this quiet genius who changed the way we see and understand London. It’s funny when you think about it, the Tube map is such a taken for granted thing. Stations are leisurely dotted along coloured lines, circles show how you can change routes, and in one complete and easily digestible format, you can get where you want to go. It’s a remarkable feat of compression and visual ingenuity to distil the London Underground’s 250 miles of track and 272 stations across 11 lines into one handy map. But that’s what Harry Beck did. Photo: Mark Douet Sadly, when he d...

17Sep

By Zara OdetundeNo Comments

London

The Prudes – Royal Court

The Prudes, written by Anthony Neilson, is a comedy centred around the sex lives (or lack thereof) of Jimmy and Jess, a couple grappling with intimacy issues. While the premise offers plenty of potential for humour and thoughtful exploration of modern relationships, the production, unfortunately, falls short in several areas, leaving the audience with a mixed experience. Vkinn Vats, who portrays Jimmy, tended to overact at times. His performance felt slightly exaggerated, not reminiscent of a man struggling with insecurity and relationship woes. Instead of fully drawing the audience into his internal conflict, the over-the-top delivery occasionally pulled us out of the moment. At times, it seemed as though the actor was playing for laughs in a way that leaned more towards slapstick than...

17Sep

By Alan Stuart MalinNo Comments

London

Myra DuBois: Be Well – Hackney Empire

Myra DuBois returned to the stage at the Hackney Empire with her irreverent brand of comedy, leaving the audience in stitches, and occasionally wincing with disbelief. Presented as a "wellness sermon," ‘Myra DuBois: Be Well’ promised a fresh perspective on mental health, but what we really got was a night of rapid-fire wit, punchy audience reads, and the occasional awkward pause. The show opened with Frank Lavender, another of Gareth Joyner’s comic personas. Lavender, a relic of 1980s northern stand-up, played on his outdated attitudes with impeccable timing. Red-faced and sequined, Lavender delivered his gags with more cheese than precision, striking just the right balance of nostalgia and absurdity, generating more than a few belly laughs and a high level of energy across the audi...

Julius Caesar – Southwark Playhouse Borough

17Sep

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Julius Caesar – Southwark Playhouse Borough

The Southwark Playhouse Borough’s production of Julius Caesar offers a futuristic reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic tale of political intrigue and the lust for power. While the adaptation remains faithful to the original text and preserves the integrity of Shakespearean language, it falters in its execution, particularly in its attempts to merge modern technological elements with a centuries-old script. The integration of futuristic concepts—such as the use of advanced technology, weapons, and projections—initially seems like a bold choice. The clash between the antiquated language and the modernized aesthetic often feels forced, making it challenging for the audience to remain fully immersed in the world of the play. That said, the production’s technical achievements were impress...

17Sep

By Zandra OdetundeNo Comments

London

Abigail’s Party – Stratford East

Mike Leigh’s 1970s portrayal of an Essex suburban Soiree, taking place of the back of a raucous teenage party "Abigail’s Party," offers a compelling and incisive examination of middle-class life. This production vividly captures the essence of suburban dynamics with both humour and social critique. Set on Richmond Road, the play deftly exposes the tensions and pretensions that define the characters’ interactions, making it a thought-provoking and entertaining experience. The performances in "Abigail’s Party" are another standout aspect of the production. Tamzin Outhwaite shines as Beverley, capturing her character’s blend of superficial charm and underlying vulnerability with remarkable precision. Outhwaite’s portrayal of Beverley is both engaging and nuanced, bringing out the character...

The Shatter Box – The Lion & Unicorn Theatre

16Sep

By Klervi GavetNo Comments

London

The Shatter Box – The Lion & Unicorn Theatre

The Shatter Box, written by James Lewis and directed by David Brady, comes with a promising premise. Set in a dystopian world, a man awakens in a cage inside a mysterious facility. His captors probe him for the truth, though they themselves seem unsure of what they're seeking. The cage will only open when he provides the right answer. This intriguing setup, blending themes of ethics, scientific exploration and human consciousness, should generate gripping drama, but unfortunately falls short of its potential. At the heart of the story are four main characters: the prisoner (Fred Wardale), the examiner (Gabrielle Nellis-Pain), the guard (Nick Hardie), and the carer (Lauren Ferdinand). Despite life-and-death stakes, their performances generally lack the urgency needed. Wardale’s...

London City Ballet’s Resurgence at Sadler’s Wells

13Sep

By Alan Stuart MalinNo Comments

London

London City Ballet’s Resurgence at Sadler’s Wells

After nearly three decades, London City Ballet made a triumphant return to its former home at Sadler’s Wells with ‘Resurgence’, a performance that feels both like a heartfelt tribute to its past and a confident step into its future. Under the careful eye of Artistic Director, Christopher Marney, the evening offered a mix of classic and contemporary pieces that beautifully highlighted the company’s range and passion. The evening kicked off with Ashley Page’s Larina Waltz, a vibrant and traditional work set to Tchaikovsky’s famous waltz from Eugene Onegin. This charming piece, which celebrates its 30th anniversary, saw five couples in constant, flowing movement. Whilst there were moments where the synchrony faltered, and the timing between dancers felt slightly off, the dancers’ grace and...

Barista the Musical – The Capitol Horsham

13Sep

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Barista the Musical – The Capitol Horsham

Barista is the latest hit musical that beautifully blends romance, humour, and vibrant culture. The show tells the captivating love story between expat Isabella, played by the ever-charming Sara Bartos and a coffee entrepreneur, portrayed by the charismatic George Crawford. Their chemistry forms the emotional heart of the production, set against the backdrop of coffee, culture, and unexpected connections. The performance kicks off with high energy, featuring powerful vocals, dynamic choreography, and an infectious sense of humour that sets the tone for the entire show. Right from the opening number, the pacing is swift and seamless, with each scene flowing naturally into the next, never allowing a dull moment. It's a refreshing change of pace, offering a story set between the contrastin...