REVIEWS Archives - Page 120 of 548

14Jan

By Ralph JeffreysNo Comments

London

10 Nights – Riverside Studios

10 Nights is a funny and earnest play that sadly fails to live up to its full potential. The play follows Yasser, played by Adeel Ali, who decides to undertake I’tikaf, a 10-day period of isolation, prayer and spiritual cleansing at the end of Ramadan. For Yasser, more interested in TikTok than religion, this is a daunting prospect. One of the play’s strengths is in the themes it sets out to explore. Of these, imposter syndrome and social exclusion feature prominently. Yasser is made to feel uncomfortable by religious busybodies. His impassioned assertion that the mosque is supposed to be a place for everyone produced audible reactions of affirmation from the audience. Yet most of the play’s themes feel underexplored. Yasser is a character wracked by a central guilt, but we never fully ...

14Jan

By Johanna RobertsNo Comments

North West

Handel’s Messiah – Philharmonic Hall

What better way to shake of the Christmas/New Year blues than with the performance of Handel’s Messiah at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall in a tradition dating back to 1849. Handel composed the oratorio in a mere 24 days in 1741, but despite a warm reception at its premiere in Dublin, it received a cooler response at its subsequent performance in London. Nonetheless, it has since become one of the jewels of English classical music, and the light shone upon it by each conductor reveals new facets and highlights different elements, and it never fails to sparkle. Photo: Gareth Jones This year’s performance saw baritone Ben Appl, a former BBC New Generation Artist (2014-16) and current Artist in Residence at the Philharmonic, making his conducting debut. He introduced the piece ...

12Jan

By Wendy McEwanNo Comments

Scotland

PASS Double Bill – Traverse Theatre

The BA Dance and Drama students from PASS showcase their artistry in two ensemble pieces, created in collaboration with Dance Base. First up, the cryptically titled YGNEREME. The blurb in the programme talks about grief, collective action and emergency. A single dancer, Clara Browning, moves playfully in a spotlight, but then something changes and she is swept away by the collective. Assimilated, if you like. There is a pulse-driven techno soundtrack which enhances the feeling of ritual, and of not being quite what one was before – the sounds being machine-like. The rituals we use to navigate grief have ancient roots, and their comfort comes from following a well-established path. The movements emphasise rhythm and are all about the collective: there are few moments where individu...

11Jan

By Stephanie WiswallNo Comments

North West

Sleeping Beauty – Thingwall Players

Thingwall players should be very proud of themselves for their fun and energetic retelling of the traditional tale Sleeping Beauty. From the moment we entered it was a welcoming atmosphere. With a cast of mixed ages with excellent chemistry which shines through on the stage ensuring their audience leaves with a smile. One thing to note, this venue is a small, cozy and intimate venue which would be a fantastic performance to see for any children or adults who struggle with crowds or larger venues. But don't underestimate the talent and execution of this performance based on the venue size. It will have you beaming from ear to ear all the way home. Don't be fooled into thinking this is just an ordinary retelling of the tale. Brilliantly written by Nigel Holmes but superbly directed by ...

11Jan

By Zak RosenNo Comments

London

Belly Of The Beast – Finborough Theatre

Any kind of societal ill is, like society, gigantic. A hyperobject. Something that expands beyond what the human mind can easily grasp. Often, theatre that tries to engage with such phenomena can feel some combination of lost, scattered, bloodlessly instructional. This is not the case with The Belly of the Beast at Finborough Theatre. We begin in a small black box theatre, arranged tennis-court style, with two simple spaces dispersed across time – an office and a classroom – that, thanks to the set-lighting-sound work of Delyth Evans, Arnim Friess and Max Pappenheim, provides an excellent environment for the action of the play, dynamic and real without distracting from what happens next. Things really come to life, however, through the performances: Sam Bampoe-Parry and Shiloh Coke,...

Liar Liar Pants on Fire – The Union Theatre

11Jan

By Zandra OdetundeNo Comments

London

Liar Liar Pants on Fire – The Union Theatre

Liar Liar Pants on Fire delivers an authentic slice-of-life experience, anchored by the remarkable debut of Hayley Schiffer. From the very first scene, Schiffer’s performance draws you in with its raw emotion and unflinching honesty, encapsulating the all too familiar feelings of a second-generation immigrant with grace and depth. Her portrayal resonates deeply, leaving audiences feeling as if they are witnessing their own lives unfold on stage. Schiffer’s acting is nothing short of extraordinary. The way she speaks about Londoners and the observations she shares about everyday spaces feel incredibly genuine. It isn’t just dialogue; it’s a depiction of reality, infused with personal touches that make the narrative so relatable. This authenticity sets her apart, and it is evident in ...

11Jan

By Kathleen MansfieldNo Comments

Scotland

The Nutcracker – Festival Theatre

Familiarity, surprise and a sumptuously sparkling set from Lez Brotherston: that’s Scottish Ballet’s The Nutcracker. It's a wonderful escape on a sub-zero evening. The orchestra is superb and Daniel Parkinson’s musicians deliver Tchaikovsky’s score with aplomb and tenderness in turn. The corp de ballet and the principals effortlessly float and gracefully swirl as if the demanding choreography were simple. The layered, cosy set is like a warm hug. It draws you in and cradles you in its dreamworld. Within this cocoon, enjoy the antics of dizzy old Aunts, the swish of crinoline and the magic of Christmas presents, friends and family before transitioning to Clara’s dreamworld. Photo: Andy Ross Lighting by George Thomson adds greatly. Set, lighting and costumes support and showca...

11Jan

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Panacea – The Cockpit

Panacea is a tragedy centered on a scientist who creates an infectious disease intended to save humanity from future pandemics. While the synopsis may appear straightforward, the play explores profound themes, presenting a layered narrative that delves into navigating love and relationships while being on the autism spectrum, confronting grief and suicide, and grappling with ethical dilemmas about whether humans should "play God" and the consequences of such actions. This thought-provoking play weaves together these complex aspects into a seamless performance that lingers in the audience’s mind. Augustus Jameson, portrayed by Jonty O’Callaghan, delivered a superb and deeply empathetic performance. His portrayal of someone on the autism spectrum was both sensitive and authentic, capt...

Sleeping Beauty – Normanton Junior Academy

10Jan

By Tracey BellNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

Sleeping Beauty – Normanton Junior Academy

There is always a warm welcome at an Encore production and right away you are made to feel part of the evening, with smiles and greetings galore. Established in 1944, Encore is a well-known Theatre company in the local Wakefield/Castleford area and boasts The Lord St Oswald (6th Baron St Oswald) of Nostell Priory as its Honorary Patron. What made this production special to me was the Inclusivity on the stage as well as off. It really was a diverse (in every sense of the word) community performance and just how panto should be – a collective experience for the cast and the audience – as one doesn’t exist without the other! Sleeping Beauty is very well written by Sue and Andrew Sheppard and directed by Sue, the detailed and clear storyline follows the well-known tale of Sleeping Beauty an...

8Jan

By Nazaret RaneaNo Comments

Scotland

Bat Out of Hell – Edinburgh Playhouse

Walking into the Edinburgh Playhouse, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from Bat Out of Hell. I’d heard the rave reviews and knew of Meat Loaf’s legendary anthems, but would it translate into a compelling night of theatre? As I was not familiar with the story, I had my doubts but by the time the final note rang out, my question was answered with a resounding yes! Right from the opening moments, the show makes its intentions clear: it’s big, it’s bold, and it’s not afraid to embrace its madness. Backed by an incredible eight-piece live band, the production hurtles forward at full speed. The stage transforms into a dystopian world filled with rebellion and romance, brought to life by Jon Bausor’s stunning set design. One moment we’re in dark underground tunnels; the next, a teenager’s...