REVIEWS Archives - Page 145 of 545

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 Lavender, a relic of 1980s northern stand-up, played on his outdated attitudes with impeccable timing.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 Clare ChandlerNo Comments

North West

8 Hours There and Back – Unity Theatre

It’s always fascinating to revisit a show further along in its journey. Two years after its work-in-progress sharing at the Unity, 8 Hours There and Back returns to kick off a UK tour, playing to a packed house. The production features new faces—Cal Connor, Olivia Lamb, and Rio Star as children navigating a world they don’t belong in, within a system that has forgotten them—along with some new creatives. Choreographer Adele Inglis infuses the movement with a Hip Hop-inspired vibe, but at its core, the show remains a moving and, at times, harrowing portrayal of the realities of life for children with a parent in prison. This is unmistakably an All Things Considered Theatre production, bearing the distinct creative fingerprints of Sarah Hogarth and Emma Bramley. Deft comic moments prevent...

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...

Now That’s What I Call Armageddon – Daneside Theatre

14Sep

By Angela KellyNo Comments

North West

Now That’s What I Call Armageddon – Daneside Theatre

The idea of a ‘Now’ album highlighting the songs you'd want to listen to before the end of the world is certainly an intriguing concept. Although it’s easy to forget what ‘Now’ album we are up to, this performance by Trinity Amateur Operatic Society is clearly informing us that this is the final one! This album is badged as ‘the ultimate play list for the end of the world’ and directed by Simeon Green and Simon Matthews it is undoubtedly an innovative idea. The premise of the show is essentially about the songs that the public would want to hear as the end of the world approaches. The songs are entered into different categories such as ‘Ultimate song for singing in the shower’,’ …for motivation’, and even ‘…for driving with the window down.’ The backdrop to the stage displayed a T...

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...

13Sep

By Scot CunninghamNo Comments

North West

Gwyneth Goes Skiing – Hope Mill Theatre

It’s barely been a year since Awkward Productions tickled and perplexed Manchester audiences through Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story, yet this queer little theatre company is back at Hope Mill with another not-entirely-accurate story of a style icon to tell. Adversity strikes for the otherwise carefree actress-turned-entrepreneur Gwyneth Paltrow (Linus Karp) after a ski crash with optometrist Terry Sanderson (Joseph Martin) leads to a court battle. The real-life incident occurred in 2016 but wasn’t brought to trial until 2023. An understanding of goop-founding Gwyneth’s background helps to appreciate the humour of this part-musical, part-comedy, as references come hurtling down the Deer Valley slopes thick and fast. The script confidently covers it all, from her incalculable f...