REVIEWS Archives - Page 203 of 550

21May

By Paul AckroydNo Comments

London

The Book of Grace – Arcola Theatre

This is an outstanding production of a gripping drama, written by Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks in 2009. The Arcola Theatre presents the UK premiere of a revised version, with an all-black cast. The play tells the story of Vet and his second wife Grace who live on the Texas Mexico border. They receive a visit from Vet's son Buddy, who has been away and out of contact for 15 years. He has returned for his father's award ceremony, recognition for his single-handedly having detained a large group of illegal migrants on the border. The border runs through Vet's life: he is a very proud member of the border force, his house is within sight of the border fence and he has a live stream of the fence playing in his house. Borders generally are very important to Vet,...

The Audience – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

21May

By Paul WilcoxNo Comments

North West

The Audience – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

Back in 2013, well before ‘The Crown’ became a Netflix sensation, Peter Morgan wrote ‘The Audience’. This reimagining of the weekly meetings that take place between the monarch and her first twelve Prime ministers was a smash hit in both the West End and on Broadway, garnering Olivier and Tony awards for Helen Mirren in her role as Elizabeth II. Altrincham Garrick Playhouse has now taken up the challenge of producing this deep dive into post war British history, resulting in a sumptuous and informative production sprinkled with excellent performances. The set (Barry Purves) could not be simpler; two chairs on a bare stage - which Equerry (Howard Yaffe) informs us may or may not be Hepplewhite - allow Queen Elizabeth (Ros Greenwood) and her various Prime Ministers to illustrate political...

Peebles Orchestra – The Leckie Memorial Church, Peebles

20May

By Kathleen MansfieldNo Comments

Scotland

Peebles Orchestra – The Leckie Memorial Church, Peebles

Until recently, the Scottish Borders was the only region in Europe without a rail service. I wonder if this lack of transport infrastructure led to a necessary blossoming of home-grown talent of exceptional quality. Peebles Orchestra, formed in 1976, plays a key role in the town's cultural life. Teamwork is found not just on the rugby pitch in the Borders. This collection of enthusiasts prove that talent has no bounds and a job outside of your musical passion is no obstacle to a desire for excellence. The Orchestra is fortunate to attract such prestigious names as Robert Dick to conduct. Dick’s international reputation has taken him around the globe and seen him collaborate with such distinguished soloists as Nicola Benedetti, Steven Isserlis, Anna-Liise Bezrodny and Murray McLachlan...

Much Ado About Nothing – Shakespeare’s Globe

20May

By Kira DanielsNo Comments

London

Much Ado About Nothing – Shakespeare’s Globe

Shakespeare’s enduringly delightful tale of wit-crossed lovers enlivens The Globe Theatre this summer, pouring Mediterranean sun into every darkened crevice of that wooden “O”. Directed by Associate Artistic Director Sean Holmes and composed of an energetic cast of young actors, this production is both brash and bashful. The convivial environment of the open-air theatre is well suited to these frolicsome festivities and each of its performers seem intent upon maximizing the audiences delight in their collective spectacle. From the processional marches of the visiting Don Pedro and his crew of lovesick soldiers to the courting dances of Leonato and his bevy of irreverential young maidens, every opportunity for mirth is here seized. Led in their revelry by the ever-at-war and never-in-lov...

20May

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Wifi-Sexual – Greenwich Theatre

"WiFi-Sexual" is “an outrageously dark romcom" that explores the concept of being in a relationship with AI. In our modern world, AI like Alexa, Google Home, and even Tesco’s self-checkout machines are integrated into our daily lives. But have you ever considered dating your AI tool? This show promises to explore what that could look like. The first act opens with laugh-out-loud comedy, highlighting the perks and challenges of being in a relationship with technology. It starts by depicting the craving for intimacy while hearing another's sexual encounters. The story centres on an awkward individual navigating the dating world, struggling to meet others and definitely not ready for the open conversations that his AI tool, Mandy, was ready to have with him, including very vocal phone sex....

20May

By Katy GilroyNo Comments

London

Rush – Floral Pavilion

Not your average theatre show, Rush brought a taste of Jamaica to New Brighton’s Floral Pavilion on Saturday night – billed as a joyous Jamaican journey, did it deliver? Narrated by witty stand-up comedian John Simmit, this is an uplifting tale of Jamaican history and the story of the ever-inspiring Windrush generation, peppered with an array of music from the nation over the years. There were plenty of tunes from Aswad, Bob Marley, Desmond Dekker and more performed by a talented band, alongside lead singers IKA and Janice Williamson whose voices were enough to stun the lively audience into silence at times. That silence didn’t last long, however. From uproarious laughter to dancing in the aisles, the crowd lapped up every moment of the show – especially the political moments, of whi...

An Ideal Husband – New Wimbledon Theatre

20May

By Savitha VenugopalNo Comments

London

An Ideal Husband – New Wimbledon Theatre

What relevance could a play written 130 years ago possibly have today? But then, that is the magic of Oscar Wilde, giving us themes that stay relevant through the ages, food for thought for days. When Lady Markby remarked that society has become over-populated and that “someone should arrange a proper scheme of assisted emigration”, it certainly hit a nerve and prompted a few uncomfortable chuckles in the audience. Directed by Patrick Brione, the Carlton Theatre Group’s production of An Ideal Husband is rich in talent and rides the waves of wit and melodrama with flair. Sir Robert Chiltern’s perfect life hangs in the balance as the scheming Mrs Cheveley threatens him with social and political ruin. She blackmails him with a letter from his past in order to force his support for a canal ...

People Places & Things – Trafalgar Theatre

20May

By Riana HowarthNo Comments

London

People Places & Things – Trafalgar Theatre

I’d heard the premise before going to see this. I knew it was about an actress with an addiction problem going to rehab, to get the paper that lets her get back to work. Yet it was much more than this - an intensive journey, from the excruciating detox to all the mental anguish, conceptualisation, denial, and the hopeful, desperate, desire to get better. It was a truly cathartic watch. Denise Gough’s characterisation was phenomenal, we saw all the nooks and crannies of this complex woman. Her visceral performance brought Emma’s story to life, and made the meta moments, the reminders that we are watching actors, even more trippy because her character was so embodied and real. There was a moment in the first scene where the back of the stage is ripped away, and throughout the drama, this ...

The Nine Day Queen – Barons Court Theatre

20May

By Kira DanielsNo Comments

London

The Nine Day Queen – Barons Court Theatre

It’s said that birds of a feather flock together- until the cat comes. When danger looms does solidarity dissipate? Can you really save yourself if no one else is safe? How can women do right by each other when the world seems so determined to do us wrong? The fledgling Itchy Feet Theatre Company asks these questions and more in their new staging of The Nine Day Queen both written and directed by Jen Tucker. A youthful and bright-eyed company of four delicate but determined looking girls is anchored in this performance by Maddie White as Rita, a fifteen-year-old, whose best friend Lena (Moya Matthews) has suffered a brutal attack and is hospitalized and comatose. While Rita awaits Lena’s eventual reawakening or untimely passing, she dwells in memories of their friendship, buries herself...

Jean-Michel Bernard Plays Lalo Schifrin – Coronet Theatre

20May

By Olivia CoxNo Comments

London

Jean-Michel Bernard Plays Lalo Schifrin – Coronet Theatre

Acclaimed French pianist and composer Jean-Michel Bernard is best known for writing, performing, and scoring for films such as Hugo and Be Kind Rewind. But in his second of two nights delighting audiences at Notting Hill’s Coronet Theatre, Bernard played tribute to another icon of the genre, Lalo Schifrin. Bernard delicately took us along a journey through Schifrin’s music, as well as other compositions inspired by his artistry, for an evening that highlighted the inimitable power of music to transport us to another time and place entirely. Accompanied by nothing but his piano, simple lighting and an adorable picture of his beloved chihuahua Onion, Bernard had an astutely commanding presence in the characterful space, and his effortless mastery of his instrument was bewitching. ...