REVIEWS Archives - Page 26 of 453

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...

8Jan

By Peter KinnockNo Comments

West Midlands

Peter Pan – Birmingham Hippodrome

Sprinkled with producer, Michael Harrison’s, hallmark pizzazz and glitter, Peter Pan explodes on to the stage of the Birmingham Hippodrome with all the traditional elements of British pantomime deftly blended with a beguiling swathe of new and exciting ideas. Of course, we know the story, of course, we know the characters, of course we know what will happen - but do we? One of the joys of pantomime is its endless ability to subvert the expectation of the audience and deliver something with proud aplomb which says, “You didn’t see that coming, did you?” - and in many cases tonight we didn’t! Another delight of pantomime is catching up with players we see year in year, year out and Matt Slack is the Hippodrome’s go-to chucklemeister with a vast array of comic routines and monologues dutif...

1Jan

By Alice RoseNo Comments

London

The Creakers – Southbank Centre

What a way to end 2024 and bring in the new year than to spend it with Tom Fletcher's stage adaptation of ‘The Creakers’. Following Lily, the ‘bin girl’ to all the children on the street whose Dad works as a bin man and clears up all the rubbish on Clutter Avenue. One night, there’s a rumble under her bed and in the morning, her dad is nowhere to be seen. Along with the rest of the street’s parents. All the kids are now by themselves, much to their surprise and enjoyment. Lily takes it upon themselves to find out where the parents have gone and how to get them back. As this show opened, we are introduced to an incredibly interesting and beautiful set, explosive with colour and light and never for a second left a dull moment on stage. The cast enter with the opening number, the character...

Jack and the Beanstalk – Sheffield City Hall

31Dec

By Tracey BellNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

Jack and the Beanstalk – Sheffield City Hall

A stellar cast climbs the heights! The City Hall, Sheffield hosted the opening night of Manor Operatic Society’s Jack and the Beanstalk last night to a packed and lively family audience. Reputed to be the largest amateur pantomime in the country, Manor yet again pulled out all the stops not to disappoint. With a strong, polished and large cast, they filled the large City Hall stage to the brim with laughter and pantomime traditions in their ‘bucket’ load! This pantomime is fully immersive and not one expected ‘pantomime must have’ is missing. From the expected messy baking scene to the tune of Sweet Caroline, to the children invited on stage, and the obligatory ‘it’s behind you’ mayhem - to the audience participation – retorts filled the auditorium and MOS gave the audience what they wa...

22Dec

By Mark DavorenNo Comments

North West

Star of Wonder – Unity Theatre

This collaborative production from Theatre Porto and Teatro Pomodoro, originally performed at Theatre Porto in 2022, follows its own star as it travels from Ellesmere Port to arrive in Liverpool’s Unity Theatre where, under the direction of Nina Hajiyianni, it delights and enthrals in equal measure. In this modern take on the nativity tale, five friends (Carmen Arquelladas; Jordan Connerty, Miwa Nagai; Nikki Hill; Simone Tani) and a teddy bear set out to follow a star using a unique form of transport. Despite becoming separated, their journey continues including having to overcome the challenges of mirages, sandstorms, and quicksand, as well occasional attacks from a pair of shepherds and their flock of sheep. With the group eventually reunited, the question is whether they will finally...