Soutra Gilmour Archives - North West End UK

6Nov

By Alan Stuart MalinNo Comments

London

Nutcracker – Tuff Nutt Jazz Club

Drew McOnie's latest choreographic endeavour, ‘Nutcracker’, is a contemporary dance show that breathes new life into the beloved festive classic. In a bold departure from tradition, McOnie's production takes audiences on a wild-spirited adventure that is as delicate and sophisticated as it is daring and mature, offering a fresh perspective on the iconic holiday ballet. This reimagining, staged at the brand-new venue, Tuff Nutt Jazz Club within London's Southbank Centre, is not only a feast for the eyes but a celebration of diversity and self-acceptance that opens the door to those who may have previously felt excluded from the magic of "The Nutcracker." One of the most striking features of McOnie's rendition is its redefined cast of characters. Clara, typically portrayed as an upper-cl...

22Jul

By Riana HowarthNo Comments

London

Closer – Lyric Hammersmith

An obituary writer’s life is changed when he meets Alice, a reckless free spirit. Her habit of not looking as she crosses the road lands her in hospital where the two have flirtatious banter with Alice seeking intimacy through bizarre personal questions. From there unfolds the messy interweaving of four characters’ lives as they struggle and scheme to hold onto love or what they think is love. Patrick Marber’s play, first performed in 1997 feels as relevant and as shocking as it would have been then. With hints of the 90s as well as modern aspects and a minimalistic bright red stage designed by Soutra Gilmour, it gives the story a timeless feel. Marber’s dialogue fascinates and entertains, particularly the consistently surprising quips from Larry’s character. It was engaging and intrig...

17Feb

By Riana HowarthNo Comments

London

Running With Lions – Lyric Hammersmith

Running With Lions is a colourful, vibrant and life-affirming celebration of family, which also addresses the dark shadows lurking in the corners, where things have been swept away and repressed. Gloria returns to her parents’ home where her daughter has been staying whilst she has been away at a mental health clinic. She struggles to get through to her parents, who feel too ashamed to acknowledge her condition. Problems ensue as desires clash and as the family grapple with the past and the underlying tensions between them. The play begins with Gloria’s perspective but then widens into others showing the inescapable intermingling of worlds. Carter’s writing is very true to life, reflecting conversations which I feel like I have witnessed or had with my own family. She doesn’t compromis...

4Jul

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

London

Les Blancs – National Theatre at Home

Writer Lorraine Hansberry was a remarkable woman who, despite her early death at age 34, conquered Broadway as the first black writer to see her play ‘Raisin in the Sun’ performed on stage in 1959. She followed her father into activism and wrote for the newspaper ‘Freedom’, working alongside Africans and African Americans. This work; and seeing a production called ‘Les Negres’ (The Blacks), inspired Hansberry to write ‘Les Blancs’, which she began writing in 1960 and completed it just before her death. After her death the play was adapted by her ex-husband Robert Nemiroff. The 1970 Broadway production was staged at the Longacre Theatre and the National Theatre’s production took place in 2016. The play follows the visit of journalist Charlie Morris (Elliot ...