Saturday, December 6

Tag: Stratford East

The Harder They Come – Stratford East
25Sep By Stewart Who?No Comments
London

The Harder They Come – Stratford East

The Harder They Come, currently showing at Stratford East is an updated remix of the stage musical, last performed almost 20 years ago at the same venue. That pioneering production was an adaption of Perry Henzell’s 1972 cult film of the same name, co-written by Trevor Rhone. Henzell is regarded as the ‘Father of Jamaican film’. For his debut, the director cast the singer Jimmy Cliff in the lead role. This not only made Cliff a household name but arguably introduced Jamaican culture and reggae to a global audience. My first experience of the Harder They Come was at a late-night screening of the film at the notorious Scala cinema in King’s Cross. It was the late ‘80s and following Bob Marley’s death and the UK’s embrace of Ska via bands such as The Specials, Madness, and The Selecter, Ja...
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Romeo and Juliet – Stratford East
10Aug By Ben PearsonNo Comments
London

Romeo and Juliet – Stratford East

This is how you do a modern retelling of a Shakespeare classic. In partnership with Sadler’s Wells, Stratford East have crafted a unique, vibrant, and exceptionally effective production that breathes new life into the timeless tragedy. Set against the East London skyline, realised through a relatively simple yet superb set, this adaptation uses music and dance to ground its events in a contemporary, familiar setting. As a result, everything felt fresh, bold and original. Despite the language, and the fame of the story, it almost felt like I was watching a brand-new play. Not a mean feat! The dances ranged from crackling whole-company numbers to gorgeous and evocative routines performed by Praeploy Pam Tomuan and Louis Donovan, who represented the inner emotional states of Juliet and Rom...
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Leeds Playhouse’s Animal Farm nominated for an Olivier Award
7Mar By NewsdeskNo Comments
NEWS

Leeds Playhouse’s Animal Farm nominated for an Olivier Award

Leeds Playhouse’s co-production with Stratford East of Animal Farm has been nominated for an Olivier Award in the Best New Production in Affiliate Theatre category. As George Orwell’s classic novel celebrates its 80th anniversary it’s been adapted by Tatty Hennessy, who explores his core themes of loss of identity, the seductive allure of greed and the corrupting nature of political power. Designed by Hayley Grindle, this version was built in Leeds by the Playhouse’s skilled Costume and Workshop teams. All performances include live creative audio description performed in-character by a member of the cast as Orwell’s timeless warning to future generations is coming to the Playhouse from March 12th. Photo: Kirsten McTernan “I am beyond excited by this incredible honour,” says Ani...
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Animal Farm – Stratford East
14Feb By Carole GordonNo Comments
London

Animal Farm – Stratford East

George Orwell's Animal Farm was published in 1945, in a world radically different from the modern political scene. Much may have changed in that time, but the themes of human nature, the lure of power and greed remain scarily relevant.  Tatty Hennessy's revised working of Orwell's iconic novel highlights the changing work landscape, the loss of an industrial base, the realities of factory farming, and the roles of equality and fairness in society. On the run-down Manor Farm, owned by cruel farmer Jones, the animals long for a world in which they can be equal, free and happy. Major, the elderly and respected boar, calls on the animals to work together to overthrow the farmer. On Major's death, Napoleon and Snowball, two young pigs, assume the informal leadership of the group and org...
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Abigail’s Party – Stratford East
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...
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Black is the Color of My Voice – Stratford East
12Jun By Zain RussellNo Comments
London

Black is the Color of My Voice – Stratford East

"Black is the Color of My Voice" is a captivating one-woman theatre production, both written and performed by the incredible Apphia Campbell. The show is inspired by the real life of Nina Simone and the show takes the audience on an emotional journey of reflection and revelation. Entering the performance, I knew little about Nina Simone's life and was only familiar with her famous hit "I Put a Spell on You." The production centers on Simone conversing with her late father, sharing poignant stories from her life and expressing her profound grief. Through these conversations, the audience gains insight into Simone's transformation from a young piano prodigy to a powerful voice in the Civil Rights Movement. The show effectively highlights Simone's impact as an activist, emphasising ...
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Now I See – Stratford East
20May By Klervi GavetNo Comments
London

Now I See – Stratford East

In a unique fusion of movement, music and text, “Now, I See” takes audiences on a vibrant, emotional journey through the joys and pains of being black and male in contemporary Britain. Directed, choreographed and written by Lanre Malaolu, this 130-min nugget offers a luscious dive into male consciousness and the culture that shapes childhood adventures and a man’s ability to choose his narrative later in life. Fans of Suzan-Lori Parks’ “Topdog/Underdog” should feel right at home. The story centres on three brothers, and the aftermath of the middle one’s death, Adeyeye, from sickle cell disease. His passing leaves big brother Kieron and youngest brother Dayo grappling with their grief and searching for a way forward. History, big and small, has not been kind to either and the brothers’ c...
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Beautiful Thing – Theatre Royal, Stratford East
26Sep By Stewart Who?No Comments
London

Beautiful Thing – Theatre Royal, Stratford East

In 1994, when Beautiful Thing transferred from the Donmar to the Duke of York’s Theatre, I bought a pair of tickets for my sister, as a gift for her birthday. She took her boyfriend. I met them after, expecting post-show joy. To my extreme distress, undiluted homophobia spilled from both parties. The following day, her partner called me at work, threatened me with violence and spat further abuse down the phone at me. A week later, the pair of them drove me from the family home. I left, sobbing, prompting a period of homelessness and a nervous breakdown. My sister dated that man for several years. To this day, the pain of that episode causes heartbreak and family conflict. Beautiful Thing led to a Very Ugly Thing that in 2023 remains unhealed and grimly toxic. In many ways, Harvey’s bril...
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The Wonderful World of Dissocia – Stratford East
24Sep By Riana HowarthNo Comments
London

The Wonderful World of Dissocia – Stratford East

Anthony Nielson’s dizzyingly timeless play is given a spectacular revival. The story follows a young woman, Lisa who receives a visit from a peculiar watchmaker explaining why her wristwatch is broken. He sends her on wild goose chase to the land of Dissocia where she seeks to restore her life’s balance. She meets a plethora of colourful characters bound by a strange collective consciousness. Think of Alice in Wonderland with more wit and luridness. Neilson’s play explores dissociative disorder from the perspective of the sufferer, whilst also showing the absurdity within our social world. The set designed by Grace Smart along with Alexandra Faye-Braithwaite’s sound design combine to create the surreal feeling of a children’s TV show with brightly coloured, 2D cardboard cut outs of scen...
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Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World – Theatre Royal, Stratford East
24Jun By Maani WayNo Comments
London

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World – Theatre Royal, Stratford East

The brand-new pop musical, Fantastically Great Women is an inspirational and moving celebration of female empowerment. Set to an original, fun, and strong score, this musical demonstrates the importance of being yourself and discovering how you want to change the world. We are introduced to the inquisitive heroine of the show, Jade, who gets separated from her school group on a trip to the museum. She discovers the not yet open Gallery of Greatness, where she meets twelve influential women from history, who help her on her path to discovering who she wants to be. At only eleven years old, Jade is concerned she is running out of time to make a difference, but she soon learns that it is not about when you make history, just that you don’t ever give up trying to. The show opens with the...
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