I had not, until last night, had the pleasure of experiencing COLAB Theatre's work and, having now done so, I am mourning my wasted time. Crooks: 1926 is the latest work from COLAB Theatre, and the first produced from their new, dedicated home base, promising clever game mechanics and an exciting narrative and this production delivered both in buckets. On our entrance into the working-class pub that would serve as our venue for the night, the atmosphere and sense of foreboding is built … [Read more...]
Review of Red Palace at The Vaults
When aiming to tap into the collective imagination of an audience, fairy tales are always a fantastic place to start. These stories are baked into our collective consciousness from childhood and the reimagining and reinterpretation of them often gives life to evocative work, as a result of this collective understanding. The Vaults, ever home to the experimental, inventive and out there within the theatrical spectrum, is our venue for this evening as we prepare to enter Shotgun Carousel’s Red … [Read more...]
Review of Falsettos at The Other Palace
Originally written as the two one-act shows ‘March of the Falsettos’ and ‘Falsettoland’, themselves written as sequels to ‘In Trousers’, Falsettos is one of the premier works of veteran composer William Finn, and his long-term collaborator James Lapine. The show tells the story of Marvin, a middle-aged Jewish man as he explores his latent homosexuality, all the while determined to maintain a tight-knit family. It often feels like the narrative is rocketing by, only stopping in with the … [Read more...]
The Illusionists – Direct From Broadway at Shaftesbury Theatre
In the modern landscape of superhero blockbusters, The Illusionists are like the Avengers of magic - an international super-team of the some of the world's greatest mentalists, magicians and conjurers. The Shaftesbury Theatre plays home to this evening of magical delight and the atmosphere is set well from the start with a number of messages from The Mentalist, Chris Cox, about the Control Chris Cox Cards being passed out to the audience. Naturally curious, my sister and I both fill a card … [Read more...]
Review of Madagascar The Musical at New Wimbledon Theatre
From the moment you enter the theatre, Madagascar promises to be a colourful cavalcade of fun. The design is big, bold and beautiful - capturing the bright energy of the movie as though the set and costumes had been pulled straight from the screen. Matt Terry, as Alex, really shines. His voice is wonderfully strong with a flourish of falsetto the vocal highlight of several songs. He brings great energy to the lovably egotistic showbiz lion. Gloria, played by Timmika Ramsay, is equal parts … [Read more...]