‘There’s a sucker born every minute’ and the same can be said for West End revivals. Some hit their mark, and some are perhaps better left to our memories. In terms of revivals, Barnum is a risky choice. Ultimately, the show lives or dies on the successful casting of the leading man, but also requires an abundance of extravagant circus stunts which set it apart from a … [Read more...]
Review of The Lost Boy Peter Pan at the Pleasance Theatre
The arrival of Christmas brings with it two certainties; the first that there will be no shortage of pantomimes, the second that Peter Pan will likely be one of them! This year, audiences have an alternative to the typical Peter Pan pantomime in the form of Alexandra Spencer-Jones’ production The Lost Boy Peter Pan. Presented as a musical adaptation and with imagery … [Read more...]
The Birmingham Repertory Theatre Production of The Snowman
In the preface to his Narnia series C.S. Lewis wrote ‘Someday you’ll be old enough to start reading fairy tales again’ and looking around the auditorium for the anniversary production of Sadler Well’s The Snowman, it’s clear to see that truer words were never spoken. Celebrating their 20th year at the Peacock theatre, the Sadler Wells team have once again delivered … [Read more...]
Review of At The Heart of Things at The Cockpit Theatre
A little ‘off the reservation’ to say the least, At the Heart of Things, is an exploration of homosexuality, homophobia and finding one’s way in a dystopian world. Loosely based on Oscar Wilde’s De Profundis, the production includes a mixture of dance, puppetry, garbage film and contact improvisation. This may be the point where you’re asking yourself, ‘what’s … [Read more...]
Review of Am I Dead Yet at Soho Theatre London
If the only certain thing in life is death and taxes, what does it mean for humanity when death becomes less of a certainty and more of an inconvenience? For some of us, the thought of death is the stunning climax to a long-lived life, an event taking place somewhere in the future. But as Unlimited Theatre points out, for some of us death is an inconvenient event that … [Read more...]
Review of Big Fish The Musical at The Other Palace
Big Fish the Musical is everything a modern musical should be; fresh, exciting, full of warmth and heartbreakingly beautiful. Based on the film of the same name, and currently playing at The Other Palace, the production examines the ever-changing relationships that exist between parents and their children and explores the ways in which our understanding of our parents … [Read more...]
Review of Joseph Morpurgo: Hammerhead at Soho Theatre
We’re all familiar with Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, in fact, it seems to be the flavor of the month with Mel Brooks Young Frankenstein currently enjoying a West End run. For many productions attempting to ride the coat-tails of the original, the challenge of creating new life from ‘used parts’ has led to somewhat of a symbolic demise. Fortunately, this is not the … [Read more...]
Review of Venus In Fur at Theatre Royal Haymarket
An exciting and captivating journey into the psychology of powerplay and dominance, TRH Productions and Scott M Delman’s production of David Ives’ Venus in Fur dresses to impress and hits exactly the right notes. An expose on gender roles and shifting perceptions of femininity, this production is a captivating tug-o- war with self-respect, power and authority at … [Read more...]
Review of The Great Gatsby presented by The Guild of Misrule
When Mr Gatsby invites you to one of his gala events, it’s a no-brainer that you’ll be attending. Music, dancing and the very best libations (in substantial quantities despite prohibition) are all to be expected, and of course, there is the guarantee of opulence. But perhaps for some, such an invitation provides a chance to experience something even more exciting - … [Read more...]