Reviewing a Gingerline evening poses a problem - how to describe a production that you are not allowed to tell anybody about? Location, menu and details about the performance are all a ferociously guarded secret that we are under strict instructions not to reveal, in order to preserve the aura of mystery and element of surprise that is so key to these … [Read more...]
Th’Importance of Bein’ Earnest at Drayton Arms Theatre
In theatreland, the term “re-imagining” is a tricky beast, filling one with an uncomfortable mixture of hope and dread. If done well, it can breathe new life into a hackneyed production. If not, as is unfortunately often the case, you leave the theatre determined to hunt down the director and yell at him: “Why?? Why did you mess with it? Just leave it … [Read more...]
Out of Step at The Drayton Arms Theatre | Review
The programme for Out Of Step, by Untied Productions, presents a dichotomy. It is professionally designed and printed, on good quality paper, but rather than being neatly bound it is held together with staples. The theme of great potential baffled by lack of attention to detail extends, unfortunately, to the production itself. The scenario is promising. A … [Read more...]
Hivemind presents: Lord of the Game of the Ring of Thrones
The intimate atmosphere of the theatre at the Museum of Comedy is perfect for a performance of this genre. And when I say intimate, I do mean intimate; each audience member, by the end of the show, knew their immediate neighbours better than their own family. Thankfully everybody was in a happy frame of mind, so rather than inducing claustrophobic panic, the … [Read more...]
Review: Losing Venice at The Orange Tree Theatre
The revival of Losing Venice, a 1985 surprise smash hit in Edinburgh which has since sunk beneath the theatrical waves, is a typically bold choice for the Orange Tree. Today, playwright Jo Clifford is better known for her work “Jesus, Queen of Heaven” which has been inspiring protests across the globe; it is, therefore, reasonable to expect something equally dramatic … [Read more...]
Review of Einstein’s Dreams at Rada Studios, London
The premise is exciting. Based on the best-selling novel by Alan Lightman, the brand-new opera Einstein’s Dreams fuses theatre, dance, electronic music and opera to explore the vagaries of Time, with a capital T. Last night we were treated to a preview of four scenes from the show at the Rada Studios. Created by only six people, four of whom also perform in the … [Read more...]
Review of The Comedy About A Bank Robbery at the Criterion Theatre
It’s been five years since the phenomenon that is The Play That Goes Wrong erupted into being in a little theatre above a pub. Since that moment Mischief Theatre have gone from strength to strength, firmly establishing themselves in the national theatre-going conscious as purveyors of comedy sans pareil. Wisely, they have deviated from the original formula of … [Read more...]
Review of Love From A Stranger at Richmond Theatre
Those expecting the type of cosy, murder-with-a-cup-of-tea mystery so beloved of Christie fans are likely to be surprised by Love From A Stranger - though probably not disappointed. This dark, sinister play, redolent of sex and barely controlled violence, is as about as far from picturesque St Mary Mead as you can get; however, the cut glass diction, wittily dry … [Read more...]
Review of The Silhouette In The Smoke – London Museum of Water and Steam
The current fashion for pop up theatre in unusual venues has led me to witness some surprising pairings over the last couple of years. Ionesco over empty dinner plates in Latvian House? Done. Opera in the Thames Tunnel? Seen it. Macbeth in a rose garden? Yep. In this context, a supernatural murder mystery in the London Museum of Water and Steam barely warrants the … [Read more...]
Alice in Winterland at the Rose Theatre Kingston – Review
Every time I see a new interpretation of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland I think to myself; This is it, surely there can’t be any more, we’ve finally come to the end of the road. Every time I am proved wrong, and almost every time I am pleasantly surprised. The Rose Theatre’s production of Alice In Winterland is no exception. Ciaran McConville’s take on the … [Read more...]
Review of When Midnight Strikes at The Drayton Arms Theatre
Some musicals are original. Some are well written. And some - though sadly very few - have memorable tunes. To find a musical which combines all three is rarer than hen’s teeth, and to find it in a small, intimate theatre above a pub - well, that really is the stuff of fantasy. When Midnight Strikes is that unicorn. Kevin Hammonds’ witty, sharp writing melds … [Read more...]
Review of Hedda Gabler at Drayton Arms Theatre
Looking at Euphonia Studio’s recent catalogue of work, including La Bohème, The Duchess of Malfi and now Hedda Gabler, one might be forgiven for thinking that they have a rather unhealthy obsession with miserable, doomed women. Their productions are certainly not laugh-a-minute, and no-one could call Hedda Gabler fun; however, Euphonia have managed to create a … [Read more...]