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 dysfunctional stepfamily comes together to bid farewell to their family home, which is being sold. Over the course of a few hours, secrets … [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 enforced physical proximity engendered a feeling of warm camaraderie, a sense of all being in this together. It also meant that 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 and controversial from her earlier work. Losing Venice both fulfils and dashes these hopes. It is certainly chock-full of ideas … [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 production, the opera wisely continues its minimalist theme with a stark, pared-down black set which serves excellently to highlight … [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 collapsing sets and forgotten lines and used their seemingly boundless versatility to shoot off in a new direction. The Comedy About a … [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 social observation and Machiavellian twists make it clear that nobody but the lady herself could have been behind it. Originally … [Read more...]