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Reviews by John O'Brien

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About John OBrien

JOHN O’BRIEN born in London in 1960 is a born and bred Londoner. His mother was an illiterate Irish traveller. His early years were spent in Ladbroke Grove. He was born at number 40 Lancaster Road. In 1967 the family was rehoused in Hackney. He attended Brooke House School for Boys in Clapton, - as did Lord Sugar. He became head boy and was the first person in his family to make it to university, gaining a place at Goldsmiths College in 1978. He took a degree in Sociology and a PGCE . From 1982 until 1993 he taught at schools in Hackney and Richmond. In 1984-85 he attended Bristol University where he gained a Diploma in Social Administration. From 1985 until 1989 he studied part-time in the evenings for a degree in English Literature at Birkbeck College. He stayed on at Birkbeck from 1990-1992 to study for an MA in Modern English Literature. He left teaching in 1993 and has worked as a tutor, researcher, writer and tour guide. He leads bespoke guided tours on London’s history, art , architecture and culture. He has attended numerous courses at Oxford University - Exeter College, Rewley House & Kellogg College. In London, he attends courses at Gresham College, The National Gallery, The British Museum, The Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art, The British Academy and The Royal Society. Read the latest London theatre reviews by all reviewers.

She Stoops to Conquer at The Orange Tree Theatre | Review

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I first read She Stoops to Conquer in 1986 whilst studying English Literature at Birkbeck. It has only taken me 38 years to see it performed, but it was worth the wait because this production is outstanding. It boasts a very strong lineup. All nine actors are very accomplished from the mature experienced pros like Greta Scacchi and David Horovitch to the younger talent like Freddie Fox and Tanya Reynolds. This magnificent nine have clearly gelled and enjoyed themselves putting on this classic of … [Read more...]

The Mitfords & The Good Dad (A Love Story)

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The American Cold War strategist Neal Acheson famously remarked of post-1945 Britain that she had "lost an Empire and not yet found a role." Post Brexit we are focusing on Global Britain. If any sector of our economy can punch above its weight on the global stage it's surely the Arts. We have talent in abundance. A striking example is the annual Edinburg Fringe. For those of us too poor to attend in person we have a wonderful opportunity to see the pick of the 2023 season at the excellent … [Read more...]

The Woman in Black at Richmond Theatre | Review

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The Woman in Black is back. The West End's second longest-running play after The Mousetrap is on the road after 34 years at the Fortune Theatre. I have never felt so scared or physically terrified - in a theatre anyway - as I was last night. This play is an overwhelming physical experience. It doesn’t matter how rational you are or how dismissive of all things supernatural, ghostly and spooky this play cuts right through to the very centre of one's central nervous system, resistance is futile. … [Read more...]

A Voyage Round My Father at Richmond Theatre

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This superb play has 'must-see' written all over it. Written by one of our greatest writers, John Mortimer, directed by the esteemed director Richard Eyre, and starring acting royalty Rupert Everett, A Voyage Round My Father is a heady mix of nostalgia, Englishness, snobbery and satire. Richmond Theatre was packed last night and I’m certain this will transfer to the West End. The play has so much to offer. It encompasses the whole range of human emotions from tragedy to comedy, bathos to … [Read more...]

The Lady With a Dog – Upstairs at the Gatehouse

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In this time of war it is all the more important that we maintain and sustain the function of art in our world to question and explore the human condition in all its complex and nuanced dimensions. Chekhov is just such an artist. As writer of plays and short stories he has left us some of the most telling and compelling accounts of what it means to be human. Uncle Vanya, The Seagull, The Cherry Orchard, and the Three Sisters are the most widely known but he also wrote some of the finest short … [Read more...]