Performing Shakespeare is never an easy task. I have seen many full length productions of Shakespeare plays where half the audience is lost in the first clever direction (Kate Littlewood), the show is impressively easy to follow, and yet, Shakespeare's language is never compromised to entice a modern audience. One thing that is evident is Littlewood has worked hard to guide the actors so that they are comfortable on stage (it is in the round, which is no easy feat) and yet able to control … [Read more...]
Review of Big Shot The Musical at London Irish Centre
There is no doubt that London audiences have high expectations when they go to see new writing. It's a competitive category, and shows are nurtured and shaped over long periods of time; countless workshops and rewrites occur before a musical is ready for a London stage. Therefore, audiences expect a fairly high standard once a show is presented at this point, and unfortunately Big Shot falls slightly short of the mark. There is a good foundation that can definitely be seen. However, not … [Read more...]
Review of The Burnt Part Boys at Park Theatre
We see coming of age stories all around us. When a boy becomes a man and a girl becomes a woman. It is hard to portray, as often this experience comes too soon or rather too late, thus difficult to truly represent. So to capture this in a way an audience can relate to is no easy feat, no two journeys being alike. But at Park Theatre, a few of the stories are very much told. Touching performances from Joseph Peacock (Pete) and Grace Osborn (Frances) - the journey of two children who lost their … [Read more...]
Review of Assassins at Chelsea Theatre
Shows are often revived and revived around this time of year as the Edinburgh Fringe looms. Assassins is not one of them. Not only is the show one of Sondheim’s lesser known pieces, it is a difficult beast to tame, and with a small cast and a six piece band, TJ Lloyd’s production did more than just tame it. It should be said, as the show has so many parts that could be considered leads, it is impossible to mention them all, however it is rare you see a cast as solid as this one. … [Read more...]
Review of Wastwater at The Tabard Theatre
Wastwater, a play split up into three sections that are all very cleverly linked is another Simon Stephens classic. We travel smoothly between the three settings with a clever set that rolls in and out of place during blackouts. The scenes seem to get increasingly dark which is clever on Stephens' part, as the gradual descent stopped me from shutting off, which could easily happen with a play this dark. Section one is focuses around Harry (Scott Temple), a boy saying goodbye to his foster … [Read more...]
After Party by James Meteyard at The Union Theatre – Review
The Union Theatre is undoubtedly one of the best fringe venues in London for putting on innovative new work, with casts of exciting young actors. After Party is no exception. The show begins with the party. Cleverly placed choreographed movements are scattered amongst the general party scene, which gives the opening to the show the energy it needs to bring the audience into the intimate world of the play. It is also a lovely contrast to the next scene, a much quieter morning after, where the … [Read more...]
Review of Closer Than Ever at The Pheasantry
Hysterically honest and beautiful. That sums up Closer than Ever at The Pheasantry perfectly. Putting together a great show is made easier when you have fantastic music and lyrics, and this show has it in armfuls. Maltby and Shire are true veterans of the musical theatre world and their gorgeous score is the foundation for a rather fantastic show. This six hander (I say six hander as, although the cast officially consists of Wendy Carr, Richard Carson, Emily Chesterton and Nicholas Corre, … [Read more...]