The Clapham Opera Festival is a celebration of stunning classical music and talented musicians and artists, delivered in a way that is both engaging and professional but also intimate and relatable due to two things; the intelligent staging, and the prowess of the carefully selected cast. Puccini's much-loved romantic opera La Boheme is staged at the Clapham Church of the Holy Spirit, a beautiful venue where the atmosphere was alive and buzzing on the evening of Friday 20th. The tale of … [Read more...]
The National Youth Theatre REP Season: The Merchant of Venice
The National Youth Theatre have 'done it’ again, with their stellar production of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. An inspiring piece of theatre with a modern twist that challenges us to really engage with this material, this is truly a Shakespeare classic reimagined for the modern audience, all the while whilst remaining true to the language and jargon that is so typical of William Shakespeare. The National Youth Theatre has long been a hub of creativity and opportunity for the youth of … [Read more...]
Wild Card Botis Seva’s InNoForm at Sadler’s Wells – Review
Botis Seva's 'InNoForm' is an enigmatic and energy charged display of the London choreographer's work, and a political statement about urban life, race and social status in modern Britain. Debuting as part of the Wildcard dance demonstration works held at Sadler's Wells, the tone of the show is already pre-set before you've even taken your seats, with 'pre-show activity' held in an adjoining theatre space. We are given headphones through which classical music plays, and led into a darkened room, … [Read more...]
McQueen a tortured genius – Theatre Royal Haymarket
Your knee-jerk reaction to taking your seat at the Theatre Royal Haymarket to view 'McQueen' is that you feel uneasy. Our protagonist, artfully depicted by actor Stephen Wight, is pacing up and down the darkened stage before Act One even begins, wringing his hands and rubbing his head. He is troubled and tortured before we've even got stuck in - the accompanying techno music blasting around the auditorium is a strange introduction, but perhaps represents McQueen's racing emotions. The tracks … [Read more...]