Now in its 15th year, La Clique have firmly established their place on the world burlesque circuit and this year’s London cast bring their infamous saucy circus to the Underbelly Festival in Cavendish Square, Central London, where the crowds are more than ready for some physical thrills and a fun night out. La Clique doesn’t disappoint, setting the tone for the night very clearly with a bold and beautiful entrance from Burlesque superstar Jolie Papillon, who unashamedly flaunts her peacock … [Read more...]
Middle: a new play by David Eldridge | National Theatre
It’s the middle of the night, in the middle of a marriage for a couple fast approaching middle age, and Maggie (Claire Rushbrook) is about to drop an emotional bombshell on Gary (Daniel Ryan). This is an expertly crafted exploration of the familiarity and drudgery of marriage and parenthood, and although Maggie’s truths may be hard for Gary to hear, they’re not delivered angrily or viciously. This is a woman who wishes she felt differently, has tried for years to feel settled, but is … [Read more...]
Carrying David at Canal Café Theatre | Review
Carrying David is a rare beast of a show, written by established playwright Ed Waugh and performed by the intimidatingly versatile actor Micky Cochrane, it tells the story of boxing hero Glenn McCrory, a working-class lad from Stanley, Country Durham who at 24 became the North East’s first world champion. McCrory’s story is one of legend in the North East, his unexpected win punctuating a decade of devastation and dark times for the region. His victory was a beacon of hope for many and this … [Read more...]
Reasons You Should(n’t) Love Me at Kiln Theatre | Review
Amy Trigg is a glorious storyteller and Reasons You Should (n’t) Love Me is an exuberant example of how powerful a one-woman show can be. Trigg plays Juno, and a cast of contributing characters, showcasing her range as an actor and her ability to seduce an audience into investing heavily in their stories. Juno has spina bifida, uses a wheelchair, and from the very beginning of the play she engages us with her charm, warmth and ability to laugh at the world and herself. Juno is … [Read more...]
La Clique at Leicester Square Spiegeltent, London | Review
Multi award winning La Clique is back in London after ten years of dazzling audiences around the world to set up home at the Spiegeltent in Leicester Square for a limited winter season. Since its inception at The Edinburgh Fringe in 2004 this extraordinary cabaret show has continued to mix humour and burlesque with circus skills and showmanship. It’s a feast of a spectacle, a truly unique evening of fun, fantasy and jaw dropping athleticism. The atmosphere is brilliantly festive and we’re … [Read more...]
The Girl on the Train at the Churchill Theatre Bromley | Review
Paula Hawkins thriller is a contemporary phenomenon and I was intrigued to see how the story would be adapted for stage, the novel feels so reflective and the film so visual that it was hard to envisage how it could be bought to life. But both the stage adaptation by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel is incredibly tightly constructed, and Antony Banks’ direction keeps the pace fast and the tension taut throughout. The story starts simply enough, Rachel Watson (played to perfection by Samantha … [Read more...]
Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens at Drayton Arms Theatre
Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, is a 60-minute two-hander, based on J.M.Barrie's own prequel to the better-known adventures of Peter and Wendy, and the far more famous Peter Pan. Betwixt-and-Between productions have adapted this little-known story for what they believe is the very first time on stage. It’s evidently a project they have thrown their hearts into and there’s so much to enjoy about this small glimpse into what sometimes feels like the starter play for Peter Pan. You can see all … [Read more...]