London theatre reviews written by Sally Knipe

Having taken my seat in the beautiful Holy Trinity Church, I breathe a big sigh of relief. I should have been here a week ago but an outbreak of Covid meant that last week’s performances had to be cancelled; never mind, I am here now, socially distanced, masked and hungry for GSC’s Hamlet. This amazing Church really lends itself to becoming an ancient castle, with its high ceilings, chandeliers and galleries, but the setting does dictate, in some ways, how the play is performed. There are … [Read more...]

I am always very excited to come across a new theatre, and Esher Theatre is a real ‘find’, conveniently situated near to Esher High Street and right by a large car park which is free after 7pm. Front of House Staff are charming and face mask compliance was excellent. I felt extremely comfortable, and I will definitely be checking out future productions. The Truth Stops Here is the story of the Bethnal Green Tube Disaster, the largest loss of civilian lives during World War II. 173 people … [Read more...]

I feel so comfortable here in this large airy Church, seating is socially distanced and face mask compliance is at a level that some large West End theatres would be looking at with envy. Tales from Hans Christian Andersen is obviously aimed at families and an early start time of 6.30pm has been arranged so bedtime is not too late. The stories begin with The Little Match Girl, (Sara Hazemi) who is homeless and looking for somewhere warm and safe to spend the night. She takes refuge in a … [Read more...]

I thought I knew this part of London quite well, but I had never been to Old Union Arches (near Southwark Station) before. What a hidden gem! Colourful twinkling lights lead the way to this perfect little theatre where Spanish voices surround you, one could almost imagine you were abroad again. The Cervantes Theatre is dedicated to showcasing Spanish and Latin American plays, performed in both Spanish and English. Luckily for me tonight’s production Joe Strummer Takes a Walk is performed in … [Read more...]

I am slightly confused as I walk up the hill to Racks Close, I can hear German 1930s music playing, I thought it was As You Like It tonight, not Cabaret! The confusion is cleared up when I sit down with my programme. Director Caroline Devlin has chosen to set this production in 1930s Europe, aligning the banished Duke Senior’s court with the liberal ideas of the Weimar Republic and the ruling Duke Frederick’s court with the fascists that sought to control individual ideals. The play … [Read more...]

This production of Henry V is the eighth of Guildford Shakespeare Company’s (GSC) Zoom shows. I am watching on St. Georges’ Day, Shakespeare’s birthday, normally a day to be out enjoying a sonnet walk. Well, hopefully, next year. Caroline Devlin directs this online version, with sound design by Matt Eaton, digital design by Beth Mann, costume design by Anett Black and Philip d’Orleans as Fight Director. I have purposefully mentioned the artistic team first as they have done such a fantastic … [Read more...]

I have a confession; I have seen The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk before, actually, I’ve seen it twice before in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse and at Wilton’s Music Hall. I loved it so much I jumped at the chance to see it again, this time virtually from Bristol Old Vic. It gave a completely different perspective to the performance, seeing the actors so close up. I could appreciate their facial expressions so much more than I normally can, many rows back through myopic eyes. The Flying Lovers tells … [Read more...]