London theatre reviews written by Sally Knipe

Robert Louis Stevenson’s iconic Gothic horror novel The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde was published in 1886, just 10 years after the magnificent St. Nicolas’ Church was completed. This fabulous Victorian Church is an absolutely perfect location for this production. Caroline Devlin has adapted Stevenson’s novella into a play for one actor, this is GSC’s first one-person show and Director Marieke Audsley has worked hard to find the means to best utilise this stunning venue. The play … [Read more...]

Part of the thrill of a Guildford Shakespeare Company (GSC) production is the discovery of hidden parts of Guildford that you didn’t know existed. Now, I have known of the existence of Stoke Park for a long time. I have even been to other GSC productions here but there is so much more to it! I emerged from a woodland walk to find tonight’s venue in a quiet garden next to the bowling green, where I ate my picnic and enjoyed a drink from the bar. The opening scene takes place in the garden, … [Read more...]

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...]