As we get to the end of another year of reviewing, my mind has turned to the traditional list of my top ten shows for 2018. It was pretty much settled until last night when a visit to the Menier Chocolate Factory to see the new production of Fiddler on The Roof has caused a rethink in the … [Read more...]
Mother Goose Cracks One Out at Above The Stag Theatre
I’ve been reviewing just over four news and so far I’ve attended over 700 shows. Not a bad number but, in all that time, I’ve never managed to get to one of the famous Above the Stag pantomimes. However, this year, that is no longer true, as I attended the 2018 offering Mother Goose Cracks One … [Read more...]
Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at the Lyric Hammersmith
There’s not many things that get me travelling out to West London in the early hours of a rainy Wednesday morning, but sometimes, the reviewer’s life means sacrificing sleep so that you can get to the Lyric Hammersmith in time for a 09:30 performance of Father Christmas. Based on the 1973 book … [Read more...]
An Honourable Man at the White Bear Theatre | Review
The problem with politics at the moment is that there is just far too much of it about and if we take the human element out, it makes rather good theatre. With Brexit, Trump and questions as to who will be PM this time next week, do we really need another political play? Well, let’s find out with a … [Read more...]
Radiant Vermin by Philip Ridley at Brockley Jack Studio Theatre
Getting on the housing ladder these days is no easy task. There are lots of schemes to help but in order to get that first rung on the ladder, many couples have to compromise their wishes to get something. One plan is to buy a property that needs renovating. The idea being, get it cheap, spend … [Read more...]
Urinetown, The Musical at the Bridewell Theatre
There are some words that just go together. For example, ham and eggs, fish and chips, gin and tonic, etc and if you are a writer of theatrical pieces, then two words that have to go together are dystopian and future. I can’t think of a single show I’ve seen where the future looks bright. Still, it … [Read more...]
Dietrich: Natural Duty at Wilton’s Music Hall | Review
Sometimes it's amazing how a celebrity is well known but actually isn’t. Take Marlene Dietrich for example. I grew up knowing Marlene and her songs, especially "Lili Marleen” and “Falling in Love Again” but have never seen any of her films or even seen a recording of her performing. In fact, beyond … [Read more...]