Loneliness. It’s an issue that’s becoming more and more common. Especially within big cities and in a world where an online presence can take priority over living in the here-and-now. Rumble Theatre has provided a piece that highlights the struggles of Londoners through brief encounters on the underground and living the ‘hustle and bustle’ lifestyle. Combatting personal isolation and stress through a series of muddled scenes, Rumble Theatre presents to us relatable characters and situations with … [Read more...]
Care Not, Fear Naught at the Bridewell Theatre | Review
With August approaching fast, Edinburgh Festival previews and small runs are in the hundreds around London. Every director, producer, cast and writer are putting their work to the test to see what else they may need to do before they put their pieces out into the prime fringe theatre hotspot. Temporarily Misplaced Production’s new play finds itself in a stronger position than most before it heads up and showcases a story that’s worth the watch. Care Not, Fear Naught is a new one-act play … [Read more...]
Edinburgh Previews: Shows by Jasper Red, Lord Hicks and Joe Sutherland
Edinburgh previews are in full swing and London venues have a variety of actors, comedians, writers and artists alike starting to form their shows to completion. I was invited to see a trio of sneak-peeks at The Phoenix Artist Club. The famous ‘LGBTQ+ safe haven’ as quoted by Camden Council host many of the quirky, expressive and inventive shows and was are no different. These three add to the glamour, humour and fun that is fringe theatre. First off, we have Jasper Red, a bio-queen who takes … [Read more...]
Song-cycle performance of Heart of Winter starring Rebecca Trehearn
A lot of people have been lucky (or unlucky) to have fallen in love but, eventually, have their hearts broken. It depends how you see it. How we deal with the aftermath of a heartbreak lies solely on us - we ultimately try to pick ourselves up and move on. That’s exactly what Kate (Rebecca Trehearn) tries to do in Heart of Winter. Heart of Winter, written by Tim Connor and Lia Buddle introduces us to Kate who is an ordinary northern girl in her mid-twenties. She’s a primary school teacher and … [Read more...]
Review of A Gym Thing at the Pleasance Theatre
In a world where Instagram selfies, social media followings and “being a public figure” are becoming more common, people see their physical image to be of pinnacle importance. The world of social media has sky-rocketed the healthy lifestyle in exchange for ‘likes’, online gratification and acceptance. No doubt, there are many benefits for going to the gym but we all know some that take their newly-realised regimes too seriously. It is, of course, then the mental health that ends up taking its … [Read more...]
Rasheeda Speaking by Joel Drake Johnson at Trafalgar Studios | Review
Plays have come under fire for being particularly ‘preachy’ recently. There are apparently ‘too many voices’ saying the same thing in this ‘woke’ era and productions can sometimes not get the balance of ‘the message’ and ‘the entertainment’ correct thus putting off audiences or boring them. First off, I cannot disagree more. Plays, particularly good ones, have always got a message to give. Be they political, ethical, historical or emotional. Secondly, Rasheeda Speaking is a great example of a … [Read more...]
Review of The World Goes ‘Round at Stockwell Playhouse
Revue shows are tricky. They are a celebration of a multitude of musicals whilst still trying to be a show in their own right. Are they worth seeing? One may argue they will only attract an audience who know what they will be getting. Those who don’t may be put off before booking. The World Goes ‘Round, currently at The Stockwell Playhouse until Sunday, is a well-known revue show of Kander and Ebb - famous for such musicals like Cabaret and Chicago. This particular show is now 21 years old … [Read more...]