Kunene and the King review
South Africa’s problematic history is exposed in Kunene and the King, a sharp new play written by John Kani. Last year marks a quarter of a century since the nation’s first post-apartheid democratic elections, and this insightful two-hander explores the complex relationship between two South...
Uncle Vanya review
Although Ian Rickson’s new production of Chekhov is brilliantly acted across the board, it is Toby Jones who gives the stand-out performance. Playing Uncle Vanya, he deftly balances humour and despair - with the disappointment and boredom of his provincial life plain to see. From the time he...
Magic Goes Wrong review
You can accuse the members of Mischief Theatre of many things- frivolity, repetitiveness, popularism, repetitiveness - but what you absolutely can’t accuse them of is false advertising. There is a lot of magic in this show, and an equal amount of it goes wrong. If you’re buying a ticket...
Curtains review
What do you get if you combine The Mousetrap, The Play That Goes Wrong and Oklahoma!? A musical whodunnit comedy. Well, at least that’s the aim of this show from John Kander, Fred Ebb and Rupert Holmes. It’s the opening night of Robbin Hood, but the leading lady is causing drama by her lack of...
Girl from the North Country review
An orange glow dimly lights the Gielgud stage as we’re transported back to a 1934 boarding house in the town of Duluth, Minnesota. Duluth also happens to be the birthplace of Bob Dylan, whose discography provides the soundtrack to this poignant Depression-era tale. First seen at the Old Vic in...
The Ocean at the End of the Lane review
Please note: This review is from the production's run at the National Theatre. The production will transfer to the Duke of York's Theatre in 2021. The blurring of reality and imagination feels very present as we try to steer through the pitfalls of social media and question the truth of the news...
Six the Musical review
‘We’re one of a kind, no category’ sing the queens of SIX in the closing number of this spectacular, new British musical, and that couldn’t be more accurate. Take one part traditional musical theatre, one part arena popstar extravaganza and mix it together with a healthy dose of GCSE...
A Christmas Carol review
When you step into the Old Vic auditorium for the current run of A Christmas Carol, the festive spirit begins at once. The stage thrusts out into the audience, taking over the space, with countless glowing lanterns hanging above. You’re immediately greeted by an usher dressed in full costume, who...
& Juliet the Musical review
It’s been quite a year for feminist historical theatre, with SIX reigning at the Arts Theatre and Emilia opening at the Vaudeville. Now, pop meets Shakespeare as & Juliet struts its way to the Shaftesbury Theatre, fusing super-producer Max Martin’s chart toppers with star-crossed lovers in...
DEAR EVAN HANSEN review
Anxiety. Suicide. Abandoned children. Dear Evan Hansen packs in as many bleak subjects as in can in two hours, and even though at times it feels like emotional manipulation on the audience, it’s easy to see why this musical for the social media age has been such a hit on Broadway since it opened...
