Theatre is back and getting stronger! Thank you to everyone who has committed so much to mounting productions, online and offline, during these unprecedented times. The Mates are with you! If we can help promote your project, give us a shout!
MyTheatreMates is a portal for independent theatre bloggers in London and around the UK. We have dozens of bloggers whose sites and content are regularly featured here. Find out more about all our Mates and access their posts.
Terri Paddock co-founded MyTheatreMates in 2015 with the help of leading theatre critic and industry commentator Mark Shenton, a mate for life! Find out more about the original ethos behind the website.
Recent articles
‘A whole lot of spectacle sprinkled in with the silliness’: CINDERELLA – Woking ★★★★
8th December 2022New Victoria Theatre, Woking – until 31 December 2022 It’s that time of year again (oh yes it is) where audiences flock to their local theatres to see the seasonal panto, and this year the New Victoria Theatre, Woking are… .. Read more
‘Too lightweight in its treatment of the issues it covers’: KERRY JACKSON – National Theatre
8th December 2022National Theatre, Dorfman – until 28 January 2023 The National Theatre has quite mixed fortunes when it comes to new play commissions, some become and instant hit – like After Life and the storming success this year of Jack Absolute Flies… .. Read more
New post-show Q&A: Terri Paddock is back in thriller territory with Wickies: The Vanishing Men of Eilean Mor
7th December 2022After a spine-chilling post-show talk for ghost story When Darkness Falls last year, I’m looking forward to reuniting with writer Paul Morrissey at London’s Park Theatre for his latest new thriller, Wickies. Wickie: n. (job-specific jargon) A lighthouse keeper, whose responsibilities… .. Read more
‘Vividly atmospheric & kinetic production’: OTHELLO – National Theatre ★★★★
7th December 2022National Theatre, Lyttelton – until 21 January 2022 The National Theatre’s Lyttelton stage has been transformed with steps and terraces around the performance space, creating a look that is a cross between an ancient greek theatre and a fighting pit. Before… .. Read more
‘Such warmth, inclusivity & pure joy’: JACK! – Chickenshed Theatre
6th December 2022Chickenshed Theatre, London – until 7 January 2023 It’s the festive season, and of all the Christmas shows on offer this year, I’m not sure they could possibly come much bigger than Chickenshed’s Jack! Playing is believing… As ever, the… .. Read more
‘Definitely a show that’s been revived at the right time’: ORLANDO – Garrick Theatre ★★★★
6th December 2022Garrick Theatre, London – until 25 February 2022 Thought to be inspired by Virginia Woolf’s romance with Vita Sackville-West, Orlando depicts a boisterous protagonist whose journey spans five centuries and two genders. Its awareness of gender politics and expectations as… .. Read more
REVIEW ROUND-UP: Mother Goose at the Hackney Empire
5th December 2022We take a close look at what critics have had to say about this latest pantomime at the London theatre. The Guardian: ★★★★ “This is Clive Rowe’s 15th panto at the Empire – he directs this one, too, marshalling a… .. Read more
‘Excellent characterisation’: GREY MAN – Online Review
5th December 2022Perhaps it is just a clever confounding of expectations by Robyn Winfield Smith who directs with pace and a palpable energy It’s that time of year when days get shorter, nights get longer and tale telling revolves around the supernatural. Just a… .. Read more
‘Brings the house down’: Dick Whittington: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto – Leeds ★★★★★
5th December 2022Leeds City Varieties Music Hall – until 8 January 2023 Guest reviewer: Sal E Marino There was an infectious feeling of fun, frivolity and non-stop belly-busting laughter across Leeds as the famous Rock ‘n’ Roll panto presenting Dick Whittington, was showing at the fabulous… .. Read more
‘Each performance is sharply refined’: Ghosted: Another F***ing Christmas Carol – The Other Palace ★★★
4th December 2022The Other Palace, London – until 24 December 2022 This new adult take on A Christmas Carol has plenty of spirit in every sense of the word, but it feels as though it tries too hard to be enjoyable. A… .. Read more