A Flashbang is a type of grenade that goes off very loudly and suddenly, upsetting everything. It takes everything you think you know and shakes it all up in a blinding flash of light and noise and pain. There is a tragedy at the centre of James Lewis’ Flashbang, but it is not what it at its heart. There you find the recurring theme of Lewis’ writing – the poetry of the ordinary. Flashbang sits firmly and comfortably in this tradition.
Guest Bloggers
MyTheatreMates welcomes submissions from guest bloggers and other occasional contributors, including theatremakers commenting on aspects of their shows. Please email your suggestions to Mates co-founder Terri Paddock or submit them via our Contact Us page.
The latest from Guest Bloggers on MyTheatreMates
‘This is a winner’: CRONGTON KNIGHTS – Belgrade Theatre & touring ★★★★★
Crongton Knights is a winner… up there with the best, for the range and breadth, depth and richness of drama.
‘What sets this show apart is that it’s a beatbox musical’: CRONGTON KNIGHTS – Belgrade Theatre & touring
Alex Wheatle’s popular YA novel Crongton Knights is brought to vibrant life in this irresistible adaptation by Emteaz Hussain. An uplifting, impressive show that delivers its social commentary with humour and a lot of heart.
‘Tea & manners link throughout’: THE GIFT – Belgrade Theatre & touring ★★★★
This complex play covers a vast but nourishing soup of issues that impact relationships between cultures, races and people in the modern world.
‘The pendulum swings both ways’: ACTUALLY – West End ★★★★
Set against the backdrop of Princeton University, Actually provides a reminder that, even in the era of #MeToo and #TimesUp, there remain plenty of grey areas when it comes down to defining assault and determining consent.
‘If it was a chocolate, it’d be something bittersweet’: AMERICAT – Tristan Bates Theatre
Not going to lie. This devised piece – which was 60 minutes straight through – was not what I was expecting. It can be quite difficult to critique such a short play, but I spent more time laughing at Americat than being emotionally moved as I had anticipated. (This was quite a relief!)
‘There was a part of me in every character’: FEEL – The Space & touring ★★★★★
James Lewis’ four-hander Feel, staged by Proforca Theatre and helmed by the company’s artistic director David Brady, is definitely worth seeing. From the moment the play begins with the soundscape of the London Underground, it feels contemporary and easily accessible.
Vlogging a dead horse: Casting YouTuber Tanya Burr in Confidence makes perfect sense
Was the casting of YouTuber Tanya Burr in Confidence at Southwark Playhouse really such a big deal? Guest blogger Mary Grace Nguyen did some online digging before rushing to judge…
‘Never underestimate the power of representation’: Tom Mack on the need for more gay stories like Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Tom Mack, currently studying for an MA in Creative Producing at Mountview, shared this piece with the Mates on why, as a young gay man, it’s so gratifying to see out-and-proud stories like those in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and the recent film Love, Simon onstage and screen. “Yeah…” My answer in response to my brother saying to me “You’re …
Why Is the Sky Blue? Abbey Wright on discussing kids & pornography through theatre
Tackroom Theatre, with the help of Barnardo’s, interviewed 10,000 6- to 22-year-olds on what they think love is and the effect of online pornography on their lives. Why is the Sky Blue? (or How to Make Slime), now running at Southwark Playhouse, is the result of these interviews.
Are women funny? Why are we still being asked this question?!
ShyGirl, a 30-something delving into the uncharted world of vlogging for the first time (and a.k.a. writer and performer Siobhan McMillan), brings her new show MIRRORS to London’s Leicester Square Theatre later this month. In her first-ever blog, exclusive to My Theatre Mates, she dissects the oft-asked question: “Are women funny?” Having recently observed different women discussing whether women can be funny …
Bunny’s Catherine Lamb: ‘Making theatre for young people is a financial disaster’
“I am on a mission to get a younger audience to the theatre. In January 2017, I founded Fabricate Theatre, a company dedicated to producing theatre which is relevant to a younger audience.”
‘I used to think the arts were welcoming’: How to get ahead w/o connections?
The Crystal Egg Live director Elif Knight looks back on how a lack of ‘connections’ has impacted her career to date – and makes a strong case for all of us to put a stronger focus on diversity in the theatre industry.
‘I used to think the arts were welcoming’: How to get ahead w/o connections?
The Crystal Egg Live director Elif Knight looks back on how a lack of ‘connections’ has impacted her career to date – and makes a strong case for all of us to put a stronger focus on diversity in the theatre industry.
BLOOD BROTHERS – Touring ★★★★
Blood Brothers is one of Break A Leg’s favourites and it’s always a due to review the show, the dynamics are different each time and yet the overall drama, comic timing and splendour of the production never waivers.
‘Drama at a totally different level’: Punchdrunk’s Kabeiroi ★★★★
Oblivious passers-by sometimes appeared odd and threatening, and I had the near-constant the feeling that we were being watched – which probably we were. At the same time, the hours walking round London following instructions meant sometimes it felt tedious, tiring and cold.
Philip Correia: The search for comfort, security, home & Hyem
Philip Correia explains how his debut play HYEM is inspired by society’s craving for comfort and belonging in a time of anger, inequality and growing uncertainty.
Around the world in SE1: 80 days director recalls her multi-cultural influences growing up
New Vic artistic director Theresa Heskins has attracted critical acclaim for the globe-trotting zeal of her hit production of Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days, currently at London’s Cadogan Hall as part of an extensive new UK tour. She recalls how, growing up in south London, a lack of foreign travel didn’t prevent her from being influenced by all manner of far-flung cultures.
Hannah Boland Moore: Mining the melancholy in Restoration comedy
Director Hannah Boland Moore explains why she chose to revive The Provoked Wife – and how she’s adapted it for a young cast of eight and set it at a modern music festival.
Bringing Barnum-style spectacle to #EdFringe via China Goes Pop!
As the first major London revival of Barnum is announced today, American director and choreographer Shanda Sawyer talks about her own experience helming numerous circus productions for Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey, which closed this past May after 146 years.