The Cutting Edge passes on the message that art in all its forms is about the importance of the human experience, rather than an end in itself.
Mates blogger: Michael Davis
Michael Davis is one of over 45 theatre bloggers who are part of the MyTheatreMates collective. This page features Michael's posts on MyTheatreMates. Take a look at our full list of theatre bloggers and our aggregated feed of all our Mates' posts. We’re always looking for new theatre bloggers. Could that be you? Learn about how to join us.
Michael Davis is a former actor and director. He’s passionate about fringe theatre and publicising shows that don’t necessarily receive mainstream attention. He’s previously reviewed for Female Arts and The Play’s the Thing and now runs his own site, Breaking the Fourth Wall. Michael is interested and knowledgeable about all aspects of the arts. He tweets @Michael30517721.
The latest from Michael on MyTheatreMates
‘Belief in the emotional truth of the situation’: THE DOG WALKER – Jermyn Street Theatre ★★★
In Paul Minx’s play The Dog Walker (which is directed by Harry Burton) we meet two individuals who despite initial appearances, have deep-seated issues that manifest as ‘quirky’ behaviour.
‘Has a gravitas that pulls the audience in’: FLIGHTS – Omnibus Theatre ★★★★
In Flights, which is written by John O’Donovan and directed by Thomas Martin, a protracted period of grieving is examined for the first time, leading to an uncomfortable night of self-examination.
‘Takes on Orton-esque proportions’: ON MCQUILLAN’S HILL – Finborough Theatre ★★★★
Responsibility to oneself and others permeates On McQuillan’s Hill, as does how isolation – real or imagined – affects one’s mental well-being.
‘There’s an authenticity in Blessed’s writing that can’t be faked’: Lullabies for the Lost – Old Red Lion Theatre ★★★★★
With no topic too grim, too unsettling or embarrassing, Lullabies for the Lost gives a voice to the unsayable and has insights to spare about the human condition.
‘The vibe is very tongue-in cheek’: THE INVISIBLE MAN – Brockley Jack Studio Theatre ★★★★
The Invisible Man manages to combine both panto and more serious fare, bringing a modicum of seasonal mirth to a tale about the darker side of human nature.
‘A love letter to the NHS’: BLOOD ORANGE – Old Red Lion Theatre ★★★★
Asides from being a love letter to the NHS, Tania Amsel’s Blood Orange makes clear how stressful and demanding on one’s mental health working in the caring professions is.
‘Themes that resonate during periods of crisis’: THE WIND OF HEAVEN – Finborough Theatre ★★★★
The Wind Of Heaven at the Finborough Theatre is spot on, with the principal characters living within the skin of their respective roles.
‘Much to savour’: UNCLE VANYA – New Wimbledon Studio Theatre & Touring ★★★★
The current production of Uncle Vanya which is touring with Theatrical Niche stays true to the spirit of its origins, while also fleshing out aspects that resonate today.
‘As much the history of a nation as a family drama’: THE HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS – Cervantes Theatre ★★★★
Adapted by Caridad Svich from Isabel Allende’s award-winning novel and directed by Paula Paz, The House of the Spirits is as much the history of a nation as a family drama. While the country of the play is ‘unnamed’, for those in the know the parallels…
‘A tour-de-force performance from Angela Marray’: THE MATCH BOX – Omnibus Theatre ★★★★
Directed by James O’Donnell, Frank McGuinness’ The Match Box is an in-depth examination of parental grief.
‘Compelling tale’: THE GIRL WHO FELL – Trafalgar Studios ★★★★
Writer Sarah Rutherford cleverly weaves together disparate elements of a sensitive story with subtlety and humour in The Girl Who Fell.
‘Orton-esque in its conceit’: THE HOUSE OF YES – Hope Theatre ★★★★
As Matthew Parker’s swansong as artistic director at the Hope Theatre, The House of Yes isn’t afraid to show the underbelly of ‘respectable society’.
‘Hot in terms of its relevance’: DANELAW – Old Red Lion Theatre ★★★★
One might be forgiven for thinking that Danelaw would be unrelentingly bleak, but in truth the play is a satire and doesn’t avoid the more absurdist elements of storytelling.
‘Heightens the aural experience’: THE EYES OF THE NIGHT – Cervantes Theatre ★★★★
Written by Paloma Pedrero – Spain’s most prolific playwright in the 21st century – and directed by Simone Coxall, The Eyes Of The Night makes its UK premiere at the Cervantes Theatre in London.
‘A family drama with a difference’: SKIN IN THE GAME – Old Red Lion Theatre ★★★★
Written by Paul Westwood and directed by Clemmie Reynolds, Skin In The Game is a family drama with a difference.
‘Not afraid to be immersed in the material’: RIVER IN THE SKY – Hope Theatre ★★★★
River in the Sky shows that even for those dealing with the ramifications of fertility issues, speaking frankly and directly is seldom on the cards.
‘The stuff of Greek legends’: GO BANG YOUR TAMBOURINE – Finborough Theatre ★★★★
First performed in 1970, Tricia Thorns’ revival of Philip King’s Go Bang Your Tambourine is remarkably the first time the play has ever been performed in London
‘Always has something to say about the human condition’: THE COLOURS – Soho Theatre ★★★★★
Ask people below a certain age what palliative care is and there might not be recognition for the term. But as one gets older, and family and friends succumb to the effects of time, there is greater awareness of end-of-life care – an appreciation of its importance.
‘It’s the journey that’s more important than the destination’: LUNATIC 19’S – Finborough Theatre ★★★★
In Tegan McLeod’s play Lunatic 19’s, which is directed by Jonathan Martin, we meet a young woman of Hispanic descent who happens to be at the ‘wrong place at the wrong time’.