The National Theatre does not disappoint with A Taste of Honey. The production is absolutely superb, with some of the cleverest staging imaginable.
‘A useful reminder of how we got here & what’s required to fix it’: THE PERMANENT WAY – The Vaults
If the devil is in the detail, David Hare’s old polemic against rail privatisation, Permanent Way, is a satanic ejaculation.
‘Atmospheric & hugely entertaining’: HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES – Abney Park Cemetery
The Hound of the Baskervilles is packed full of so many wonderful little touches that work together to create a truly entertaining night out.
NEWS: UK tour & West End run announced for Blithe Spirit starring Jennifer Saunders
Noël Coward’s classic comedy Blithe Spirit, directed by Richard Eyre and starring Jennifer Saunders, will return next year for a UK tour followed by a strictly limited six-week engagement at the West End’s Duke of York’s Theatre following a celebrated reception at the Theatre Royal Bath earlier this summer.
‘A masterpiece in theatrical storytelling’: WAR HORSE – Touring
The National Theatre production of Michael Morpurgo’s novel War Horse is both the most visceral depiction of war I’ve seen on stage and a masterpiece in theatrical storytelling.
WATCH: The 1919 film that inspired Claudio Macor’s Different From the Others
Claudio Macor’s latest play Different From the Others premieres 100 years after the film that inspired it. Have you heard of Anders als die Andern, the first-ever pro-gay film? Watch below – and then get booking!
‘Superb reimagining’: A DOLL’S HOUSE – Lyric Hammersmith
Tanika Gupta’s superb reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s modern classic A Doll’s House is both entertaining and deep.
‘I’ve looked into some dark recesses on this journey’: Playwright Andy Walker on creating Delivery
How do you go from the trauma of the Falklands War to sex-obsessed slugs via being a new father? Playwright Andy Walker explains all in his interview below. Have a read, then book your tickets for Delivery.
Q&A video: 20 years after she wrote it, Paloma Pedrero witnesses the UK premiere of The Eyes of the Night
I thought it was especially interesting to have lighting designer Nigel Lewis involved in the discussion – I was fascinated to hear how terrifying it was for him to plunge the stage into darkness for a lengthy portion of the evening.
‘Filled with warmth, emotion & delightful British humour’: THE LIFE I LEAD – West End ★★★★
Written by James Kettle, The Life I Lead (named after Mr Banks’ song in Mary Poppins) tells the story of David Tomlinson’s life and details his extraordinary highs and lows.
From Oklahoma! via Cats to Falsettos: My Stagey Week
It’s been another crazy busy Stagey week. I moved flats, travelled to Chichester, Kilworth, and Dartford, saw five shows, two cabarets, interviewed nine people and had a very early start on Sunday for a day’s filming.
NEWS: Cast announced for the London transfer of Glenn Chandler’s The Good Scout
Casting is now confirmed for the London transfer of The Good Scout, the latest Glenn Chandler Edinburgh Festival hit to transfer to London’s Above the Stag Theatre. Time to get booking!
‘Bizarre & beautifully poetic’: ANNA BELLA EEMA – Arcola Theatre ★★★★
As the cast take on different characters in each other’s dreams and memories, their versatility shines and all three excel in their hauntingly comic performances. Anna Bella Eema is bizarre and beautifully poetic – a must-see show.
‘Eerily compelling soundscape’: ANNA BELLA EEMA – Arcola Theatre
The strange but spellbinding Anna Bella Eema makes for an intriguing trip to the Arcola Theatre.
FIRST LOOK: Magic Goes Wrong follows Groan Ups in Mischief Theatre’s year at the Vaudeville
As term starts this Friday (20 September 2019) for Groan Ups, the inaugural production in Mischief Theatre’s year-long season of new work at the West End’s Vaudeville Theatre, sneak a peek at what’s to follow: Magic Goes Wrong, the company’s highly anticipated collaboration with legendary magicians.
At Last Q&A video: Can kindness be a form of rebellion against fascism?
Are you worried about the state of politics and society in the UK today? That’s the question I asked at the start of my post-show Q&A for At Last at London’s Lion & Unicorn Theatre.
‘Visually spectacular, thrilling entertainment’: BIG THE MUSICAL – West End ★★★★
Big is smashing fun if you can cope with the fact that at the heart of it is a power-relationship dynamic raising slightly awkward questions. But not in a Big way.
Text of the Day: The Doctor
Random and topical thoughts and quotes gathered by My Theatre Mates contributor Aleks Sierz, first published on www.sierz.co.uk.
‘Challenging to say the least’: AMSTERDAM – Orange Tree Theatre ★★★
Maya Arad Yasur’s Amsterdam had already had an illustrious reception before it hit Paul Miller’s pocket dynamo Orange Tree, Richmond.
NEWS: Claudio Macor premieres Different From the Others 100 years after first-ever pro-gay film
Dramatist Claudio Macor, renowned for his dramas centred around little-known historical records, returns to the White Bear Theatre with his latest play. Different From the Others tells the story behind the first pro-gay film ever made – and it premieres 100 years after the film itself. Time to get booking!