Because nothing says Merry Christmas like a stage mum going off the rails! Gypsy offers a different festive treat at Manchester’s Royal Exchange.
News, Reviews and Features
These are all of our in-house news and features as well as syndicated article excerpts from our 45+ theatre bloggers. You can also access All Our Mates' Posts in comprehensive list form and view individual author pages.
‘A colourful & escapist retreat’: THE BOY FRIEND – Menier Chocolate Factory ★★★
At the end of a year in which female-forward and feminist theatre has made so much progress, The Boy Friend looks regressive as well as nostalgic. On the other hand, it is a colourful and escapist retreat from the winter, and we could all do with a night off from angst.
WATCH Escape From Planet Trash post-show Q&A video: Why have Sink the Pink blasted off to outer space?
I had my own introduction to Ginger Johnson and Sink the Pink a year ago when I chaired a Q&A for How to Catch a Krampus, the first in a new queer trilogy at the Pleasance Theatre, which also marked the drag collective’s first-ever theatrical residency after a decade of mega club nights, festivals and glitter-doused parties.
‘Will make your heart leap’: A CHRISTMAS CAROL – The Old Vic
This freshened-up and first-rate production of A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic sees Paterson Joseph giving one of the performances of his life, his humanity simply erupting onto the stage.
NEWS: For the Sake of Argument brings drama of language and war to the Bridewell Theatre
New play For the Sake of Argument tests the old saying that the pen is mightier than the sword with its tale of a journalist at the time of the Iraq war that runs at the Bridewell Theatre early next year. Book your tickets now!
‘Fascinating exploration of solitary lives’: WILD GOOSE DREAMS – Bath ★★★
An always fascinating piece, Wild Goose Dreams detours constantly down different alleys to tell its story and gets overwhelmed by all the work’s devices.
FIRST LOOK: Take a trip into the past, present and future with images from A (One-Man) Christmas Carol
How does a solo performer bring all the characters in Charles Dickens’ festive classic to life for A (One-Man) Christmas Carol? Some of the answer lay in the production images below. Take a look, then book your tickets!
‘Quite an empowering production’: BAND OF GOLD – Touring ★★★★★
Kay Mellor’s Band of Gold, based on the TV series of the same name also penned by Mellor is very gritty, very northern but also very witty.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: Wolf of Wall Street – 5-15 Sun Street
Discover what critics had to say about the immersive production of Wolf Of Wall Street based on Jordan Belfort’s memoirs.
FIRST LOOK: Take a peek into the world of Graeae’s hit tale of mystery and tragedy One Under
As they prepare to bring Winsome Pinnock’s tale of a death and uncovering the story behind it to the Arcola Theatre next week, delve into the world of Graeae’s One Under with production images and a trailer. Time to book your tickets.
‘As a jovial, energetic pantomime spectacle, it’s a triumph’: A CHRISTMAS CAROL – Bridge House Theatre ★★★
Whilst A Christmas Carol may not pass muster as high theatre, there are some genuinely wonderful moments to be found at its strongest points, and as a jovial, energetic pantomime spectacle, it’s a triumph.
WATCH An Act of God post-show Q&A video: Is the Almighty a peri-menopausal woman… like Zoe Lyons?
How do you get SIX MILLION followers on Twitter? As someone who spends all day most days on social media, I’m staggered by the very notion. It must require divine intervention… of sorts. David Javerbaum has achieved it.
‘Oddly unengaging’: MIDNIGHT MOVIE – Royal Court Theatre
I wanted to love this Midnight Movie, but — like almost any screen experience — I couldn’t quite connect with it. Despite some disturbing passages, it feels like less than the sum of its parts.
New pre-election post-show Q&A: Join Terri to discuss risks for the NHS at Blood Orange
Is the NHS “on the table” in trade negotiations with Donald Trump if Boris Johnson wins a majority at the ballot box next week? Terri Paddock chairs a special pre-election post-show Q&A at Tania Amsel’s Blood Orange.
WATCH The Play That Goes Wrong post-show Q&A video: How does it feel to make your debut in a Mischief comedy?
What part do costumes play in branding for The Play That Goes Wrong around the world? How are they made durable enough to survive eight performances a week of one of Theatreland’s most physical productions?
‘A tuneful & comic delight’: COPPÉLIA – Royal Opera House ★★★★
Coppélia may be the nearest classical ballet comes to pantomime and as a choice alternative to the usual slew of Nutcrackers and Sleeping Beauties, this one is a tuneful and comic delight.
‘We like our plays to have a heart & that heart is often bittersweet’: Kellie Batchelor stars in Martha, Josie & the Chinese Elvis at the Park Theatre
Actress Kellie Batchelor chatted to Emma Clarendon about starring in Martha, Josie and the Chinese Elvis.
‘Hilarious & thought-provoking’: NOR WOMAN NEITHER – Tristan Bates Theatre ★★★★★
The exposing environment of Nor Woman Neither gives the two actors nothing to hide behind but their exceptional talent and we simply don’t need anything else.
‘An all-singing, all-dancing festive treat’: WHITE CHRISTMAS – West End ★★★★
White Christmas is an all-singing, all-dancing festive treat, full of showbiz razzmatazz and a little bit of romance thrown in for good measure – though with the memories of war lurking in the background, there is a dark edge that offsets the Technicolor world of the 1950s.
‘A surefire hit if ever there was one’: THE BOY FRIEND – Menier Chocolate Factory
As light as a madeleine and as frivolous as a macaron, Sandy Wilson’s The Boy Friend proves a festive treat at the Menier Chocolate Factory.