Rarely in the history of Islington playgoing have so many first-nighters whooped so enthusiastically at Gospel rock. When cheers for Elton John’s anthems in Tammy Faye at the Almeida Theatre briefly abate it is often for quite different whoops, laughter at James Graham’s dry sharp script or moments of enchanted shock at an unexpected popup.
‘Elements of the story connect in ways that surprise’: PATRIOTS – Almeida Theatre
Peter Morgan’s new play Patriots at the Almeida Theatre is a history lesson, filling in the gaps in our understanding of how we ended up where we are now. Specifically, it connects events in Russia after the fall of Communism with the high profile deaths in the UK of Russians who had fallen out with Vladimir Putin and, more implicitly, with the invasion of Ukraine and the state of Russia today.
‘Confrontational, shocking, classic in its focus’: PATRIOTS – Almeida Theatre
Patriots at the Almeida Theatre is a fresh history play: confrontational, shocking, classic in its focus on vast flawed characters and pretty close to documented – and very recent – reality. It has all the elements: a kingmaker whose creation turns on him, acolytes and shifting alliances, self-serving arrogance, passionate romantic patriotism, politics and big money and tragedy and defeat.
‘An overlong, ill-conceived & pretentious evening’: DADDY – Almeida Theatre ★★
Jeremy O’Taylor is a much-feted American playwright (a Tony for Slave Play) adept at drilling in to the moment: BLM, fashionable white guilt, showy theatricality and retro-intellectual themes.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: The Chairs at the Almeida Theatre
Emma Clarendon rounds up the reviews for Omar Elerian’s revival of Eugène Ionesco’s absurdist comedy The Chairs. Real-life husband and wife Marcello Magni and Kathryn Hunter star.
Year in review: My favourite digital shows 2021
Despite the fact that theatres were once again up and running for about half the year (varying from place to place), there was still a massive appetite for digital productions going into 2021.
‘An enthralling, bewitching new staging with a terrific young cast’: SPRING AWAKENING – Almeida Theatre
I’m not sure even the greatest admirers of this 2006 Broadway smash will be prepared for the emotional and visceral impact of this jaw-droppingly fine new production by the Almeida’s artistic director Rupert Goold.
‘The in-your-face ferocity is hugely impactful in such a small space’: SPRING AWAKENING – Almeida Theatre
Directed by Rupert Goold with a cast of highly talented young performers, this energetic production about teenage desire and the failure of parental direction is a rare musical choice for the Almeida.
NEWS: Almeida sets post-Covid dates for Daddy & House of Shades in new spring season
The Almeida Theatre has announced its line-up of productions for spring 2022, including two rescheduled premieres that were postponed by the pandemic.
‘This is Shakespeare for the Netflix generation’: MACBETH – Almeida Theatre
Saoirse Ronan makes her UK stage debut in Yael Farber’s testosterone-fest, which is vivid, but much too long.
‘A notoriously difficult play to stage well’: THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH – Almeida Theatre
At more than three hours, The Tragedy of Macbeth stretches the patience at the Almeida Theatre, despite strong work from Saoirse Ronan and James McArdle.
Review Round-up: The Tragedy of Macbeth at the Almeida Theatre
On LoveLondonLoveCulture, Emma Clarendon rounds up the reviews for the Almeida Theatre’s new production of Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Macbeth. It stars James McArdle and Saoirse Ronan, directed by Yael Farber.
‘Saoirse Ronan is a Lady Macbeth to remember for years’: THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH – Almeida Theatre ★★★★★
THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH. Almeida, N1 THE SCOTTISH PLAY WE NEEDED Say what you like about star-casting and auteur-ish directors messing with Shakespeare, but sometimes a multiple Academy Award nominee has a trumpeted on a British … Continue reading →
NEWS: Saoirse Ronan makes her UK stage debut in new Almeida Theatre season
The Almeida Theatre has announced a new season for 2021. Highlights include: The Tragedy of Macbeth, directed by Yaël Farber, featuring Olivier-nominated James McArdle and four-time Academy Award-nominated Saoirse Ronan, making her UK stage debut.
NEWS: The Almeida Theatre’s production of Lolita Chakrabarti’s Hymn will be available on demand in March
The sold-out live-streamed world premiere production of Lolita Chakrabarti’s Hymn, originally due to play to socially distanced audiences at the Almeida Theatre, will be available to rent on demand from 3-9 March 2021.
‘The writing is nuanced & structured’: HYMN – Almeida Theatre (Online review)
In an empty Almeida Theatre, two heavyweight actors – Adrian Lester and Danny Sapani – bring serious male energy to Lolita Chakrabati’s new play Hymn.
Review Round Up: Hymn at the Almeida Theatre
We round up the reviews for Lolita Chakrabarti’s new play Hymn, starring Adrian Lester and Danny Sapani.
NEWS: Almeida Theatre announces live-streamed performances of Lolita Chakrabarti’s Hymn
The world premiere production of Lolita Chakrabarti’s Hymn, originally due to play to socially distanced audiences at London’s Almeida Theatre, will now be streamed live from the theatre for five performances from 17-20 February 2021 (press performance is 18 February). Directed by Blanche McIntyre, the play features Adrian Lester in the role of Gil and Danny Sapani as Benny.
Building up to the Olivier Awards 2020 – the virtual way
Do fill your glass, glam up and get ready to join host Jason Manford in saluting the Olivier Awards 2020 winners and nominees. Oh and why not take a look at the social media build-up to the big night too.
‘Making sure that talent does not go unnoticed at this difficult time’: SHIFTING TIDES – Almeida Theatre (Online review)
Young writers and performers take a long hard look at climate change with entertaining results in Almeida Theatre’s digital season Shifting Tides.