In a free-for-all age of journalism, the currency of individual theatre reviews matter a lot less than they used to; all a theatre PR wants is a spread of five-star reviews, and they’re easier to summon than ever if you don’t look too closely which publications they come from. The general public won’t notice the difference, so its a bluff that often works.
FEATURED SHOW: They’ve created a monster hit – check out the reviews for Frankenstein
“Superb”, “modern and thrilling” and “pulls out every available stop” – take a look at what audiences and critics have said about Rona Munro’s new adaptation of Frankenstein, then head to the Belgrade Theatre to catch it this week before it heads back off on tour. Book now!
FEATURED SHOW: Take a look at the ★★★★ reviews for Peter Hamilton’s Danelaw
“White hot”, “astute” and “superbly intense” – critics and theatre fans have had their say on the new production of Peter Hamilton’s darkly comic tale about a far-right group? Take a look at what they’ve been saying, then book your tickets!
FEATURED SHOW: Check out the fantastic ★★★★ reviews for “sensational” Napoli, Brooklyn
“Powerful and sensational”, “engrossing”, “definitely one to see” – the critics and bloggers have aired their views on Original Theatre’s production of Meghan Kennedy’s drama, Napoli, Brooklyn. Take a look at what they had to say, then book your tickets!
FEATURED SHOW: The ★★★★ reviews are in for new farce Flat Out
“British farce at its best” – that’s the view of critics who’ve laughed their way through an evening at Upstairs at the Gatehouse, enjoying Jennifer Selway’s new comedy Flat Out. Enjoy our collection of the best reviews, and a smattering of enthused audience responses, then book your tickets!
FEATURED SHOW: The reviews are in for ★★★★★ hit, Rejoicing at her Wondrous Vulva the Young Woman Applauded Herself
“Bold and poetic”, “exciting”, “must-see” – check out what reviewers have been saying about Bella Heesom’s new show about female sexuality, Rejoicing at her Wondrous Vulva the Young Woman Applauded Herself , then book tickets for the remaining performances!
FEATURED SHOW: Check out the ★★★★ reviews for Finborough revival Jane Clegg
“Impeccable”, “gripping” and “poignant” – critics have been quick to praise David Gilmore’s revival of Jane Clegg, which has not been seen on the London stage for more than 75 years. Take a look at what they said, then book your tickets.
FEATURED SHOW: Check out the reviews for OVO Theatre’s ocean-bound Twelfth Night
“The funniest and bawdiest Shakespeare I have seen” – Reviews and audiences have been laughing themselves seasick at OVO Theatre’s production of Twelfth Night, which sets the action aboard an ocean liner. Take a look at some of our favourite reactions then book your tickets!
FEATURED SHOW: Check out the scarily good reviews for creepy thriller We Know Now Snowmen Exist
“A plot worthy of Inside No. 9” – could there be a greater compliment to pay We Know Now Snowmen Exist? Take a look at what reviewers said about the all-female claustrophobic thriller, then rush to book tickets as there are only a couple of days left to see it!
FEATURED SHOW: Check out the ★★★★ reviews for Headlong’s ‘heart-stopping’ Richard III at Alexandra Palace
“Thrilling”, “illuminating” & “excellent” – Headlong’s new production of Richard III has impressed critics in both Bristol, where it opened earlier this month, and at Alexandra Palace, where it continues until 31 March. Take a look at the fantastic reviews we’ve gathered together, then book your tickets!
FEATURED SHOW: Check out what reviewers have to say about ‘Impactful & unsettling’ The Project
“A play I won’t forget.” Can you ask for more as an audience member than a play that has such an impact that the memory sticks with you. This is the effect The Project is having on reviewers. We’ve collected some of the best together – see what they say, then book your tickets!
GALLERY: Take a look at the production shots for ★★★★★ hit Bodies
The revival of James Saunders’ relationship drama Bodies at Southwark Playhouse has garnered a host of four and five star reviews. As it heads towards its final week, take a look at these fantastic production images, then book your tickets!
FEATURED SHOW: Check out these ★★★★★ reviews for Bodies!
“Impeccably performed”, “exhilarating” and “riveting” – Two’s Company’s revival of James Saunders’ Bodies at Southwark Playhouse has been wowing audiences and collecting acclaim since it opened earlier this month. Check out our round-up of the best reviews around, then book your tickets for the show running until 9 March 2019!
FEATURED SHOW: Check out these ★★★★ reviews for Anomaly at Old Red Lion Theatre
“A gripping production” and an “important play” featuring “top notch performances” – critics and bloggers have been full of praise for WildChild Productions’ #MeToo drama Anomaly at the Old Red Lion Theatre. Take a look at what they had to say, then book your tickets for this “pacy, perceptive debut play”.
How not to alienate critics
Theatre critics have diaries bubbling with commitments. There’s some sort of press night or performance almost every day and often more than one. Clashes are surprisingly common. Getting to as many shows as possible is a juggling act.
Come on critics, it’s a play not a funeral
I often see top “A team” critics looking miserably impassive as if they’d rather be anywhere but in the theatre. Is there some code of practice that I’m not party to which requires you never to smile, laugh or applaud because you’re a critic?
WATCH: Cherrelle Skeete & Nicola Alexis perform extracts from Gate Theatre’s hit A Small Place
Jamaica Kincaid’s A Small Place is being staged for the first time at London’s Gate Theatre. It may be difficult to know what to expect from an acclaimed non-fiction book being brought to the stage, so get a feel for the four-star show with footage of extracts performed by stars Cherelle Skeete & Nicola Alexis
FEATURED SHOW: Check out the fantastic reviews for the “bold & enlivening” A Small Place
The Gate Theatre’s staging of Jamaica Kincaid’s anger-filled essay on Antigua, A Small Place, is drawing audiences and critics to Notting Hill. With four-star reviews and assertions that the piece is “delightfully surprising”, “brilliantly poetic” and “urgent”, it’s easy to see why.
FEATURED SHOW: The reviews are in for ‘must-see’ Sexy Laundry at Tabard Theatre
“Must-see”, “perfect”, “hysterics” – audiences and critics have been laughing their way through Sexy Laundry at the Tabard Theatre since the comedy opened at the Chiswick venue in early November. Find out what they’ve been saying, then book tickets to find out for yourself!
‘If you invite a critic then criticism is what you’ll get’: No correspondence will be entered into
I stand by everything I write in any review and will not make changes just because someone’s feelings may be a bit bruised. In fact I’m not prepared even to discuss it. We’re all grown up. If you invite a critic then criticism is what you’ll get. Accept it with grace.
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