Maxine Peake struggles to make the voice of reason heard in the rather reactionary feminist history play The Welkin at the National Theatre.
‘A historical epic that demands to be heard’: THE WELKIN – National Theatre
Lucy Kirkwood returns to the National Theatre with The Welkin, starring a brilliant ensemble led by Maxine Peake.
‘Promises to be real marmite’: TWELFTH NIGHT – Bristol ★★★
If nothing else Wils Wilson has produced a rollicking evening of entertainment in Twelfth Night at Bristol Old Vic, even if it is only a surface level take on this most beguiling of masterpieces.
‘There is a woozy melancholy at this production’s heart’: TWELTH NIGHT – Edinburgh ★★★★
Shifting emotions are filtered through autumnal sunlight in the Lyceum’s Twelfth Night, with as much defiant sadness on view as happy resolution.
‘Effortlessly accessible’: MY LEFT / RIGHT FOOT – THE MUSICAL – Edinburgh Fringe ★★★★★
An hysterically funny new musical that also makes a rather pertinent point about disability and inclusivity – the performances are top notch, and it’s effortlessly accessible.
Mind the Blog’s top 2017 performances
This year variety has been the thing (though I’ve still managed to stack up certain repeat attendances), so that means I’ve seen a serious amount of performers – some even two or three times!
‘The puppetry is top class’: PINOCCHIO – National Theatre ❄❄❄❄❄
Award-winning John Tiffany directs, bringing to life a show that has been in his thoughts for several years now – he’s joined on the team by long-standing collaborator Bob Crowley, as well as Toby Olié as puppet director.
‘A unique, faintly creepy brand of entertainment’: PINOCCHIO – National Theatre
No matter the weather, as you walk into the Lyttelton’s auditorium for Pinocchio, you’ll find that it is snowing. A simple trick but one that inspires just the right childlike wonder for an adaptation of such a popular fairytale.
‘Magical, heartwarming’: PINOCCHIO – National Theatre ★★★★
This is a magical, heartwarming production which uses a variety of theatrical devices in the purest and most masterful way. I’d certainly urge you to get to the National to experience it for yourself and be reminded of the importance of love and family.
OUR LADIES OF PERPETUAL SUCCOR – West End
Our Ladies is exactly what the West End needs right now, it’s a fresh, exciting, fun and unique theatrical experience for all ages (…well most ages!) The show manages to be angelic, vivacious, electric and foul-mouthed at the same time
OUR LADIES OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR – National Theatre
Sheer joy and excitement as Lee (‘Billy Elliot’) Hall adapts book about six convent girls, with miraculous results.
OUR LADIES OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR – Edinburgh Fringe
✭✭✭✭✭ Riotous assembly:
Our Ladies Of Perpetual Succour is a massive beast of a thing, beautifully crafted in its ragged humanity and utterly irresistible.