It is the original postwar Germany and Austria into which Stuart Paterson’s book for new musical Identical takes us in a fresh, bouncy Stiles and Drewe musical. Auditions of hundred pairs of identical twins found three: on press night Eden and Emme Patrick proved faultless in a complicated, sometimes emotionally intense performance, first disliking one another on sight and then rapturously realising their sisterhood; they are playfully natural and assured, rarely offstage for long
‘Gleefully brings the comedy of the piece to life’: THE GAME OF LOVE & CHANCE – Arcola Outside ★★★★
This brand new English version of Pierre de Marivaux’s classic comedy The Game of Love and Chance, adapted by Quentin Beroud and Jack Gamble, takes great delight in modernising this almost 300-year-old French play. There is a knowingness to the adaptation that adds yet more comic layers to the wonderfully silly piece.
‘The beauty of the play is the way it gets at the truth’: THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW – Arcola Theatre
Known for classic novels about human relationships such as Sons and Lovers, Women In Love and The Rainbow, DH Lawrence also tried his hand at writing plays. The Daughter-In-Law – which was performed and received critical acclaim posthumously – takes place in the familiar region of Nottinghamshire where most of his novels are set.
‘Striking & powerful production’: THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW – Arcola Theatre
This is a striking and powerful production of The Daughter-in-Law filled with performances that are delivered with real grit and passion – highly recommended.
‘Honest, heartfelt & detailed piece of theatre’: SOLDIER ON – The Other Palace ★★★★
Written and directed by Jonathan Lewis, this funny and powerfully honest production of Soldier On gives a vivid insight into the lives of those who work in the military and their families left behind.
‘Excellent, thoughtful & enjoyable production’: SOLDIER ON – The Other Palace ★★★★
Soldier On reminds us that, whilst the memory of those conflicts has faded from the front pages, the price is still being paid, the grief and horror of what occurred made new and raw every day by the re-experiencing nightmare of PTSD.
‘A clear & engaging revival’: THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW – Arcola Theatre
Though no one comes out well in The Daughter-In-Law and the script simmers for too long before it starts to boil over, this is a clear and engaging revival of a lesser known English play.
WHEN MIDNIGHT STRIKES – Drayton Arms Theatre
MKEC Productions have been carving out a niche for themselves in conjuring fringe productions of lesser-known musicals and in Charles Miller and Kevin Hammonds’ When Midnight Strikes, directed by Marc Kelly, they’re onto a winner.
HONK! – Union Theatre
It is springtime and in a rural farm, the feathered inhabitants are getting ready to meet the new generation. For Ida (Ellie Nunn) this means sitting for hours on end on the nest while her partner Drake (Leon Scott) wanders about enjoying himself.