One of the few things I enjoy even more than theatre is talking politics. So chairing a post-show discussion about a brilliant new political play, written and directed by a Westminster insider and lifelong activist, really is my idea of bliss. At the White Bear Theatre, I got to do just that for Triggered, Emma Burnell’s new play about a fictional deselection of a Labour MP ahead of the 2019 General Election.
‘A chance to get inside & interact with the Whoniverse’: DOCTOR WHO: Time Fracture – Unit Headquarters ★★★★
Designing an immersive experience for an audience as obsessive as Doctor Who fans would seem almost completely impossible.
‘It charmingly epitomises the Jazz Age’: GATSBY THE MUSICAL – Southwark Playhouse ★★★
F Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby was first published nearly 100 years ago yet it still continues to inspire modern adaptations and interpretations.
‘A fast-paced cross between an immersive show & an escape room’: THE DROP – Swamp Motel ★★★★★
You gather in an unassuming office reception to start – looking much like any of the thousands of office receptions in the surrounding part of the city.
‘This is a fun, almost frothy, show’: LUCK BE A LADY – Upstairs at the Gatehouse ★★★★
In this one-woman show, writer and performer Beth Burrows fascinates her audience even as she exposes some of the flaws of her famous male subjects: Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra.
‘Sings & stings with hard-won truths’: No Cure for Love / The Rice Krispie Killer – Camden Fringe
Taking inspiration from the music of Leonard Cohen, Emma Burnell’s No Cure For Love – a play with original songs (rather than Cohen covers) – bucks the trend a little when it comes to shows you might expect to see at the Camden Fringe.
INTERVIEW: Is there a cure for love? In her first play, Emma Burnell tries to find an answer to this eternal question
The music of Leonard Cohen, and a visit to Broadstairs Folk Festival, inspired journalist Emma Burnell to write – and then direct her debut play. No Cure for Love premieres at London’s Lion & Unicorn Theatre during Camden Fringe.
‘Its message could not be more needed’: TESTAMENT – Via Brooklyn (Online review) ★★★★★
Testament places some of the Bible’s most interesting bit part players in a modern setting and gives them centre stage.
‘This was the best time I’ve had on a Zoom call’: JURY DUTY – Exit Productions ★★★★ (Online review)
In this world turned upside down, emergency legislation has been rushed through to do away with barristers. Now the accused in court have only you.
‘As the culmination of ten days’ work, this is an incredible achievement’: SIGNIFICANT OTHER INC – The Vaults ★★★★
This piece has so much promise it is worth seeing this week in its raw form to understand the journey that the hopeful end product will go through.
THE WASP – Jermyn Street Theatre
The Wasp is a play better plotted than it is written. The storyline kept me gripped and the acting was impressive, but the characterisation was far too broad and likely to fall into lazy stereotypes.