In our continuing series, editor Lisa Martland picks out some of her Top Picks from the last week of theatre (to 16 February 2020) including Maryam Philpott’s thoughts on Tom Stoppard’s new play Leopoldstadt at the Wyndham’s Theatre.
‘You can feel their emotions & yearning’: ONCE – Touring ★★★★
Once and for all this is a beautiful love story with an upbeat vibe. From the moment we entered the theatre, early, to the sound of Irish, jig worthy music I was sold.
‘Spellbinding’: MAGIC GOES WRONG – West End ★★★★★
Magic Goes Wrong is a brilliant masterpiece that Mischief and Penn and Teller should all be proud of and is easily worth all the critical acclaim it has received so far.
Best of the Blogs: Death of England, Endgame, Chaplin, The Jury & The Gift
In our continuing series, editor Lisa Martland picks out some of her Top Picks from the last week of theatre (to 9 February 2020), including Ian Foster seeing Rafe Spall give a career-defining performance in the National Theatre’s production of Death of England.
‘A wonderful whirlwind of a show’: THE THREE MUSKETEERS – Touring ★★★★
The Three Musketeers has a somewhat pantomime feel to it, full of energy and is great for all, we really enjoyed hearing the children in the audience laughing along.
‘Incredible sensitivity & intelligence’: CHAPLIN: BIRTH OF A TRAMP – Brockley Jack Studio Theatre ★★★★★
Chaplin: Birth of a Tramp is an enthralling and emotive production with an unforgettable central performance – another unmissable show from Arrows & Traps.
‘Does justice to the unique storytelling of the original’: HOLES – Touring ★★★★
Holes feels fresh while still following closely visually and narratively to the film, it carried with it the same 90s charm.
Best of the Blogs: The Sugar Syndrome, Persona, Sold & Blithe Spirit
In our continuing series, our editor Lisa Martland picks out some of her Top Picks from the last week of theatre (to 2 February 2020), ranging from Ian Foster’s praise of the Orange Tree Theatre’s fine revival of Lucy Prebble’s first play The Sugar Syndrome.
‘Excellent all-around performances’: DR KORCZAK’S EXAMPLE – Leeds ★★★★★
Dr Korczak’s Example is a profoundly a powerful and moving play and a very poignant reminder to many who suffered under the clutches of Nazi persecution.
‘Clear message of female independence & strength’: JANE EYRE – Touring ★★★★★
The ability of the cast members to effortlessly flow from one character to another is impressive in Jane Eyre.
‘A version like you have never seen before’: THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST – Touring ★★★★★
The Importance of Being Earnest is a laugh out loud witty performance cleverly directed by Bryan Hodgson.
‘Easy to see why it is such a firm favourite’: COPPÉLIA – Touring ★★★★★
Russian State Ballet of Siberia’s Coppélia is an enchanting family-friendly ballet that is joyous and witty from start to end.
‘Continues to relate in the 21st century’: STREET SCENE – Touring ★★★★
Street Scene is an enjoyable production with outstanding performances from the cast and its diverse and reflective music accommodating the reality of living in a tenement in the 1940s.
Best of the Blogs: Les Misérables, Rags, Lullabies for the Lost & more
In our continuing series, our editor Lisa Martland picks out some of her Top Picks from the last week of theatre (to 19 January 2020), including Aleks Sierz’s view that the new production of Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre is marching on to victory.
‘An effortless performance by the cast’: GOD OF CARNAGE – Touring ★★★★★
God of Carnage is a dissection of the middle classes familiar in Yasmina Reza’s work, presenting the characters in a farcical light that is so tragically funny.
‘Will leave audiences laughing for days’: PETER PAN GOES WRONG – Touring ★★★★★
Peter Pan Goes Wrong is a show that will never be the same twice and will leave audiences laughing for days.
‘A triumph of storytelling’: SHACKLETON & HIS STOWAWAY – Park Theatre ★★★★
Shackleton and His Stowaway is an evocative account of ridiculous bravery and comradeship and a fascinating and thrilling tribute to these extraordinary men.
A classic given new life’: TOM BROWN’S SCHOOL DAYS – Union Theatre ★★★★
The Phil Willmott Company’s Essential Classics Season 2020, celebrating the 75th anniversary of V.E. Day, opens with a stirring adaptation of Tom Brown’s School Days.
‘Pure entertainment’: THE NUTCRACKER – Sheffield ★★★★
Saint Petersburg Ballet delivers exactly what you’re wanting from this production. A seasonal treat, a well formed and rehearsed ballet, and two hours of pure entertainment.
‘Sheer entertainment for adults & children alike’: BILLIONAIRE BOY – London & Touring ★★★★
An amusing and touching production of Billionaire Boy has a really important lesson at its heart brought to life by an absolutely brilliant cast.