In our continuing series, our editor Lisa Martland picks out some of her Top Picks from the last week of theatre (to 20 October 2019), ranging from Olivia Mitchell’s thigh-slapping joy on seeing Noises Off to Libby Purves’ plea that we listen to the story being told in [Blank] at the Donmar Warehouse.
‘Complete laugh-out-loud escapism’: NOISES OFF – West End ★★★★
With a heart of gold reminder about professionalism in the arts, Noises Off is a must see production which will surely continue to have audiences gasping for air and slapping their thighs.
NEWS: Lyric Hammersmith production of Noises Off heads to the West End
The Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith production of Michael Frayn’s classic farce about a farce, Noises Off will return to the West End for the fourth time as it heads to the Garrick Theatre from 27 September 2019 to 4 January 2020.
‘Holds a withering mirror to Hollywood’s vile & vacuous culture’: BITTER WHEAT – West End ★★★★
There may be a whiff of sensationalised cliché to this world premiere of Bitter Wheat, but no matter. Mamet’s subject is timely and relevant and Malkovich’s performance is electrifying.
‘A classic of lazy playwriting’: BITTER WHEAT – West End
Bitter Wheat, the most controversial play of the year, is almost certainly also going to be the worst.
‘You can’t help feeling Mamet’s real joy is in the gags’: BITTER WHEAT – West End ★★★
It could be said that Bitter Wheat lifts the lid on the exploitation of power in the film industry, but it eaves an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Perhaps that was also part of David Mamet’s intention.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: Bitter Wheat at the Garrick Theatre
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‘Has nothing to say & misses the point’: BITTER WHEAT – West End
Bitter Wheat is not only frustratingly irresponsible in its treatment of the events that led to the #MeToo movement, it is also a poorly constructed drama.
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Bringing the 1960s to life, find out what critics made of Rip it Up, now playing at the Garrick Theatre.
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NEWS: John Malkovich makes his first West End appearance for 30 years in world premiere of David Mamet’s Bitter Wheat
The multi award-winning actor John Malkovich returns to the West End stage after nearly 30 years to play Barney Fein, a top dog Hollywood producer in Bitter Wheat, a new play by the legendary author, director and playwright David Mamet.
NEWS: Strictly favourites Harry Judd, Aston Merrygold, Louis Smith & Jay McGuiness bring Rip it Up – The 60s to the West End
Harry Judd, Aston Merrygold and Louis Smith will be joined by Jay McGuiness in the ultimate Strictly boyband when the show Rip it Up – The 60s begins a 16-week engagement at London’s Garrick Theatre from 7 February 2019.
Top recommended London openings for November
Here’s Love London Love Culture’s guide to some of the best shows opening in the capital in November.
NEWS: David Threlfall & Rufus Hound will reprise their roles in the West End transfer of RSC’s Don Quixote
David Threlfall and Rufus Hound will reprise their lead roles in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Don Quixote when the production transfers to London’s Garrick Theatre from 27 October 2018 to 2 February 2019.
‘Hilariously brilliant night at the theatre’: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN – West End ★★★★
This show is funny beyond belief and a real joy to watch. If it’s a feel-good show you want, then Young Frankenstein is the one for you.
‘Madcap success & monstrous consequences’: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN – West End ★★★★★
If you want thoroughly entertaining, which requires no thought, just the ability to laugh, then this is the show for you. Young Frankenstein is a monstrously fun night out.
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YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN – Garrick Theatre ❤❤❤❤❤
Mad and bizarrely brilliant, this musical based on the classic 1974 film is a great way to cure the blues. If there is a more madly brilliant show than Young Frankenstein in the West End then I have yet to see it.