Though it’s considered to be a Canadian classic, it’s somehow taken nearly 40 years for David French’s Salt-Water Moon to reach the UK, directed by Peter Kavanagh at the Finborough. Part of the semi-autobiographical “Mercer series”, this gentle two-hander introduces us to Jacob (Joseph Potter), newly returned to his Newfoundland home after a year in Toronto, and Mary (Bryony Miller), the sweetheart he’s come to win back.
‘An engagingly intimate production’: SALT-WATER MOON – Finborough Theatre
If you want to see a couple of young actors bringing truth and sincerity to a well structured piece of dialogue and elevate it towards the stars which provide a backdrop to this piece, then head for the Finborough for Salt-Water Moon.
‘The central performance is phenomenal’: THE POLTERGEIST – Arcola Theatre
Philip Ridley’s The Poltergeist is an irresistibly restless creation which emulates the troublesome violent spirit conjured up by the title. The firework cracking solo piece has had a checkered history. It was first produced at Southwark Playhouse where its run was stymied by Covid lockdown but played out in a deserted auditorium to broadcasting cameras for a criminally brief three performances; it blew away the competition to scoop the Off West End OnComm award for a live streamed piece. It then became an on demand video which has haunted the recesses of the internet ever since and been spoken of with increasing admiration for those of us who saw its glorious beginnings.
New post-show Q&A: Philip Ridley’s The Poltergeist goes from online to the Arcola Theatre & Terri Paddock is on hand to find out more
After post-show Q&As for Tonight with Donnie Darko, Vincent River, Angry and Tender Napalm, I’m delighted to be invited to chair another discussion with Philip Ridley, one of the UK’s greatest and most innovative living playwrights. This time for the live stage premiere of his online lockdown hit The Poltergeist.
‘There’s a big rush of energy any time the quartet of actors enter the space’: THE DWARFS – White Bear Theatre
Harold Pinter’s The Dwarfs is a fascinating glimpse into the development of one of the major playwrights of the 20th century and this production does it full credit.
20 of the things that inspired, moved, amused & delighted John Chapman in 2020
I’ve selected 20 of the things that inspired, moved, amused and delighted, which have pushed the boundaries of what it possible and continued to fly the flag for theatre in the UK.
‘Transporting us by engaging the heart, mind & soul’: How theatre-makers adapted in 2020
Here are Shane Morgan’s picks of how 2020 in theatre has continued to do what it does best: transporting us by engaging the heart, mind and soul.
‘Joseph Potter is more than a match for this quick-fire writing’: THE POLTERGEIST – Southwark Playhouse (Online review)
Philip Ridley’s play The Poltergeist made an intimate transition to the screen and will be unmissable as soon as live performances can be scheduled.
‘A tour de force performance in a brilliant monologue’: THE POLTERGEIST – Southwark Playhouse (Online review)
A tour de force performance (mark Joseph Potter as one to watch) in a brilliant monologue on an empty stage, you will not want to miss Philip Ridley’s The Poltergeist.
‘Sparklingly dark world’: THE BEAST WILL RISE 6-10 (Online review)
What really strikes home in The Beast Will Rise series is the sheer range of scenarios which Philip Ridley conjures, all – in one way or another – providing responses to the pandemic, lockdown, survival and mental health.
‘It is Shaw at his mischievous, provocative best’: CANDIDA – Orange Tree Theatre ★★★★
The intimacy of the Orange Tree gives Candida the perfect setting for a discussion of moral, spiritual and political ethics.