Forgive me for blending my Shakespeares, but when I try to summarise Headlong’s Richard III, the phrase that comes to mind is pure sound and fury. And wicked good fun, too.
‘A choral, beatboxing, rap-infused version’: FRANKENSTEIN – Battersea Arts Centre
Frankenstein is a tour de force. A choral, beatboxing, rap-infused version of Mary Shelley’s masterpiece, Battersea Arts Centre’s ‘live concept album’ manages to entertain and analyse our world in equal measure.
‘Tender & often hard-hitting show’: THE TRICK – Bush Theatre
The Trick is another gem in the Bush’s long list of shows that represent parts of society that aren’t often explored, and brings sparkling joy as well as stark reality to this story of loss as well as gain.
‘Educates & enlightens audiences’: 10 – Vault Festival
In 10, playwright Lizzie Milton wants to redress the balance. The potted stories of 10 women who have been largely forgotten in the passage of time unfold in choral celebration, serving to both educate and enlighten audiences.
‘Could use a dose of Emilia’s fiery rage’: SIX – Arts Theatre
I can’t begrudge anyone their enjoyment of Six, a fast-paced display of talented women – I enjoyed it, too. However – rather like the history it’s trying to tell – such awesome performers deserve a much better frame for showing what they’re capable of.
‘The balance of the comic with tragic is spot-on: ANGRY ALAN – Soho Theatre
Angry Alan is an angry little show with huge impact that smartly appropriates the rampant misogyny of its subject flipping the mirror so all its flaws are magnified.
‘Chemistry sparks with compelling unpredictability’: A LESSON FROM ALOES – Finborough Theatre
Once A Lesson From Aloes finds its momentum, it keeps moving towards an ending that significantly fractures what remains of the main characters’ lives. Celebrated director Janet Suzman uses the small space well, especially with the further constraints provided by the set.
‘All-singing, all-dancing colonialist fantasy’: THE GREAT EXPEDITION – Secret location
The Grand Expedition – the title alone calls to mind the colonial narratives of Dr Livingstone or Phileas Fogg, so it is perhaps no surprise that this show is more interested in presenting a stereotypical version of the countries we visit.
‘The spirit of political activism is well-captured’: BALAKLAVA BLUES – Vault Festival
Mark and Marichka Marczyk’s band Lemon Bucket Orkestra shares songs from their newest album in the short, intimately staged gig Balaklava Blues at the Vault Festival.
‘A concept made all the more powerful by its simplicity’: GREYSCALE – Vault Festival
Lou and Jaz have met on Tinder and are going on a date. A simple premise, but in its use of different narratives, Greyscale highlights the complexities of relationships, sexual power and personal communication.