Welcome back to the Fringe Focus series of interviews with artistic directors around London. Recently I caught up with Kennedy Bloomer, who has been running the Hope Theatre (above the Hope & Anchor pub in Islington) since January 2020.
‘A whole lifetime of joy & pain packed into this tale’: BEFORE AFTER – Southwark Playhouse
Filmed simply and elegantly in the Little auditorium at Southwark Playhouse, Before After places all our attention on the problems of these two people as they begin again.
‘The surround sound is disturbingly realistic at times’: Double – Darkfield Radio
A 20 minute audio experience for two people, Double is a psychological puzzle set in any normal kitchen, against any normal kitchen table.
‘Showcases 3 actors at the top of their game’: FAITH HEALER – Old Vic (Online review)
Ultimately this Old Vic in Camera production of Faith Healer, starring Michael Sheen, David Threlfall and Indira Varma, is a flawless rendition of a deeply engrossing and emotional text.
‘I’m looking forward to welcoming people back’: David Brady describes how it feels to be reopening the Lion & Unicorn Theatre
Welcome back to Fringe Focus, our series putting a spotlight on smaller theatres. Today’s guest is the artistic director of the Lion & Unicorn Theatre, David Brady. As well as running the theatre, he is also artistic director of the managing company, Proforca.
‘A riot of filth in words & gestures’: PINOCCHIO GETS WOOD – Guildford Fringe Theatre Company (Online review)
Strictly 18-plus, Pinocchio Gets Wood is a riot of filth in words and gestures right from the first appearance of Dame Ciabatta Myflange (the tireless Daniel Page). No Widow Twankey, this Dame makes a living selling sex toys.
‘A complex play which will make you laugh & cry’: ROSE – Hope Mill Theatre (Online review)
Martin Sherman’s intense play is revived by Hope Mill Theatre with an absorbing performance from Maureen Lipman as the 80-year-old recounting the events of her life.
‘The tale is in turns mystical & magical’: HOLLOW – The Space UK (Online review)
Included in the shows offered at this year’s digital Edinburgh Fringe, comes Hollow. It is a musical from performer David Kent and collaborator Dereck Walker, weaving supernatural stories with folk melodies.
’It has been traumatic’: Iris Theatre’s Paul-Ryan Carberry on life for the company pre & post lockdown
Welcome back to Fringe Focus, putting a spotlight on smaller theatres. Following my attendance at Dear Peter last month, the series reopens with the artistic director of Iris Theatre, Paul-Ryan Carberry.
‘The subtleties & concerns of this story are universal’: SAFE SPACE (Online review)
Teater V’s Safe Space faces a tough subject head on with some style while always staying one step ahead of its audience.
‘Stays sharp & relevant’: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR: THE CONCERT – Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
It seems extremely apt for the Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park to resurrect its celebrated production of Jesus Christ Superstar just as live theatre starts to take the first tentative steps back.
‘Superb & enjoyable musical treat’: GODSPELL THE CONCERT (Online review)
The marvellous Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester has co-produced Godspell The Concert with Ginger Quiff Media.
‘Will disturb & amuse, provoke & enthuse’: 52 SOULS – Chronic Insanity (Online review)
Chronic Insanity’s final show of 12 in lockdown may well be their best, with each virtual performance a random set of pieces chosen by the viewer from a deck of cards.
‘This piece has some zinging one-liners’: UNTIL THE AD BREAK – Maverick Charles Productions (Online review)
You can catch Until the Ad Break at Online@theSpace until the end of August. It is a reimagined scene from the company’s 2018 show, 21 Minutes, created and filmed during lockdown.
Got a few minutes? Then why not catch an Edinburgh Fringe show from The Space UK (Online review)
Welcome to the virtual Edinburgh Fringe. Here I look at the shows made available via The Space UK which run under ten minutes duration. All are available until 31 August at Online@theSpace.
‘I was fully invested in these people & their discussions’: JURY – Park Theatre (Online review)
A new play written for lockdown by Martin Murray, Jury puts us into the jury room – or Zoom – as 12 people on furlough come together to consider a case against a high-profile white female TV presenter: accused of grooming a young black boy.
‘Fun, family-friendly & warm-hearted’: ALICE: A VIRTUAL THEME PARK – Creation Theatre (Online review)
Alice: A Virtual Theme Park is ultimately a show of charm and occasional barbed wit, which is fun for both families or adults. You don’t have to switch your video on and join in, but it is fun if you do,
‘There is an immediacy which pulls you into the action’: GRIP – Reading Fringe (Online review)
Not for the faint-hearted, Grip is worth a look to consider what it adds to a constant contemporary debate. It is available for free once you have registered for the Reading Fringe.
‘A complex & fascinating character from the Stuart era’: THE MASKS OF APHRA BEHN / ORANGES & INK (Online review)
Claire Louise Amias’ pair of plays, The Masks of Aphra Behn and Oranges & Ink, resurrect Aphra Behn from a place of relative obscurity into sharp relief as a chatty, warm, and witty raconteur.
‘Reimagined with the voices front & centre’: NATALIE BARNEY’S LAST SALON – Reading Fringe (Online review)
As an audio play for three rather than a stage monologue, Natalie Barney’s Last Salon is directed by Fiona Leonard and reimagined with the voices front and centre.