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.
‘Has feeling as well as intellect’: LEOPOLDSTADT – West End
Tom Stoppard’s personal story in Leopoldstadt sees the writer return to form as a commentator of cultural, social and historical patterns.
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 pin-drop silence falls over the auditorium’: ENDGAME / ROUGH FOR THEATRE II – The Old Vic
Much is to be taken from the strangeness of the settings and fine characterful performances in Endgame and Rough For Theatre II which should please Beckett fans and providing plenty of thoughtful material for the journey home.
‘Jodie McNee’s leading performance burns with energy’: FAUSTUS: THAT DAMNED WOMAN – Lyric Hammersmith
In opening-up the female experience of the era in Faustus: That Damned Woman, Chris Bush reinforces the decision to switch the gender of the central character.
Best of the Blogs: Uncle Vanya, The Welkin, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie & more
In our continuing series, our editor Lisa Martland picks out some of her Top Picks from the last week of theatre including Maryam Philpott’s thoughts about Conor McPherson’s emphasis on comedy scenarios and personalities in his adaptation of Chekhov’s timeless play Uncle Vanya at the Harold Pinter Theatre
‘Far lighter than the themes of the play might suggest’: UNCLE VANYA – West End
This Uncle Vanya is more roundedly entertaining than other recent productions and while that detracts a little from the emotional undercurrents of the original, the fluidity and richness of Rickson’s production, performed by an excellent cast, ensure a satisfying Chekhovian conclusion.
‘It’s fascinating writing’: THE TYLER SISTERS – Hampstead Theatre
In The Tyler Sisters Alexandra Wood reverses expectations of storytelling and in the process fills a notable gap in charting the experience of just being a sister day-to-day and year-to-year.
Theatre review of the 2019 & what to see in 2020
With a new year fast approaching, it is an interesting time to reflect on small changes across the theatre landscape in 2019 that will continue to shape how UK theatre will look as it moves into a new decade.
‘Don’t miss the chance to see this charming show’: CURTAINS – West End
In a strong year for new London productions, Curtains finishes 2019 on a high with a true song and dance show that glories in its love of the stage and the process of putting on a production.
Best of the Blogs: Curtains, Three Sisters, Peter Pan Goes Wrong & more
In our continuing series, our editor Lisa Martland picks out some of her Top Picks from the last week of theatre (to 23 December 2019), ranging from Jonathan Baz’s enjoyment of the musical and visual treat that is Kander and Ebb’s musical Curtains at the Wyndham’s Theatre.
‘Funny, sad & meaningful’: TEENAGE DICK – Donmar Warehouse
In Teenage Dick Mike Lew has created a version of Richard III that suits the high school context extremely well, asking the audience to consider attitudes to disability, power and social structures that perpetuate all kinds of inequality.
Best of the Blogs: Cyrano de Bergerac, A Taste Of Honey, The Boy Friend & More
In our continuing series, our editor Lisa Martland picks out some of her Top Picks from the last week of theatre including Love London Love Culture’s delight at watching Jamie Lloyd’s razor sharp West End production of Cyrano de Bergerac.
‘Feels as fresh & relevant as ever’: A TASTE OF HONEY – Trafalgar Studios
With its comment on the burden of expectation placed on women, class struggle, race and sexuality, more than six decades on A Taste Of Honey has lost none of its bite.
‘An achingly modern & exciting version’: CYRANO DE BERGERAC – West End
Reimagined for the modern stage with a contemporary cast led by James McAvoy, Jamie Lloyd’s production of Cyrano de Bergerac feels at every moment like theatre at its most exciting, liberating and inclusive.
Best of the Blogs: White Christmas, An Act of God, My Brilliant Friend & more
In our continuing series, our editor Lisa Martland picks out some of her Top Picks from the last week of theatre (to 2 December 2019), ranging from The Blog Of Theatre Things’ Liz Dyer feeling festive thanks to a joyful production of White Christmas at the Dominion Theatre.
‘Hard not to be impressed’: MY BRILLIANT FRIEND – National Theatre
Melly Still’s reworking of April De Angelis’ adaptation of My Brilliant Friend gives the show both a flowing and episodic quality as the interior monologue of the protagonist in the books is replaced by fully dramatised scenes.
‘Wickedly funny & quietly moving’: THE BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENANE – Tower Theatre
The skill with which this production of The Beauty Queen of Leenane has been developed clearly demonstrates a theatre company with a revitalised energy.
‘Takes the building blocks of the genre in a new & unusual direction’: GHOST QUARTET – Boulevard Theatre
If this inaugural show, Ghost Quartet, means the new Boulevard Theatre is setting out its stall for a programme of unusually staged and challenging productions in the future then there is every reason to come back soon.
Best of the Blogs: The Mates give their verdicts on When The Crows Visit, Different From The Others, On Bear Ridge, Soho Cinders & more
In our continuing series, editor Lisa Martland picks out some of her Top Picks from the last week of theatre (to 3 November 2019). Libby Purves emphasises the significance of Anumpama Chandrasekhar’s new play When The Crows Visit at the Kiln Theatre.