Billed as an examination of gentrification, Kerry Jackson at the National Theatre has disappointingly little to say about this subject. Its main characters have clichéd opinions and stereotypical attributes, and De Angelis spends a lot of time getting them to tell us who they are, what they think and how they feel.
‘Too lightweight in its treatment of the issues it covers’: KERRY JACKSON – National Theatre
The National Theatre has quite mixed fortunes when it comes to new play commissions, some become and instant hit – like After Life and the storming success this year of Jack Absolute Flies Again – while others can feel significantly more under-nourished and perhaps staged a little too soon. April De Angelis’s new play Kerry Jackson falls into the latter category with a tale of a relationship across the class divide that looks to explore polarised opinions about homelessness, immigration and compassion between two people who seem, on the surface, ill-suited.
Video & transcript: Terri Paddock’s All in a Row post-show discussion
A lot has been said about All in a Row online (especially on Twitter around #puppetgate) – about the play itself, its depiction of autism and its use of a puppet in portraying the non-verbal autistic 11-year-old character. At a post-show forum, Mates co-founder Terri Paddock moderated an event taking the conversation offline.
PHOTOS: All in a Row opens to press at Southwark Playhouse ahead of audience forum
In the face of protests outside and online, All in Row received its world premiere last night at London’s Southwark Playhouse. Theatre critics have started delivering their verdict on the play and production; on Thursday, the public will be able to pose their questions and concerns to the show’s creators. Time to get booking and/or submitting your questions.
‘We romanticise a lot of tough situations’: WATCH All in a Row rehearsal room interviews
All in Row is set on the eve of a couple’s non-verbal autistic son being taken into care. The child is portrayed by a puppet. What was the thinking behind this and other choices in the play? Watch our rehearsal room interviews with the writer, director and cast. Time to get booking!
PHOTOS: Behind the scenes with Charlie Brooks & Simon Lipkin in All in a Row rehearsals
Less than two weeks until Alex Oates’ new play All in Row premieres at London’s Southwark Playhouse. Sneak a peek inside the rehearsal room with stars Charlie Brooks, Simon Lipkin and the company, directed by Dominic Shaw. Time to get booking!
NEWS: Charlie Brooks, Simon Lipkin & Michael Fox star in All in a Row premiere
Charlie Brooks and Simon Lipkin star as parents to an autistic child in Alex Oates’ new play All in Row, which receives its world premiere next month at London’s Southwark Playhouse. Gen up – and then get booking!
A LIE OF THE MIND – Southwark Playhouse
Despite being blown away by True West, something about Sam Shepard makes me a little wary. I liked rather than loved Fool For Love and ultimately steered clear of the recent Buried Child and it was with a little trepidation that I allowed myself to make my way into A Lie of the Mind, produced here at the Southwark Playhouse by the folks at Defibrillator Theatre.