“Dance for me, Salome, I beseech you.” The final production in this year’s Lazarus Theatre Company residency at Greenwich Theatre (following on from The Tempest and Lord of the Flies) is a new version of Oscar Wilde’s Salomé.
‘Far from bonzer new musical’: SUMMER STREET – Waterloo East Theatre
An energetic cast and an understated performance from Pogo the Summer Street dog are not enough to save this problematic show at the Waterloo East Theatre.
‘The ideal tonic for our modern world’: MATILDA THE MUSICAL – West End ★★★★★
It’s no wonder Matilda The Musical has managed to stand its ground in the West End; it’s a sheer delight for adults and children alike, brimming with optimism and a clear sense of right and wrong.
‘A fresh perspective’: HENRY V – Shakespeare’s Globe ★★★★★
A fresh perspective on the classic Henry V, concluding Hal’s journey from errant prince to conquering king – an action-packed end to the trilogy.
‘Echoes through to modern-day instabilities’: HENRY IV PART 1 – Shakespeare’s Globe ★★★★★
Henry IV Part 1 is a fast-paced, fun production that speaks to our politically unstable times – a great way to start the new season.
‘A worthy showcase of the short play form’: FEAST FROM THE EAST – Tristan Bates Theatre
Feast from the East is a series of eight short plays from INK Festival, showcasing the playwriting talent from East Anglia; they’re on the road and in London.
MISSED THE BOAT: Hadestown
I’m not quite sure how I managed to miss Hadestown at the National Theatre before it transferred to Broadway, where it has picked up 14 Tony Award nominations.
‘The rich score is performed expertly by the cast of actor-musicians’: THE HIRED MAN – Hornchurch & Touring ★★★
A decent production of a slightly bland musical – The Hired Man’s 20-30 year span is over-ambitious for the given running time.
‘An atmospheric production’: UNCLE VANYA – Hope Theatre ★★★
Uncle Vanya at the Hope Theatre is a well designed production, with some strong performances – but its urgency clashes with the tone of the play.
‘A real gem from the Pinter collection’: BETRAYAL – West End ★★★★
Betrayal is a real gem from the Pinter collection, benefiting from the minimalist design and slick direction of this production – Charlie Cox’s performance is a real highlight.