If neither newspapers nor intelligence services will lose sleep over the way Blyth represents them, The Haystack is insightful enough to be a contemporary state-of-the-nation parable.
‘Truly benefits from its straightforwardness’: ALL MY SONS – The Old Vic
Some titanic acting performances from Sally Field, Bill Pullman and Colin Morgan in this superb All My Sons at the Old Vic Theatre.
‘Disappointingly uneven’: ALL MY SONS – The Old Vic
Revival of Arthur Miller’s classic family drama All My Sons is very starry but the result is disappointingly uneven.
‘Builds to an edge-of-your-seat tension’: ALL MY SONS – The Old Vic
With compelling performances from the four leads this production of All My Sons fulfils its promise, a gripping Miller tragedy that concludes with a lasting sense of devastation.
NEWS: Jenna Coleman & Colin Morgan are cast in All My Sons at The Old Vic as National Theatre Live broadcast announced
The Old Vic and Headlong Theatre’s production of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons, directed by Jeremy Herrin and starring Sally Field and Bill Pullman with Jenna Coleman and Colin Morgan will be broadcast live from The Old Vic to cinemas around the UK and internationally on 14 May 2019 as part of National Theatre Live.
‘Has a real thrill factor’: IMPERIUM I – CONSPIRATOR – West End
First seen at the RSC last winter, Mike Poulton’s adaptation of Robert Harris’ Cicero novels have a suitably epic feel to them and, anchored by an excellent lead performance from Richard McCabe, also have a real thrill factor.
‘Remains impressively exciting & gripping’: IMPERIUM II – DICTATOR – West End
Imperium II: Dictator continues a compelling look at (Roman) politics at the Gielgud Theatre but I do feel obliged to point out just how male-heavy the piece skews.
‘This political saga is to be treasured’: IMPERIUM – Stratford-upon-Avon (RSC) ★★★★★
Either play stands alone – the first perhaps more easily than the second – but together the rich intelligence and lively wisdom of this political, intimate saga is to be treasured.
KING LEAR – RSC, Barbican
Transferring in to London from Stratford, Antony Sher’s King Lear is a Shakespearean masterclass. With no headline-grabbing casting to this, one of Shakespeare’s greatest works, the production is a company-driven gem, led by the RSC’s seasoned bill-topper who’s more than earned the right to make the role his own.
KING LEAR – RSC, Barbican Centre
For many actors Lear is the ultimate role, hence the proliferation of productions that appear every year. In 2016 alone we’ve had Timothy West, Don Warrington and Michael Pennington all pop up in the role and Glenda Jackson is currently giving us a female perspective over at the Old Vic. RSC stalwart Antony Sher’s take on the role has been something we’ve been waiting a few years for… so how does he do?
CYMBELINE – Barbican Centre (RSC)
I’ll confess to being unsure how well audiences would take to a play that – on the page at least – is a complete mess with no discernible central plot. Thankfully, director Melly Still and her team have largely kept the story flowing and, with the help of some inspired casting choices, enabled us to be drawn to characters that can all too often be unlikeable.
TEDDY FERRARA – Donmar Warehouse
Welcome to our college! Meet the students, America’s future. Or, as depicted in Christopher Shinn’s new play, a selection of the most sexually rampant, morally confused, smartphone-addicted and emotionally immature, so that as Matthew Marsh’s fed-up college President observes, “These kids are f—ing infants!”.
TEDDY FERRARA – Donmar Warehouse
Welcome to our college! Meet the students, America’s future. Or, as depicted in Christopher Shinn’s new play, a selection of the most sexually rampant, morally confused, smartphone-addicted and emotionally immature, so that as Matthew Marsh’s fed-up college President observes, “These kids are f—ing infants!”.