Joe White’s debut, Mayfly, is a family play that although marketed as “ethereal” is actually much more rooted than that. It also expresses a deep sense of loss. And, with its title in mind, shows how some things can change in a single day.
What’s made Victoria’s Top Ten shows for April 2018?
Spring is here (finally) and with any luck, we’ve seen the last of the snow so time to think about venturing out in our evenings, such as going to see some cracking theatre.
Text of the Day: Humble Boy
Random and topical thoughts and quotes gathered by My Theatre Mates contributor Aleks Sierz, first published on www.sierz.co.uk.
‘A masterclass in writing’: HUMBLE BOY – Orange Tree Theatre
Humble Boy is a play about life and about families, about how nothing can be certain no matter how hard we try. Not all our ambitions and hopes will be rewarded with stars and recognition. And it is a masterclass in writing from Charlotte Jones.
‘Commendable freshness & vigour’: HUMBLE BOY – Orange Tree Theatre
Characterised by black humour, loopy writing and good acting, Humble Boy at the Orange Tree Theatre combines laugh-out-loud delights with a quietly moving ending.
Text of the Day: Black Mountain
Random and topical thoughts and quotes gathered by My Theatre Mates contributor Aleks Sierz, first published on www.sierz.co.uk.
‘Mixed results’: OUT OF LOVE/BLACK MOUNTAIN – Orange Tree Theatre
Paines Plough has taken up residency at the Orange Tree Theatre this month with three plays running in rep. I caught up with two of the plays, Elinor Cook’s Out of Love and Brad Birch’s Black Mountain.
Text of the Day: Out of Love
Random and topical thoughts and quotes gathered by My Theatre Mates contributor Aleks Sierz, first published on www.sierz.co.uk.
‘Themes of truth & closure’: BLACK MOUNTAIN – Orange Tree Theatre ★★★★
In Brad Birch’s Black Mountain, we meet Pau and Rebecca who have taken a trip to the countryside. It’s soon apparent this ‘retreat’ isn’t for a rest or holiday, but a chance to talk about their relationship.
‘A trio of new work’: PAINES PLOUGH ROUNDABOUT – Orange Tree Theatre
Paines Plough, a new writing touring company led by James Grieve and George Perrin — in a co-production with Theatr Clwyd and Orange Tree Theatre — have brought a trio of new work in repertory to this Richmond venue.
‘Much to admire’: BLACK MOUNTAIN & HOW TO BE A KID – Orange Tree Theatre
Brad Birch’s Black Mountain and Sarah McDonald-Hughes’ How To Be a Kid are two new plays being performed by Paines Plough at the Orange Tree Theatre.
MISALLIANCE – Orange Tree Theatre ‘A Sparky, Feisty Comedy’
Hypatia Tarleton (Marli Siu) is a young woman in demand. She’s beautiful and intelligent, spirited and a little fiery. And her father is also filthy rich.
Text of the Day: Misalliance
Random and topical thoughts and quotes gathered by My Theatre Mates contributor Aleks Sierz, first published on www.sierz.co.uk.
‘Razor-sharp in its satire’: MISALLIANCE – Orange Tree Theatre
Over the last few years, the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond has put itself back on the map for a younger generation of theatregoer, with an eclectic and unpredictable programme of events that sees challenging new work aired as frequently as lost classics.
‘Thought-provoking, playful & fun’: MISALLIANCE – Orange Tree Theatre
George Bernard Shaw was a theatrical superman. A critical attack dog as well as a creator of problem plays both pleasant and unpleasant, he invented the drama of ideas.
What’s made Victoria’s #TopTen shows for December 2017?
What’s made Victoria Sadler’s top ten theatre recommendations for new shows in December 2017? Well, Hamilton, of course. But also The Twilight Zone, Parliament Square, Misalliance, How to Win Against History, Callisto: A Queer Epic and…?
What were our Top 25 reviews & other blogs in November 2017?
As it’s the first of the month, we’re taking a moment to remind ourselves of the most popular contributions from our 20+ syndicate Mates bloggers from the month just closed. What were the reviews and other blogs that got readers clicking most? Any surprises? Our Top 25 Mates Blogs from November 2017 are listed below with summaries and links to read more.
Text of the Day: Poison
Random and topical thoughts and quotes gathered by My Theatre Mates contributor Aleks Sierz, first published on www.sierz.co.uk.
POISON – Orange Tree Theatre
Continental drama, in this era of Brexit negotiations, seems to be rarer and rarer on British stages. But, luckily, there are some venues which buck this parochial trend.
POISON – Orange Tree Theatre
An anguishing set of circumstances have brought a separated couple back together – temporarily – after nine years without having set eyes upon each other. For it was nine years ago that their young boy died; an accident so traumatic that it drove them apart almost instantly.