by Laura Kressly The disaffected son of a clergyman, Sir Paul Dukes, ran away to Russia to work as a musician. While there, the Russian Revolution started and British intelligence recruited him to work as a secret agent. He was to smuggle prominent people and useful materials across the border to Finland, and otherwise do […]
‘A unique blend of spoken word, choral work & music’: QUEENS OF SHEBA – Soho Theatre
This is a triumphant return of Queens of Sheba after a successful run at Soho Theatre in 2021 and Edinburgh Fringe in 2018. Expertly directed, these ladies burst onto the stage with such energy and so many vibes it’s infectious and everyone in the audience feels it.
A Roundabout rundown: Six Paines Plough shows at Edfringe
The Paines Plough Roundabout is the most reliable, new writing venues at the fringe. With a collection of work that represents the width and breadth of the UK both geographically and thematically, this year’s offerings are universally strong.
‘Part dance party, part therapy session, part orgy’: HOTTER – Soho Theatre
they have made a noticeable effort to share the experiences of many, to both hilarious and humbling effect in word, movement and dance.
‘The focus is on excellent new writing that’s relevant’: A round-up of the Roundabout – Edinburgh Fringe
The six shows at the Roundabout exemplify Paines Plough’s focus on excellent new writing that’s relevant and thematically diverse.
‘Reminds us that we can handle our obstacles’: SPARK – Edinburgh Fringe
Using the word ‘strong’ to describe women and girls is redundant. Putting up with all the trash that women have to deal with as a result of their gender, on top of everything else life throws at them, makes them strong by default.
‘The highs & lows are often extreme but convincing’: NO KIDS – Edinburgh Fringe
This intimate, personal production from Theatre Ad Infinitum is an accurate and emotionally charged snapshot of the pervasive conflict between capitalism and the desire for a family.
‘Who knew one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies could be funny?’: OTHELLO – Shakespeare’s Globe
Who knew one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies could be funny? Director and composer Claire van Kampen has tapped into a rare rhythm that sees Iago as a weaselly, clownish man lacking power and finesse, yet still manages to twist Othello into knots
LOSING MY MINDFULNESS – Edinburgh Fringe
Our company is restructuring and every one of us has to reapply for our jobs. Tensions are running high, but don’t worry! Our caring employers have asked one of the HR team to lead us in a Mindfulness workshop to help us cope.
‘Charming & sweet without being saccharine’: I HAVE A BAD FEELING ABOUT THIS – Vault Festival
by Laura Kressly Alice and her husband moved house from a bustling city to sleepy Berkhamsted just 6 weeks ago. She can’t wait to make new friends and get stuck into all that village life offers, even though her new home is hardly trendy like Margate, and none of her friends are willing to visit. […]
‘The tension never sags’: AGAIN – Trafalgar Studios
Stephanie Jacob’s new play Again at the Trafalgar Studios could be a traditional comedy-drama about the trials and tribulations of a family, but the writer employs a clever dramaturgical device as well as using flashbacks in order to tell this story of a family of four.
‘We participate, without feeling invaded’: CRY BLUEBERRY – Cockpit Theatre
The story is set in 1930’s America, where Blueberry the clown has just been left by his wife. He takes us on a journey of redemption, knitting his memories with an honest reflection of his present.
‘Has the potential to be something special’: LOBSTER – Theatre503 ★★★
Lobster is the story of J and K, two young professional women in London. We follow them throughout as they narrate through their relationship history.
On Broadway: What did an American theatrical anglophile make of Lucy Kirkwood’s The Children?
American dramaphiles tend to view Britain as a hotbed of hyper-verbal and hyper-intellectual plays, especially in comparison to our home-bred musicals that often lack the same resonant depth.
Could Hamilton become the new symbol of the Leave campaign?
This pro-immigration, hip-hop reinvention of the all-American musical about a country gaining independence from a distant, tyrannical overlord resonates rather differently in Brexit Britain than it does in America. Forget the NHS bus – could Hamilton be the new symbol of the Leave campaign?
‘Sombre & provocative’: FCUK’D – Bunker Theatre
A young man waits impatiently for his little brother Matty to finish school. Alone on a football pitch amongst piles of dead leaves, he frets over his alcoholic mum, the state of their home and the letter from social services informing them that Matty will be taken away. He considers his options in a rhythmic, […]
‘Sombre & provocative’: FCUK’D – Bunker Theatre
A young man waits impatiently for his little brother Matty to finish school. Alone on a football pitch amongst piles of dead leaves, he frets over his alcoholic mum, the state of their home and the letter from social services informing them that Matty will be taken away. He considers his options in a rhythmic, […]
‘Bold, genre-bending’: SNOW WHITE & ROSE RED – Battersea Arts Centre
Combining their woman-led, political ethos with the use of live music, RashDash reclaims femininity and appropriates the traditionally patriarchal adventure of fairytales in this spirited show for all ages.
BAD ROADS – Royal Court Theatre
Whilst war rages in the Ukraine, a journalist goes to the front lines and falls in love. Girls sit on a park bench, waiting for their soldier boyfriends.
THIS BEAUTIFUL FUTURE – Yard Theatre
France 1944. A young French girl Elodike runs to meet her lover, a German soldier Otto. Their love is innocent and pure, the exact opposite of the world around them.