Kieran Hurley explores free speech and the nature of online debate in Bubble.
FEATURED SHOW: Have you seen the brilliant responses Giving Up Marty has received from audiences and critics?
“Purposeful and heart wrenching,” “emotionally charged,” “food for the soul” – audiences at VAULT Festival have been quick to praise Karen Bartholomew’s drama about the realities of adoption reunion, Giving Up Marty. Take a look at what they’re saying then book your tickets!
‘A snapshot of a past that recently bled into the present’: NOT QUITE JERUSALEM – Finborough Theatre
What makes Not Quite Jerusalem such a vivid and enjoyable play, is the nuanced and recognisable characters – backed here by exemplary performances from a talented cast.
‘What we see on the news about Palestine is not this story’: VISIT BETHLEHEM – Vault Festival
Visit Bethlehem is a short, sharp, site-specific show which imaginatively blends fun into a personal tale about the brutal reality of living under military occupation.
‘Heart-breaking, wonderfully crafted piece’: LÒNG MẸ – Vault Festival
As a child of an immigrant mother, the double-bill is Lòng Mẹ like a beloved jumper that’s scratchy but warm, you embrace the small pains because the comfort and love is so much stronger.
‘Sparky & compelling story’: MEAT – Theatre 503
Writer Gillian Greer confidently addresses nuances and problems around sex and consent in Meat at Theatre 503 and director Lucy Jane Atkinson ensures tensions consistently run high.
‘Potential to spark lively debate’: FOR THE SAKE OF ARGUMENT – Bridewell Theatre
As the Brexit debate continues to rage on, Harry Darell’s timely new play For The Sake of Argument considers the ways in which language can be used for both better and worse,
‘Exquisitely performed’: SOLD – Vault Festival & Touring
Amantha Edmead is a marvel to watch in Sold, a piece that embraces it all, packing this story of family separation, numerous masters & a quest for freedom into an hour.
‘Both difficult & comforting to watch’: FACES IN THE CROWD – Gate Theatre
Whilst the script for Faces In The Crowd demands unwavering focus and attention in order to not get lost, women’s individuality, voice and their suppression by patriarchal systems are profoundly resonant.
‘Given a new lease of life’: TEN TIMES TABLE – Touring
A review of Ten Times Table by Alan Ayckbourn currently at Richmond Theatre . Still has resonance.
‘A comic gem’: JEW…ish – King’s Head Theatre
The shifts in storytelling dynamics in JEW…ish at the King’s Head Theatreare fluidly brought to life, so they never jar, but continue to entertain.
MISSED THE BOAT: Stephen Ward
I very nearly did see this one, but it opened and closed so swiftly that I didn’t really have the chance – I wasn’t living in London at that point, so a bit more planning was required for my theatre trips.
‘Fascinating & engaging piece of theatre’: THREE SISTERS – National Theatre
Inua Ellams’ writing is always so multifaceted and beautiful and this interpretation of Three Sisters is no exception, whether you have strong feelings on Chekhov or not.
‘All feels a bit under-weight’: THE WOLF OF WALL STREET – Secret Location
If you’re with a bunch of co-workers and up for a turkey and tinsel-free ‘night out’ for your department that won’t frighten Mavis from Accounts, The Wolf Of Wall Street may be just what you’re looking for.
‘Powerfully written & performed’: POISONED POLLUTED – Old Red Lion Theatre
Kathryn O’Reilly’s second play Poisoned Polluted focuses on the fragmenting relationship between two women – in this case, sisters.
‘Moving & disturbing’: ON BEAR RIDGE – Royal Court Theatre
On Bear Ridge, Ed Thomas’ story of being left behind and trying to hold onto the memories that give us a sense of self, is crafted at the Royal Court Theatre with care and sensitivity.
‘This is a writer with lots to say’: THE ANTIPODES – National Theatre
While the descent into a kind of collective insanity may seem strange in lieu of a plot in Annie Baker’s Antipodes at the National Theatre, as with all her work you find your thoughts returning to it again and again once the curtain comes down.
‘Performances are emotionally engaging & vulnerable’: For All the Women Who Thought They Were Mad – Stoke Newington Town Hall
There’s a lot to process in For All the Women Who Thought They Were Mad, and it requires active listening and embracing the unfamiliar, but it is visually striking, intimate and reflective.
‘Horror movie aspect threatens to dominant’: FAST – Park Theatre
Based on a true story, Kate Barton’s play Fast invites its audience into the disturbing world of “Dr” Linda Hazzard (Caroline Lawrie), whose controversial fasting diet method claimed the lives of multiple patients in the early 20th century.