Relatively obscure British crime writer Ethel Lina White’s greatest legacy is her 1936 novel, The Wheel Spins – two years after publication, Alfred Hitchcock directed the film The Lady Vanishes, widely regarded as one of British cinema’s greatest works, based on her book.
‘He’s funniest on the fly’: TOM LENK IS TRASH – Edinburgh Fringe
Tom Lenk is Trash is trash. That’s not even a cruel review, it’s literally what he told me to say. And after seeing the show, I am not going to be so stupid as to say anything he doesn’t want me to.
‘Entertaining & thought-provoking bite-sized stories’: Our Walk Through the World – The Water Rats
Our Walk Through the World is a collection of six sharply written, short plays by Ross Howard that highlight some of the absurdities of modern life.
‘In the current climate, a good comedy is worth its weight in gold’: Lost Keys & Orgasms at the Pasty Motel – Canal Cafe Theatre
Mary Jane Figtree’s play is based on the concept of an Italian 90s play called Orgasmo e Pregiudizio. With this, her first play, she has written something that succeeds in being both funny yet emotionally resonant.
‘A must-see for fans of Joseph Conrad’: THE GEMINUS – Tristan Bates Theatre
The Geminus is an atmospheric new play by Ross Dinwiddy and is based on Joseph Conrad’s novella The Secret Sharer. By incorporating a romantic twist, Dinwiddy creates an emotional centre to the piece, which is so important when translating prose to the stage.
FIRST LOOK: Check out these images of Camden Fringe hit The Geminus PLUS fantastic ★★★★ reviews
Brighton Fringe hit The Geminus has sailed the high seas from the south coast to London for the Camden Fringe, and they have the wind in their sales with some fantastic reviews. Take a look at what’s been said, and at the new production images from its London run, then book your tickets!
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.
‘You’re fully caught up with the rise & rise of Eva’: EVITA – Open Air Theatre ★★★★
At last, someone has laid the sugary ghost of Elaine Paige. Jamie Lloyd’s stripped-back Evita at the Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park has all the metallic modernity of their Jesus Christ Superstar.
‘Watch out, because the rhythm will get you!’: ON YOUR FEET! – London Coliseum ★★★★
One test of biography jukebox musicals is how much an uninitiated audience member ends up learning about the artist through the course of the show.
‘The storytelling aspect is what makes it unique’: RIVER IN THE SKY – Hope Theatre
Just as much as the emotional impact, though, it’s the unique and original approach to the subject matter that makes this debut production from Turn Point Theatre particularly memorable.
More new writing at Camden Fringe: Scenic Reality & Angel
One thing I’m really loving about the Camden Fringe is the breadth of creativity and experimentation. Scenic Reality is a prime example of a fresh piece of new writing that explores different storytelling techniques.
‘A feat of ingenuity & organisation’: 80 Days: A Real-World Adventure – Underbelly Southbank
Guided by a web app, participants have 80 minutes to earn as much money as possible by answering cryptic puzzles. They must choose what equipment to spend their cash on before returning to the meeting place.
‘Oh what a show! Raw, fresh & intense’: EVITA – Open Air Theatre
With plenty to say about the shallow foundations of political leaders hiding behind their PR machines, Jamie Lloyd’s triumphant Evita is raw, fresh and intense – “oh what a show!”
‘Denzil Barnes is magnificent’: RED PETER – Etcetera Theatre
suspect this show will have a future, evolving life, and it is well worth checking out if it appears on your radar. I’d certainly be interested in seeing what they do with it next.
‘A strong & generously immersive piece that wraps around you’: TREE – Young Vic Theatre ★★★★
If a student disco is your personal nightmare, look away now. Tree starts and ends with a throbbing onstage party to wish the audience is persuasively invited. The last time this many Waitrose customers grooved awkwardly to African beats was on Paul Simon’s Graceland tour.
Doubling up at Camden Fringe: When It Happens & Class at Tristan Bates
This year I have the great privilege of getting to cover lots of the Camden Fringe shows, my only regret is that I can’t see them all (literally impossible, so many shows running, Londoners check it out, it is a treasure trove of varied goodies).
‘Two hours of silliness & escapism’: ONE GIANT LEAP – Brockley Jack Studio Theatre
One Giant Leap is a very silly story with no other mission in mind but providing two hours of pure entertainment.
‘A revitalised & hysterically funny comedy’: PRESENT LAUGHTER – The Old Vic ★★★★
Noël Coward would have thoroughly approved of Andrew Scott’s gloriously outrageous turn as ageing matinée idol, Garry Essendine, in The Old Vic’s reinvention of Present Laughter.
‘Absolutely knock out’: Check out the Twitter reactions to The Sandman and What Was Left
“Sharply observed”, “electric”, and “brilliant drama” – Take a look at what Twitter users are saying about the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Bridge Company’s productions of The Sandman and What Was Left, then book your tickets for the final performances!
‘A good concept & well-incorporated live music’: THE FLIES – Bunker Theatre
Exchange Theatre returns with its production of Jean-Paul Sartre’s The Flies, running alternately in French and English at The Bunker Theatre for a limited time.