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
Posted on January 7, 2020 by Debbie
Stephen Ward Photo credit: Nobby Clark
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 …
‘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.
‘Excellent, moving piece of theatre’: TICK, TICK… BOOM! – Bridge House Theatre
Before Jonathan Larson’s iconic musical Rent took the world by storm, there was the autobiographical show, Tick, Tick…Boom!
‘Proves that classic mysteries never go out of fashion’: THE LADY VANISHES – Touring
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.