How many plays pass the Bechdel Test? Originally featured in a comic strip, and popularised in film criticism, it simply states that to pass this test your story has to have: 1) at least two women in it; 2) who talk to each other; 3) about something other than a man. Well, one of the brilliant things about Irish writer Margaret Perry’s new dark comedy, Paradise Now! is that it passes this test with an A Plus grade.
‘Little thought is left for the content’: [BLANK] – Donmar Warehouse
Alice Birch’s experimental new play [Blank] prioritises form over content and is at heart depressingly reactionary.
NEWS: Gate Theatre’s 40th anniversary season features six premieres & a new manifesto for change
Gate Theatre artistic director Ellen McDougall has announced the 40th anniversary season for west London’s Gate Theatre, comprising six new productions – four world premieres, two UK premieres – and a new “Manifesto for Our Future”.
‘The strength of the production is in its slow-build effect’: OUR TOWN – Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Thornton Wilder’s writing in Our Town feels as fresh and innovative as it must have done in the 1930s and taking an early season risk on a less conventional play ultimately pays off.
‘Truly compelling & startling piece’: THE AMERICAN CLOCK – The Old Vic ★★★★
An innovative take on the lesser-known Arthur Miller play The American Clock, bringing the Vaudeville elements to the fore – as startlingly relevant as it ever has been.
‘Perhaps a first in terms of girls, sport & how they’re portrayed on stage’: THE WOLVES – Theatre Royal, Stratford East ★★★★
There’s much to delight in Sarah DeLappe’s punchy debut play, an American account of a group of teenage girl soccer players.
‘The animals are the real stars’: GOATS – Royal Court Theatre
Go goats! New play about truth and lies in the Syrian conflict is upstaged by its animal performers.
BIG GUNS – The Yard Theatre
There are many powerful metaphors for our way of life: a casino economy, the society of the spectacle, a modern Babylon. But there is plenty of room for another one, something strong, something memorable.