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‘Reminds you of Shakespeare’s extraordinary moments too easily forgotten’: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING – National Theatre ★★★★

In London theatre, Opinion, Other Recent Articles, Plays, Reviews by Libby PurvesLeave a Comment

A star danced, and under it was Simon Godwin’s joyful, 1930s Riviera production born. Quite apart from the fact that it is nice to have the earnest NT enjoying two outbreaks of frenetic jitterbug dancing at once – Jack Absolute upstairs at the Olivier, and here Much Ado About Nothing set in the Mediterranean hotel world of Noel Coward – where it feats with unexpected neatness.

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‘The sheer visual beauty of the whole staging is a source of considerable pleasure’: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING – National Theatre ★★★

In London theatre, Opinion, Other Recent Articles, Plays, Reviews by Alun HoodLeave a Comment

Simon Godwin’s new production of Much Ado About Nothing for the National initially seems to be going for the full-on romantic escapism, from the bougainvillea and sun-kissed (Amalfi?) coast of the front curtain to the gorgeous Art Deco-meets-Italianate Palazzo mixture of colour and elegance of Anna Fleischle’s hotel setting

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‘The vibrant exploration of the beauty & challenges of language make it a play to catch’: TRANSLATIONS – National Theatre ★★★★

In London theatre, Opinion, Plays, Reviews by Jonathan BazLeave a Comment

It is rare to find a show so good-natured and yet ominous and academic, all at the same time. Come for the raucous humour, stay for the dramatic, dirty colonialism and the lesson in the pros and cons of multilingualism. Translations is beautiful and daring, go see it.

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DIMINISHED – Hampstead Downstairs

In London theatre, Opinion, Plays, Reviews by Ian FosterLeave a Comment

In Polly Sullivan’s starkly uncompromising arena, designed in the round and directed by Tom Attenborough, we first witness a psychiatric session between the high-functioning Mary and her clearly intrigued doctor. They banter almost flirtatiously, dancing around diagnoses and discussions, as we edge closer to the revelation that she’s being held in a secure facility after the death of her severely disabled young daughter.

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Review: The Audience (Gielgud Theatre)

In Reviews by Johnny FoxLeave a Comment

The first thing that has to be said is this is a hugely enjoyable evening out. It satisfies almost every theatrical craving: some good acting, an immaculate star performance in Dame Helen Mirren’s generous and affectionate impersonation of HMQ, lovely lighting and furniture, colourful costumes, plenty of jokes, and value for money with top tickets […]

The post Review: The Audience (Gielgud Theatre) appeared first on JohnnyFox.

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Review: The Audience (Gielgud Theatre)

In Reviews by Johnny FoxLeave a Comment

The first thing that has to be said is this is a hugely enjoyable evening out. It satisfies almost every theatrical craving: some good acting, an immaculate star performance in Dame Helen Mirren’s generous and affectionate impersonation of HMQ, lovely lighting and furniture, colourful costumes, plenty of jokes, and value for money with top tickets […]

The post Review: The Audience (Gielgud Theatre) appeared first on JohnnyFox.