What are the limits of a woman’s ambition at a time when she had no power? Lula Raczka’s new play Women Beware the Devil explores accusations of witchcraft and the meaning of evil at the outbreak of the Civil War in the early part of the 1640s, but while that makes for an interesting premise and context, the story is really about the ambitions of three women of different ages and class in the same house trying to control their environment and the future through their actions.
‘It’s a piece of bravura & massively entertaining’: TAMMY FAYE – Almeida Theatre ★★★★
Rarely in the history of Islington playgoing have so many first-nighters whooped so enthusiastically at Gospel rock. When cheers for Elton John’s anthems in Tammy Faye at the Almeida Theatre briefly abate it is often for quite different whoops, laughter at James Graham’s dry sharp script or moments of enchanted shock at an unexpected popup.
‘Elements of the story connect in ways that surprise’: PATRIOTS – Almeida Theatre
Peter Morgan’s new play Patriots at the Almeida Theatre is a history lesson, filling in the gaps in our understanding of how we ended up where we are now. Specifically, it connects events in Russia after the fall of Communism with the high profile deaths in the UK of Russians who had fallen out with Vladimir Putin and, more implicitly, with the invasion of Ukraine and the state of Russia today.
‘Confrontational, shocking, classic in its focus’: PATRIOTS – Almeida Theatre
Patriots at the Almeida Theatre is a fresh history play: confrontational, shocking, classic in its focus on vast flawed characters and pretty close to documented – and very recent – reality. It has all the elements: a kingmaker whose creation turns on him, acolytes and shifting alliances, self-serving arrogance, passionate romantic patriotism, politics and big money and tragedy and defeat.
‘Both a parody & a warning about that future’: THE 47th – Old Vic Theatre
Mike Bartlett has made a bit of an art out of notions of the counter-factual future. In The 47th, he grounds his flights of fancy in the knowledge of institutions, people and political tides.
‘An enthralling, bewitching new staging with a terrific young cast’: SPRING AWAKENING – Almeida Theatre
I’m not sure even the greatest admirers of this 2006 Broadway smash will be prepared for the emotional and visceral impact of this jaw-droppingly fine new production by the Almeida’s artistic director Rupert Goold.
‘The in-your-face ferocity is hugely impactful in such a small space’: SPRING AWAKENING – Almeida Theatre
Directed by Rupert Goold with a cast of highly talented young performers, this energetic production about teenage desire and the failure of parental direction is a rare musical choice for the Almeida.
NEWS: Almeida sets post-Covid dates for Daddy & House of Shades in new spring season
The Almeida Theatre has announced its line-up of productions for spring 2022, including two rescheduled premieres that were postponed by the pandemic.
‘This is Shakespeare for the Netflix generation’: MACBETH – Almeida Theatre
Saoirse Ronan makes her UK stage debut in Yael Farber’s testosterone-fest, which is vivid, but much too long.
NEWS: Saoirse Ronan makes her UK stage debut in new Almeida Theatre season
The Almeida Theatre has announced a new season for 2021. Highlights include: The Tragedy of Macbeth, directed by Yaël Farber, featuring Olivier-nominated James McArdle and four-time Academy Award-nominated Saoirse Ronan, making her UK stage debut.
NEWS: Almeida Theatre announces live-streamed performances of Lolita Chakrabarti’s Hymn
The world premiere production of Lolita Chakrabarti’s Hymn, originally due to play to socially distanced audiences at London’s Almeida Theatre, will now be streamed live from the theatre for five performances from 17-20 February 2021 (press performance is 18 February). Directed by Blanche McIntyre, the play features Adrian Lester in the role of Gil and Danny Sapani as Benny.
NEWS: New Almeida Theatre season offers 3 world premieres including a new play by Lolita Chakrabarti
Almeida Theatre artistic director Rupert Goold has announced a socially distanced season of three world premieres for Christmas 2020 and into 2021.
‘You will find much to make you think about’: ALBION – Almeida Theatre (Online review)
If anything, the resonances in Mike Bartlett’s Albion have grown and strengthened as countrywide divisions have hardened.
‘Subtle nuance in places, sledgehammer wit in others’: ALBION – Almeida Theatre ★★★★
On the surface Albion may be a play about a woman restoring a garden, but once you dig beneath the topsoil this play is about a complicated, nostalgic and divided society, struggling to reason with its national identity.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: Albion at Almeida Theatre
Love London Love Culture rounds up the reviews for the revival of Mike Bartlett’s play Albion at the Almeida Theatre.
NEWS: Full cast is announced for Albion at the Almeida Theatre
The Almeida Theatre has announced the full cast for its revival of Mike Bartlett’s Albion, directed by Rupert Goold, running from 3-29 February 2020 (press night is 5 February) following the play’s acclaimed run in 2017.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: The Hunt at Almeida Theatre
Love London Love Culture rounds up the reviews for the world premiere of Rupert Goold’s production of The Hunt at the Almeida Theatre.
‘A clear favourite to be one of 2019’s best offerings’: THE HUNT – Almeida Theatre
The Hunt is not easy viewing. It will certainly divide opinion and it is loud and clear in its desire to provoke discussion. It is also an intelligently written adaptation steeped in theatricality whilst providing a nod to its source material.
‘Effectively turns the screw on our emotions’: THE HUNT – Almeida Theatre
The Hunt, a striking stage version of Thomas Vinterberg and Tobias Lindholm’s 2012 film, is full of intensity.
‘A troubled play for our troubled times’: THE HUNT – Almeida Theatre ★★★★
Rupert Goold gives his production of The Hunt enough thriller-like pacing and intensity to keep us hooked.