Too old for trick or treating? Local fireworks display cancelled? You could stay in and binge-watch a Netflix boxset, or plan a scary movie marathon – or you could try something a bit different.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: I, Joan at Shakespeare’s Globe
Love London Love Culture’s Emma Clarendon takes a look at what critics have had to say about Ilinca Radulian’s production at the Shakespeare’s Globe.
‘It’s clear that this play is having an effect already’: I, JOAN – Shakespeare’s Globe ★★★★
Charlie Josephine’s play I, Joan at Shakespeare’s Globe does give Joan a feminist mantle; that is probably for the best, as the character would be pretty unbearable if focused solely on their religious and nationalist quest – it also speaks more to a modern audience, and makes more sense in the context of other creative choices in this play.
‘A complete joy of a production’: THE TEMPEST – Shakespeare’s Globe ★★★★★
The Tempest at Shakespeare’s Globe is an unexpectedly hilarious production of a potentially tricky play, with vibrant direction from Sean Holmes – George Fouracres, Ralph Davis and Ciarán O’Brien shine as a comedy trio.
‘A well overdue production of an elusive play’: HENRY VIII – Shakespeare’s Globe ★★★★
Written in collaboration with John Fletcher, Henry VIII is quite possibly Shakespeare’s final play – but, despite this country’s continued obsession with all things Tudor, it remains a rarely performed piece. Imagine the delight of Shakespeare completists everywhere when it was announced as part of the Globe’s 2022 summer season, this time in a slightly updated version that sees Hannah Khalil (resident writer) become the third collaborator; the original has a heavy male focus, thanks in part to the two (male) playwrights having to work around the expectations of the establishment to avoid censorship and arrest – but now 400 years have passed, it’s about time the female voices in this story were heard as well.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: Julius Caesar at Shakespeare’s Globe
Love London Love Culture’s Emma Clarendon takes a look at what critics have had to say about Diane Page’s production of Julius Caesar at Shakespeare’s Globe.
‘Sets a new standard for future productions of Shakespeare’s problematic play’: THE MERCHANT OF VENICE – Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
The Merchant of Venice is seen as a problematic play but, increasingly, it seems that the problems are with us, as much as they are with Shakespeare.
‘A confused approach manifests itself in a very uneven set of performances’: HAMLET – Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
Sean Holmes’ new production of Hamlet in the Globe’s indoor space opens with a snatch of “Oh mother I can feel the soil falling over my head”, from The Smiths’ song ‘I Know It’s Over’.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: Hamlet at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
On LoveLondonLoveCulture, Emma Clarendon rounds up the reviews for Hamlet, the first indoor production of Shakespeare’s play at Shakespeare’s Globe, now running in the candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse until 9 April 2022.
‘There is quite a bit going on but it balances perfectly’: HAMLET – Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
As soon as Hamlet was announced as part of the 2021-22 winter season my eyes rolled so hard I nearly saw the inside of my eye sockets. I was desperately disappointed. But then something magical happened: a Hamlet unlike any other.
It’s going to be epic: What are you most looking forward to at the Globe this summer?
It seems like we’ve been made to wait an inordinately long time for this announcement, but it was definitely worth it as far as I’m concerned.
‘Always compelling to watch’: MEASURE FOR MEASURE – Shakespeare’s Globe
For her last production at Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, Blanche McIntyre expertly conjured the life of a city onto a tiny stage. Her Measure for Measure is another city play, but of a very different kind.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: Twelfth Night at Shakespeare’s Globe
Discover what critics had to say about the Shakespeare’s Globe production of Twelfth Night, directed by Sean Holmes.
As more West End shows have to cancel shows, industry figures respond to ‘inadequate’ Government insurance scheme
Though theatres are now operating at full capacity (if they choose to) — and audiences are wearing masks only if they choose to, as well — there is a great deal of uncertainty, as performances are being routinely suspended at the very last minute if a cast member proves positive or has come into contact with someone who has.
‘This is not about romance, it’s about escape’: Romeo & Juliet – Shakespeare’s Globe ★★★★
Romeo & Juliet at Shakespeare’s Globe is a new and vital take on the classic Verona tale, contextualising the characters’ motives – this is not about romance, it’s about escape.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Shakespeare’s Globe
@LoveLDNLoveCul rounds up the reviews for the Shakespeare’s Globe revival of its 2019 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
‘It’s all delightfully over the top’: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM – Shakespeare’s Globe ★★★★
Sean Holmes’ cheerful romp of a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Shakespeare’s Globe will do to kick off a season which, if theatres know what they’re doing, will major on merriment not ‘issues’.
As restrictions lift, Mark Shenton offers a comprehensive update on opening nights in London & across the UK
This weekly column keeps track of the shows that are coming back, or are newly being announced, as theatres start reopening from tonight (17 May) in London and at other theatres in the UK.
NEWS: English theatres will reopen their doors from 17 May 2021
English theatres will finally be able to reopen their doors from next week after the Government today confirmed the next stage of its post lockdown roadmap will begin on 17 May 2021.
Mark Shenton’s weekly chart of forthcoming theatrical comings & goings has some new entries
This weekly column keeps track of the shows that are coming back, or are newly being announced, as theatres prepare to re-open from next month onwards. It will be updated weekly until such time as it becomes a reality, and from then on will provide a weekly update to that week’s openings and future ones.