Simon Stephens’ 2017 one-act play Nuclear War gets its first revival in March as part of a new triple bill at London’s Old Red Lion Theatre in Islington under newly appointed artistic director Alexander Knott.
Ought To Be Clowns’ 10 favourite shows of 2019
Ought To Be Clowns barely saw 250 shows this year, quiet by his standards. And as is the way of these things, here’s a rundown of some of the productions that moved me most…
‘It’s far, far too Northern’: LIGHT FALLS – Manchester
Light Falls is too Northern. It’s far, far too Northern. The grit-spreaders have truly been out in force, and it’s excruciating to swallow so very many clichés in one dose.
Lots of writing careers in theatre
Why aren’t we telling young people about the writing and writing-related careers which drive our industry?
‘A truly remarkable, rather wonderful small gem retrieved’: COUNTRY MUSIC – Omnibus Theatre ★★★★
Marie McCarthy’s Clapham Omnibus venue never ceases to surprise. Dedicated, as befits its previous life as a library, to storytelling in all its various forms, Scott Le Crass’ revival of Simon Stephens’ Country Music is itself a revelation.
‘The scenes are allowed to breathe’: COUNTRY MUSIC – Omnibus Theatre ★★★★★
Written by Simon Stephens and directed by Scott Le Crass, Country Music examines the life of a young offender over a span of 17 years.
‘This is an actor we will surely be talking about for years to come’: COUNTRY MUSIC – Omnibus Theatre
A sensational performance from Cary Crankson anchors a powerful production of Simon Stephens’ Country Music at Clapham’s Omnibus Theatre.
‘An intricate & quietly revealing play’: COUNTRY MUSIC – Omnibus Theatre ★★★★
There is much to be gleaned from the subtlety of Country Music but it requires work and attention to seek it out.
‘Enthralling to watch’: COUNTRY MUSIC – Omnibus Theatre
The plot of Country Music may at times be slightly muddled, but the sense of waste and irretrievable loss at its heart comes through powerfully in this excellent revival.
‘Elegance & raw energy scorches throughout’: HARPER REGAN – Tabard Theatre
Overall Harper Regan is a strong starting point for a company which is striving to tell more female-led stories.
‘It’s a gift of play’: Scott Le Crass directs Country Music at the Omnibus Theatre
The director Scott Le Crass chatted to us about reviving Country Music by Simon Stephens at the Omnibus Theatre from 29 May 2019.
‘A journey well worth a watch’: HARPER REGAN – Tabard Theatre
A complex, surprising and very wordy play, Harper Regan by Simon Stephens certainly fulfils the remit for newly formed theatre company Contentment Productions, whose aim is to champion exciting female leads.
‘By turns a raw & uplifting experience to watch unfold’: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time – West End ★★★★
It is a warm and welcome return to the West End for the Olivier Award-winning show The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, based on Mark Haddon’s beloved book.
NEWS: National Theatre’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time returns to the West End in November 2018
The National Theatre has announced that The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, adapted by Simon Stephens from the novel by Mark Haddon, and directed by Marianne Elliott (War Horse, Angels in America, Company) will return to the West End in November 2018 for a limited season,
‘Successfully hits the emotional mark’: BLUEBIRD – The Space
It might be 20 years old, but Simon Stephens’ early play Bluebird could have been written yesterday – and not only because of the many very apt references to the stiflingly hot weather.
‘A poignant celebration of London’s infinite variety’: BLUEBIRD – The Space
Bluebird is a poignant celebration of London’s infinite variety. If there’s a play that will give you hope for London in its current haze, that play is Bluebird.
‘We’re in the palm of Scott’s hand’: SEA WALL – The Old Vic
Key to Sea Wall’s effectiveness is Andrew Scott’s ability to connect so entirely with his audience. Laughing and joking, we’re totally with him in the anecdotes of his ideal life.
Text of the Day: Fatherland
Random and topical thoughts and quotes gathered by My Theatre Mates contributor Aleks Sierz, first published on www.sierz.co.uk.
‘Visceral, raucous & occasionally very loud’: FATHERLAND – Lyric Hammersmith
It’s hard to doubt the integrity of the process that produced Fatherland, but it must be admitted that its conclusions are generally already well known.
’A dynamic, personal & captivating insight into loss, grief & the human condition’: ONE MINUTE – Cirencester
Iwan Lewis’ direction is assured and he is truly at home creating an increasingly wide ripple effect in the intimate surroundings of The Barn Theatre, which after The Secret Garden and now One Minute must surely be on the map as one of the most exciting venues in the South West.