Malevolent forces shaping small communities is a strong premise for all kinds of drama, from the arrival of outsiders that tend to be the focus of horror to the power shifts of Pinter plays that upset the status quo with new authorities forming that overshadow the existing order. Zinnie Harris’ 2000 play Further Than the Furthest Thing combines these ideas with broader notions of industrialisation and the religious management of a community relatively untroubled by the outside world until one if its returning sons brings change.
‘Still has a hold’: CLOSER – Lyric Hammersmith
Not quite a perfect version of Closer at Lyric Hammersmith but a compelling one. If the heart really just looks like a fist wrapped in blood then why, Lizzimore’s production asks, does it hurt so much?
‘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.
‘Manages to be inherently theatrical & a successful movie experience’: ROMEO & JULIET (National Theatre / Sky Arts)
National Theatre and Sky Arts’ hybrid theatre and film production of Romeo & Juliet has been a fascinating experiment resulting in a smart, interesting and entirely collaborative piece of art.
NEWS: The Inheritance receives 11 Tony Awards 2020 nominations
Stephen Daldry has been nominated in the Best Director category for his staging of Matthew Lopez’s The Inheritance, originally at London’s Young Vic Theatre before its West End transfer to the Noel Coward Theatre. The Olivier Award-winning play which transferred to Broadway in November 2019 received 11 nominations.
‘Riotous fun from start to finish’: TWELFTH NIGHT – National Theatre ★★★★
This joyous and lively production, starring Tamsin Greig, is one of the best versions of Shakespeare’s comedy I’ve ever seen.
An exceptionally insightful period of shows means Chekhov’s secrets are finally emerging
Three Sisters at the National Theatre, Uncle Vanya at the Harold Pinter and The Seagull at the Playhouse Theatre have all taken very different approaches to reworking Chekhov, bringing fresh insight and relevance to a writer whose plays have often felt rather dry.
‘A dazzling triumph’: CYRANO DE BERGERAC – West End
James McAvoy triumphs in Martin Crimp’s magnificent makeover of the French classic Cyrano de Bergerac: a jaw-dropping success.
‘An achingly modern & exciting version’: CYRANO DE BERGERAC – West End
Reimagined for the modern stage with a contemporary cast led by James McAvoy, Jamie Lloyd’s production of Cyrano de Bergerac feels at every moment like theatre at its most exciting, liberating and inclusive.
‘A masterclass of contemporary political theatre’: EVITA – Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre ★★★★★
In a production that is as much rally as world class musical, Jamie Lloyd transforms Evita into a commentary on recent times as well as a showcase of some of the finest performing talent to be found on both sides of the pond.
‘Oh what a show! Raw, fresh & intense’: EVITA – Open Air Theatre
With plenty to say about the shallow foundations of political leaders hiding behind their PR machines, Jamie Lloyd’s triumphant Evita is raw, fresh and intense – “oh what a show!”
‘A real gem from the Pinter collection’: BETRAYAL – West End ★★★★
Betrayal is a real gem from the Pinter collection, benefiting from the minimalist design and slick direction of this production – Charlie Cox’s performance is a real highlight.
‘Nothing less than astonishing’: Pinter At The Pinter Season – West End
In just six months, Jamie Lloyd’s creative team and ever-changing company of actors has utterly transformed our perspective on Harold Pinter.
‘Staged with enormous intelligence & emotional energy’: BETRAYAL – West End
Tom Hiddleston is back! And in excellent form in Jamie Lloyd’s revelatory revival of the 1978 Pinter classic Betrayal.
‘It’s everything you could hope for’: BETRAYAL – West End
Betrayal is everything you could hope for. The Pinter at the Pinter season has set a very high standard for itself, but what a swansong this has turned out to be.
‘You’ll want to accept an invitation to this wonderful Pinter party’: PINTER SIX – West End
The purpose of Jamie Lloyd’s still and contained approach is extremely well and atmospherically realised by a top-notch cast who bring such clarity to Pinter Six’s social commentary.
‘The theatre gift that keeps on giving’: PINTER FIVE – West End
The collective works that make-up Pinter 5 feel as insightful and meaningful as any of the Pinter at the Pinter anthologies that have come before.
PINTER TWO – West End
Pinter Two is a complete change of tone from its companion collection, moving from social politics to more familiar Pinter territory, relationship politics.
‘An examination of power & how rapidly it can be corrupted’: PINTER ONE – West End
By emphasising the common themes in Pinter One and the topicality of their subject matter, this a very strong start for the Pinter at the Pinter season.
NEWS: Open Air Theatre’s 2018 summer includes Peter Pan return, Little Shop Of Horrors & ENO
The Open Air Theatre has announced the programme for its 2018 summer season, under the continuing artistic directorship of Timothy Sheader. The headline productions are Peter Pan, As You Like It, Dinosaur World Live, Little Shop of Horrors, and The Turn of the Screw, a co-production with English National Opera.