As it is, Bright Half Life has much to recommend it, especially the nimble, inventive direction of Steven Kunis which plays out under a rather beautiful kite shaped neon lighting grid (kite flying is a recurring motif in the text) and the exquisite, detailed performances of Eva Fontaine and Susie McKenna as the women who fall in and out of love across decades but never in a chronological order.
‘This is powerful, thought-provoking stuff’: NW TRILOGY – Kiln Theatre ★★★★
Educational and richly entertaining, NW Trilogy emerges, in Taio Lawson and Susie McKenna’s vibrant production as a sparky, moving valentine to what is traditionally one of the capital’s most diverse neighbourhoods.
‘A real heartfelt & emotional experience’: NW TRILOGY – Kiln Theatre ★★★★
Each play in this engaging trilogy is filled with warmth and compassion while highlighting the personal struggles that the characters face in finding a place in which they belong.
‘This is what theatre is’: HELLO, HARRY! (Online review)
Harry Gabriel is one of those unsung heroes in theatreland: the stage door keeper. Part surrogate parent, part nurse, part firm friend, they are the conduit between front and back of house, cast and crew, performer and fan.
In forty years at the Sha…
‘Keeps the audience thoroughly absorbed from start to finish’: BLUES IN THE NIGHT – Kiln Theatre ★★★★★
Susie McKenna’s highly accomplished and atmospheric production of Blues in the Night is filled with heaps of personality and heart that is reflected in the stunning performances from all of the cast.
‘Anything but washed out’: ALADDIN – Hackney Empire ★★★★
Writer/director Susie McKenna delivers her 20th festive production – Aladdin – with a show that captures the diversity of her London patch, yet cleverly avoids cultural appropriation and all the while managing to maintain the joyous irreverence that makes pantomime such a glorious British Christmas tradition.
‘Expect the unexpected’: Julie Yammanee makes her Hackney Empire debut in Aladdin
Julie Yammanee chatted to Love London Love Culture’s Emma Clarendon about making her Hackney Empire debut in the 20th-anniversary pantomime at the theatre.
NEWS: EastEnders’ star Tameka Empson returns to Hackney Empire for 2oth anniversary panto Aladdin
Hackney Empire has announced the return of Olivier Award-nominated actress, television star and comedian Tameka Empson (EastEnders, The Big Life, 3 Non Blondes) for its landmark 20th-anniversary pantomime from writer and director Susie McKenna this Christmas.
NEWS: Cedric Neal & Sharon D Clarke line up for LMTO concert version of King musical at the Hackney Empire
Hackney Empire, in co-production with London Musical Theatre Orchestra, will presents a special concert version of musical KING, marking 50 years since the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr and 30 years since the first performance of the late Martin Smith’s acclaimed show.
NEWS: The Tricycle is renamed the Kiln Theatre as first season is announced
With Mapping Brent running at venues across the local community, artistic director Indhu Rubasingham has announced the opening season at the company’s newly refurbished theatre, which sees the Tricycle Theatre relaunch as Kiln Theatre.
NEWS: Hackney Empire marks 20 years of pantomimes with a new Aladdin
Hackney Empire has announced Aladdin as its 2018 pantomime and 20th anniversary production which will arrive in true Hackney style this Christmas as the venue marks its landmark year with the classic tale.
FEATURED SHOW: Brilliant new trailer + ★★★★ reviews now in for Oranges & Elephants at Hoxton Hall
Got your tickets yet for Oranges & Elephants, the brilliant new musical set in and premiering at London’s Grade II -listed Victorian music hall gem, Hoxton Hall, this month? Catch up on casting news – and a fascinating interview with author Lil Warren – and then get booking!
FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: All-girl gang musical Oranges & Elephants premieres at Hoxton Hall
Got your tickets yet for Oranges & Elephants, the brilliant new musical set in and premiering at London’s Grade II -listed Victorian music hall gem, Hoxton Hall, this month? Catch up on casting news – and a fascinating interview with author Lil Warren – and then get booking!
‘It’s about women, played by women & created by women: Kate Marlais on Oranges & Elephants
What’s it like appearing in the world premiere of an all-female, actor-musician, gang musical? Actress Kate Marlais, who is a composer herself, spoke to Love London Love Culture about Oranges & Elephants, opening next week at London’s Hoxton Hall.
PHOTOS: Behind the scenes preparing for actor-muso Oranges & Elephants. How much do you know about Victorian girl gangs?
Got your tickets yet for Oranges & Elephants, the brilliant new musical set in and premiering at London’s Grade II -listed Victorian music hall gem, Hoxton Hall, this month? Catch up on casting news – and a fascinating interview with author Lil Warren – and then get booking!
FEATURED SHOW: Meet the gang of women behind Oranges & Elephants musical premiere at Hoxton Hall
Got your tickets yet for Oranges & Elephants, the brilliant new musical set in and premiering at London’s Grade II -listed Victorian music hall gem, Hoxton Hall, this month? Catch up on casting news – and a fascinating interview with author Lil Warren – and then get booking!
NEWS: Hackney Empire announces Cinderella for 2017 panto season
Hackney Empire has today announced Cinderella as its 2017 Christmas pantomime. The 2016 production of Sleeping Beauty was seen by audiences from across the globe but 20% of the audience was from Hackney, an increase of 1% on last year.
SLEEPING BEAUTY – Hackney Empire
Hackney Empire’s award-winning Susie McKenna has created a brand new take on the fairy-tale story of Sleeping Beauty, bringing the classic yarn up to date for this year’s pantomime.
And so it begins: Three cheers for pantomime
Yes, it’s that time of year. Last week I saw my first two 2016 pantomimes – Dick Whittington at the Marlowe Theatre (Evolution Pantomimes) and Sleeping Beauty at Hackney Empire. The former is a real humdinger of a show and you can always rely on Susie McKenna at Hackney.
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK – Hackney Empire
Who is the nation’s greatest Dame? Maggie Smith, Judi Dench or Helen Mirren? Well, think again, for as pantomime season descends upon us, Clive Rowe yet again claims that illustrious honour with a barn-storming performance as Dame Daisy Trott in Hackney Empire’s Jack And The Beanstalk.