As with any dystopian drama, the central idea of Florence Bell’s The Open – the GBGC itself – sounds far-fetched, but the foundations on which it’s built aren’t all that implausible.
‘Feels like we’re discovering it for the first time’: THE STRANGE CASE OF JEKYLL & HYDE – Brockley Jack Studio Theatre & Touring
Arrows & Traps’ The Strange Case Of Jekyll & Hyde is one for a new generation: an endlessly thought-provoking, unsettling, enthralling production that’s not to be missed.
‘The storytelling aspect is what makes it unique’: RIVER IN THE SKY – Hope Theatre
Just as much as the emotional impact, though, it’s the unique and original approach to the subject matter that makes this debut production from Turn Point Theatre particularly memorable.
‘A potent reminder of how easily & arbitrarily mental illness can strike’: EQUUS – West End
Touching on themes of religion, sexuality and more than one form of mental illness, the play asks some difficult questions and frequently makes for unsettling viewing, and yet Ned Bennett’s production remains utterly compelling from start to dramatic finish.
‘Quite literally roars on to the stage’: 10 Things I Hate About Taming of the Shrew – Touring
While most of us would probably be willing to admit that Taming of the Shrew is far from Shakespeare’s best, Canadian actor, writer and comedian Gillian English has gone a step further and made a list of everything that’s wrong with it.
‘I think we need to honour & keep revisiting LGBTQ history’: Ben SantaMaria’s Really Want to Hurt Me goes on tour
Writer and director Ben SantaMaria experienced for himself growing up as a gay man in 80s Britain. He wrote the autobiographical show Really Want to Hurt Me as a way to explore what has – and more importantly, hasn’t – changed since his own teenage years.
‘Essential viewing’: LUNATIC 19’S – Finborough Theatre
With immigrants across the USA bracing for planned Ice raids this weekend, Lunatic 19’s, a topical new play by Iowa-based writer Tegan McLeod, shines a spotlight on the soullessness and absurdity of American immigration laws and procedures.
‘Two hours of silliness & escapism’: ONE GIANT LEAP – Brockley Jack Studio Theatre
One Giant Leap is a very silly story with no other mission in mind but providing two hours of pure entertainment.
’Lots more to recommend it besides nostalgia’: DARK SUBLIME – Trafalgar Studios
Dark Sublime is a rare personal drama about an older gay woman trying to find her place and identity in a changing world, with plenty of laughs – particularly aimed at the world of showbiz – and some interesting questions about the nature of fandom.
‘Shakespeare wouldn’t want it any other way’: OTHELLO: REMIXED – Omnibus Theatre
In touching on topical issues like knife and gun crime, drugs, discrimination, misogyny and the disaffection of young people in the UK today, Othello: Remixed demonstrates how Shakespeare’s work speaks for, and should therefore be available to, everyone.
‘A story the world still needs to hear’: BARE: A POP OPERA – The Vaults
There’s nothing historic about the issues Bare: A Pop Opera tackles, as is emotionally demonstrated in the powerful finale of this new London production at The Vaults.
‘I tend to write about people whose stories don’t usually get told’: James Martin Charlton premieres his new play Reformation
James Martin Charlton is an award-winning playwright whose previous work includes the critically acclaimed Fat Souls, I Really Must Be Getting Off and Coward. This week sees the premiere of his new play, Reformation.
‘Such an absorbing 70 minutes of theatre’: HEDGEHOG – Lion & Unicorn Theatre
Insightful, relatable and beautifully performed, let’s hope, unlike the eponymous hedgehog, Hedgehog has a long life ahead.
‘A polished cast expertly deliver the political satire’: BREXIT – King’s Head Theatre
Robert Khan and Tom Salinsky could have come up with a more creative title for their acclaimed political comedy Brexit – but they didn’t really need to, given that actual Brexit has been a massive satire in and of itself for some time now.
‘I’m very proud of the work we’ve made’: Arrows & Traps – The story so far
Over the last five years, 13-time Offie-nominated Arrows & Traps have become a regular fixture both on the London Fringe scene and on this blog. And the good news is they’re not going anywhere;
‘Pretty brutal takedown of the world of 21st century PR’: CUTTINGS – Hope Theatre
Cuttings is a sharp, witty and hugely enjoyable play about an industry we all know exists, but somehow seem to forget every time we watch an emotional YouTube apology or read a remorseful statement from a disgraced celebrity.
‘Action-packed, irreverent & hilariously weird’: KILL CLIMATE DENIERS – Pleasance Theatre
Action-packed, irreverent and hilariously weird, Kill Climate Deniers nonetheless still succeeds in making a serious and important point, and provides more than enough food for thought to give you nightmares for weeks.
‘This thought-provoking play has plenty to say’: PRECIOUS LITTLE – Brockley Jack Theatre
It may be called Precious Little, but this thought-provoking play at the Brockley Jack Studio Theatre has plenty to say.
‘You can feel the thronging crowds & lively atmosphere’: J’OUVERT – Theatre503
The image we’re left with is not one of violence in J’Ouvert at Theatre503, but of pride, friendship and resilience, and a community that’s prepared to keep fighting for as long as it takes to reclaim its voice and heritage.
‘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.