Queen of the Mist is not without flaws and does feel longer than it needs to be, but the quality of this excellent production cannot be denied.
‘A fascinating true story skilfully told’: THE TRIALS OF OSCAR WILDE – Touring
The Trials of Oscar Wilde, co-written by John O’Connor and Oscar Wilde’s grandson Merlin Holland, is based on court transcripts from the two trials, and charts Wilde’s rapid downfall.
‘A sympathetic & respectful portrayal’: TONY’S LAST TAPE – Omnibus Theatre
Andy Barrett’s play Tony’s Last Tape is a sympathetic and respectful portrayal of a man who went into politics for the right reasons and who never wavered from his convictions.
‘Thoughtful, challenging & extremely well acted’: CRY HAVOC – Park Theatre
Inspired by playwright Tom Coash’s time living and teaching in Egypt, Cry Havoc explores the idea of the Western “saviour” through the ill-fated love story of Mohammed (James El-Sharawy) and Nicholas (Marc Antolin).
‘Tragically, it still feels all too relevant’: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF – West End
Funny, heartwarming, fascinating, tragic and devastating, Fiddler on the Roof is an unusual but hugely powerful musical, and this production brings out the very best in it.
Best of the Blogs: The Rubenstein Kiss, Joseph, The Shape of Pain, Chickenshed & open-air delights
In a new series, My Theatre Mates editor picks out five of her Top Picks from the week that was in theatre (18-24 March 2019), ranging from Libby Purves’ return (after a few months’ break) to Susan Elkin pondering what the weather will bring as she begins a string of visits to open-air theatre.
‘Thought-provoking & witty’: MARY’S BABIES – Jermyn Street Theatre
For the most part, though, Mary’s Babies is enjoyable and witty, and surprisingly easy to follow despite its complicated structure. A thought-provoking play, and an impressive feat of endurance and versatility from two talented performers.
‘Promising & well performed debut: NEVER TRUST A MAN BUN – Stockwell Playhouse
Never Trust a Man Bun is a promising and well performed debut, peppered with some great one-liners and laugh out loud moments.
‘Practically bursts with creative talent’: 100% CHANCE OF RAIN – Chickenshed Theatre
This time around Chickenshed’s inclusive theatre company is exploring mental health in new show, 100% Chance of Rain.
‘Intelligent & thought-provoking’: ANGRY ALAN – Soho Theatre
Angry Alan might appear at first glance to be a comedy (albeit a pretty dark one), and there are plenty of laughs to be had at the expense of both Roger and his new friends in the men’s right movement. But ironically, what this intelligent and thought-provoking play teaches us above all is that such toxic and damaging views are anything but funny.