An imaginative adaptation of Zadie Smith’s 2000 contemporary classic White Teeth at the Kiln Theatre is let down by unnecessary music.
Mind the Advent: 24 days celebrating a year’s theatregoing > #theatre2017 #YearInReview
You know what time of year it is – so I’ve just been through my annual Mind the Advent countdown! As I’ve seen a personal best number of different shows this year, the sheer volume of actors (and performances) have really been stacking up and making my life difficult – in terms of summing up my favourites of the year, that is. So here is a bit of a sneak preview of what’s to come in my highlight posts…
Welcome to the Bridge: An early visitor’s view from foyer to gender-neutral toilets & comfy seats
First things first, the foyer is extremely spacious and rather beautifully lit. So whilst there were hefty queues at the box office and the bar, there was still plenty of room to mill about, some seats available and a wide enough staircase that, when we finally started going down to the stalls, it wasn’t too much of a crush.
LIONS & TIGERS – Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
Tanika Gupta explores an episode from her family history that is both highly relevant and humane.
TWELFTH NIGHT – Shakespeare’s Globe
Emma Rice’s Summer of Love got off to a slightly sticky start at the Globe with a mystifying take on Romeo and Juliet from Daniel Kramer and as we move onto Twelfth Night, which she is directing herself, there’s a similarly uncompromising attitude in place.
THE TEMPEST – RSC, Stratford-upon-Avon
There’s no better way to kick the post-Christmas blues than an early January trip to the theatre, so this year we decided to go an extra step and head to Stratford upon Avon for a short break. Of course, when you’re in Stratford you’d be mad to miss a trip to the Royal Shakespeare Company so we booked well in advance to see The Tempest.
LOVE N STUFF – Theatre Royal Stratford East
Delightful two-hander is a comedy about married life and the truth of parenthood that is both funny and wise.
NEWS: Jamie Muscato joins Bend It Like Beckham cast
From 14 December 2015 Jamie Muscato joins the cast of Bend It Like Beckham The Musical to play coach Joe alongside Natalie Dew as football crazy Jess and Lauren Samuels as Jules, a player with the Harriers, a local women’s football team. Sophie-Louise Dann plays the role of Paula with Jamal Andréas as Jess’ good friend Tony. Preeya Kalidas plays Pinky, Jess’ sister, with Tony Jayawardena and Natasha Jayetileke as her parents, Mr and Mrs Bhamra.
BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM – West End
This is the one where critics who spend most of their time in the theatre show off their football knowledge. In my case, it won’t take long. In fact one of the best things about Bend It Like Beckham is that you don’t have to give a referee’s toss about the beautiful game, and you don’t need to have seen the 2002 movie.