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Reviews
A Mirror by Sam Holcroft. The Almedia, Almeida Street, London, until 23rd September 2023. 3***: William Russell.
‘Jonny Lee Miller memorable in a powerful piece about censorship, weddings and lies.’
Photo Credit: Marc Brenner
Southwell Music Festival 2023Southwell Minster and other venues in Southwell, 25 - 28 August, 2023. Review: William Ruff
‘The sound was a revelation.’
Candy by Tim Fraser. Park 90, 13 Clifton Terrace, London N4 to 9th September 2023. 2**: William Russell.
‘ In spite of an intriguing idea Candy proves less than enthralling.’
Photo Credit: Ali Wright.
Eve: All About Her by Keith Ramsay. Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London W1D to 26th August 2023. 4****: William Russell.
‘Ramsay tells more than you knew about Harrington in a terrific cabaret turn.’
Photo Credit: Marc Brenner
Not Dead Enough by Peter James, Manor Pavilion Theatre – Sidmouth until 26 August, 2023. 4****: Cormac Richards
‘Excellent production of tricky play.’
Photo Credit: Andrew Beckett
Next to Normal. Music by Tom Kitt. Book and Lyrics by Brian Yorkey. The Donmar, 41 Earlham Streeet, London WC2H to 07 October, 2023. 4****: William Russell.
‘An ordinary day, an ordinary family but an extraordinary musical.’
Photo Credit: Marc Brenner
BBC Prom 49: Robert Schumann Das Paradies und die Peri, 22 August, 2023; Royal Albert Hall. 5*****: Clare Colvin
‘Outpouring of song exerts its romance in Schumann’s oriental fairy tale.’
Photo Credit: Mark Allan
Death Note the Musical in Concert. The London Palladium 21 August, 2023 and then the Lyric, Shaftesbury Avenue for three more performances. 5*****: William Russell.
‘Absolutely enthralling, packed with rousing arias which are belted out!’
Photo Credit: Mark Senior
Dumbledore is so Gay by Robert Holtom. Southwark Playhouse, the Little 77 Newington Causeway, London SE1 to 23rd September 2023. 5*****: William Russell.
‘Heart warming, hilarious and life affirming.’
Photo Credit: David Johnson
The Arc – a trilogy of new Jewish plays. Soho Theatre, 1 Dean Street, London W!D to 26th August 2024. 4****: William Russell.
‘Funny, full of insights into the human condition, splendidly performed.’
Photo Credit: Danny With a Camera
Express G & S written by John Savournin with lyrics by David Eaton. Charles Court Opera, Wilton’s Music Hall, 1 Grace Alley, London E1 to 18th August 2023. 5*****: William Russell.
All too short – a soufflé of surprises, murder and Gilbert & Sullivan.
BBC Prom 41: György Ligeti Lontano; Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major; Dmitry Shostakovich Symphony No. 10 in E minor. 4****: Clare Colvin
‘A pivotal moment of 1953 was linking up with the uncertain world of today.’
Photo Credit: BBC and Andy Paradise
42nd Street, Theatre Royal Plymouth until 12 August, 2023 and touring. 4**** : Cormac Richards
Top-tapping tunes and superb dancing but something missing!
Talk to Me (2023), Dir Danny and Michael Phillppou, Altitude Film Entertainment. 4.5****: Matthew Alicoon
The wildcard sleeper hit horror film of the year.
Barbie (2023), Dir Greta Gerwig, Warner Bros. Pictures. 3.5***: Matthew Alicoon
Ambitious or Overhyped?
The Business Of Murder by Richard Harris, Manor Pavilion Theatre – Sidmouth, 31 July - until 04 August, 2023. 4****: Cormac Richards
Another cracking entry into the 2023 Sidmouth Summer Play Festival.
Photo Credit – Andrew Beckett
Shipwreck! Three Choirs Festival, Holy Trinity Church, Gloucester, 29 July, 2023. 5*****: David Gray & Paul Gray
A fascinating exploration of a moment in history through words and music.
The Apostles, Edward Elgar, Three Choirs Festival, Gloucester Cathedral, 29 July, 2023. 5*****: David Gray & Paul Gray
A magnificent reading of Elgar’s choral masterpiece.
Standing Waves, Three Choirs Festival, Gloucester Guild Hall, Friday 28 July, 2023. 4****: David Gray & Paul Gray
A chilled end to a hard day of festival going.
The Age of Aspiration, Three Choirs Festival, Gloucester Cathedral, Friday 28 July, 2023. 4****: David Gray & Paul Gray
Wonderful Vaughan Williams followed by less inspiring new music.