Reviews Archive
Beautiful Brahms, Birmingham Bach Choir, CBSO Centre, Birmingham 1 July 2023, 4****, David Gray & Paul Gray
An exploration of some of Brahms' less well known choral music
Beneatha's Place by Kwame Kwei-Armah. The Young Vic, 66 The Cut, London SE1 to 5 August 2023. 3***. William Russell.
Stimulating, challenging piece abut race relations today and the white colonial past
Opera North. Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham. July 1 2023. 5*****. William Ruff
Opera North reminds us that Bizet is a disgracefully neglected opera composer
Song From Far Away by Simon Stephens and Mark Eitzel. Hampstead Theatre, Eton Avenue, London NW3 to 22 July 2023. 3***. William Russell.
Go see Will Young on top form - not so sure about the play/
Hallé. Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham. June 30 2023. 4****. William Ruff
The Hallé brings another Nottingham Classics season to an electrifying conclusion
Summer Music by Candlelight, St Paul’s Church, Hockley, Birmingham, 21 June 2023, 5***** David Gray & Paul Gray
An atmospheric and compelling evening of beautiful choral music & readings by candlelight.
Beethoven’s Ninth, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, 18 June 2023, 4****, David Gray & Paul Gray
A concert with many highlights and a few shortcomings
Dear England by James Graham. The National Theatre, Southbank, London SE1 to 11 August 2023. 4****. William Russell
A stirring evening even for those who know little about football and could not care less what England bring home with at its heart a fine performance by Joseph Fiennes.
The Third Man. Book & Lyrics by Don Black & Christopher Hampton. Music by Don Black. The Menier Chocolate Factory, 53 Southwark Street, London SE 1 to 9 September 2023. 2**. William Russell.
The worst musical of the year, possibly of any year - an inexplicable translation from film to stage.
The Beekeeper of Aleppo, Theatre Royal Plymouth, 4****, Cormac Richards
Beautifully realised production of a pertinent story.
The Crucible by Arthur Miller. The Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1 to 2 September 2023. 4****. William Russell.
A fine production of Miller's 1953 play which still has a message for our times - there may be no witches but there are witch hunts still - social media.
Kazuki conducts Elgar’s First Symphony, CBSO, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, 14 June 2023, 4**** Paul Gray & David Gray
An emotionally compelling reading of Elgar’s passionate masterpiece.
Sadler's Wells - Breakin' Convention UK Tour 2023 - Birmingham Hippodrome 13th June 2023. 5***** David Gray and Paul Gray
A hot, sizzling evening of Hip-Hop-cum-Contemporary Dance/Gymnastics!
The Return of Benjamin Lay by Naomi Wallace & Marcus Rediker. The Finborough theatre, 118 Finborough Rd, London SW10 to 8 July 2023. 4****. William Russell.
Mark Povinelli, himself a small person, brings to life the strange story of a most unusual small person
Clare Hammond. Lakeside, Nottingham. June 15 2023. 5*****. William Ruff
Fascinating repertoire and playing of great refinement
When Winston Went To War With The Wireless by Jack Thorne. The Donmarwarehouse, 47 Earlham Street, London WC2 to 2023. 4****. William Russell.
Fascinating and splendidly performed battle for the freedom of the airways, one still being waged.
Sasha Regan’s All-Male “The Mikado”- Wilton’s Music Hall Graces Alley, Shadwell London E1 8JB. 4**** Clare Colvin
All-Male Gilbert and Sullivan operetta scores in fun-filled evening
Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi - Opera Holland Park, London W8; Clare Colvin 3***
Classic revenge drama with an Oxford twist
Pretty Red Dress (2023), Director Dionne Edwards, BFI, 4.5****: Matthew Alicoon
A nuanced piece about expression, gender and identity.
Tchaikovsky Souvenir de Florence, Players from the CBSO, The CBSO Centre, Birmingham, 08 June 2023, 5***** David Gray & Paul Gray
A sun-drenched visit to Florence