Reviews Archive
The Beekeeper of Aleppo, Theatre Royal Plymouth, 4****, Cormac Richards
Beautifully realised production of a pertinent story.
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!
Charlie and The Chocolate Factory - The Musical, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Cormac Richards 2**
Ill-judged, charmless and disappointing production
Blaze of Glory – WNO, Birmingham Hippodrome, 06 May 2023. Then at Southampton 20 May 2023. 5**** David Gray & Paul Gray
A heart-warming story about the power of song.
The Magic Flute – Mozart, WNO, Birmingham Hippodrome, 5 May 2023. Then at Southampton 26 & 27 May 2023. 4**** David Gray & Paul Gray
A radical and fresh new take on an old favourite.
Pavel Haas Quartet (on tour) Town Hall, Birmingham, April 28th 2023: 5***** David Gray & Paul Gray
Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, 21 April 2023, 5***** David & Paul Gray
Thrilling playing by a fine visiting orchestra, with the added bonus of a perfect performance of a Beethoven Piano Concerto by Sir Stephen Hough
Titanic The Musical, The Hippodrome, Birmingham, Tuesday 18th to Saturday 22nd April then on tour. 4****. David Gray & Paul Gray
An earnest and heartfelt musical dramatization of a terrible tragedy
The Makings of a Murderer. Adelphi Theatre, The Strand, London WC2 on 18 April 2023 and then on a 100 date tour of one night stands. 2**. William Russell.
Possibly more than you need to know about serial killers by MacVera.
Quality Street. Richmond Theatre, Little Green, Richmond TW9 to 15 April 2023 and then on tour. 4****. William Russell.
Delicious rom com set in Regency days
Julius Caesar: William Shakespeare, RSC @ The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford Upon Avon, 4**** Rod Dungate. Audio Described Performance 1 April 2023.
Refreshing and energised; a mirror for our Age.
My Fair Lady, The Lincoln Centre Theatre Production, Birmingham Hippodrome, 8 to 19 March 2023 then touring. 5****, David Gray & Paul Gray
A lavish and very well sung production
Superpowers Panto - Extant & Simply Smiley Productions - The Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, 2 March 2023 and touring through March. 4****, Rod Dungate
A small-scale touring panto with a warm heart.
Wodehouse in Wonderland by William Humble, Exeter Northcott Theatre until 25 February 2023 and tour until 29 April 2023, 4****, Cormac Richards
A hamper of delights
The Way Old Friends Do, The Rep, Birmingham 23 February 2023 to 4 March, 2023 then on tour 3*** David Gray & Paul Gray
A warm but rather safe tribute to fandom and friendship.
Strictly Ballroom, Theatre Royal Plymouth until 4 February and Touring, Cormac Richards, 3***
Far better without the songs!
The Ocean at the End of Lane, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Cormac Richards, 5*****
Astonishing!
Christmas Music with the Choir of St. John's Cambridge, Director Andrew Nethsingha, as part of the 822nd Lunchtime Organ Concert with Thomas Trotter: Symphony Hall Birmingham, 5th December 2022 5***** David Gray & Paul Gray
A concert to put you in the mood for the festive season
La Boheme – Giacomo Puccini, WNO, Birmingham Hippodrome, 9 - 11 November 2022 then on tour, 4**** David Gray & Paul Gray
A well sung revival of a sturdy production
Symphony Hall Birmingham, B:Classical 2022/23: 7.30pm, 8 November 2022 - Belgian National Orchestra 5***** Paul Gray
Stunning performance by the Belgian National Orchestra under Conductor Roberto González-Monjas, and pianist Paul Lewis