Reviews Archive
Ain't Misbehavin' - by Murray Horwitz & Richard Maltby Jr. Southwark Playhouse, London SE 1. 5*****. William Russell
The joint was quite literally jumpin' (for joy) at this superbly performed Fats Waller musical.
Tumulus by Christopher Adams. Soho Theatre Upstairs, 21 Dean Street, London W1. 2**. William Russell
Good intentions do not make good theatre but this drama about gay chemsex is well played and has its moments.
The Night of the Living Dead - Live. The Pleasance Theatre, North Road, London N7. 2**. William Russell
Zonbies galore in a farcical take on George A Romero's famous horror film which is for those who like this sort of thing only.
A German Life by Christopher Hampton. the Bridge Theatre, London. 5*****. William Russell
Maggie Smith triumphs as Goebells' secretary Brunhilda de Ponmsel in a fine and challenging play.
Queen of the Mist - book & music by Michael John LaChiusa. The Brockley Jack Studio, London SE4. 4****. William Russell
A very well performed,handsomely staged & directed musical about the first person - a woman - to go over the Niagra Falls in a barrel and survive.
Mouthpiece, Soho Theatre, London, 4****,Ken Deed
An Electrifying Meta-Theatrical Parable
Top Girls by Caryl Churchill. The Lyttelton, National Theatre, London SE1. 3***. William Russell
A lavish and well played, but ultimately not completely satisfying, revival of a great play about women, work and family.
Tony's Last Tape by Andy Barrett. Omnibus Theatre, Clapham, SW4. 4**** William Russell
A national treasure at the end, but once the most dangerous man in Britain inducing apoplexy in the Daily Mail, Tony Benn looks back.
Little Miss Sunshine. Book by James Lapine, Music & Lyrics by William Finn. The Arcola, Ashwin Street, London E8.. 3*** William Russell
A road trip to happiness taken by a dysfunctional Albuquerque family so that small daughter Olive can take part in a California beauty contest.
Hair - by Jerome Ragni & James Rado Music by Galt Macdermot. New Wimbledon theatre SW19 1QG. 3 ***. William Russell
A breezy and colourful revival of a dated show with some great songs to relish.
Maggie May music by Lionel Bart book by Alun Owen. Finborough Theatre, London SW10. 5*****. William Russell
Maggie May? Maggie Must. A first rate revival of a long forgotten show.
Wolfie by Ross Willis, Theatre 503, Battersea Park Road, London SW11. 5***** Ken Deed
Ross Willis’ triumphant debut
Mary's Babies by Maud Dromgoole. Jermyn Street Theatre, London SW1Y. 2** William Russell
An experiment which makes the blood run cold that cannot happen today.
King Lear by William Shakespeare. The Brockley Jack Studio, London SE4. 3*** William Russell
Inventive, attention holding production of a difficult, challenging play.
Downstate by Bruce Norris. The Dorfman, the National Theatre, London SE1. 5***** William Russell
A powerful tale of monsters and men, of crime and punishment and forgiveness perhaps.
The Rubenstein Kiss by James Phillips. Southwark Playhouse, the Large, Newington Butts SE1. 4**** William Russell
Powerful and stil topical drama based on Americans Julius and Ethel Rosenberg executed for spying for Russia in 1953.
Othello by William Shakespeare. The Union, 229 Southwark Street, London SE1 4**** William Russell
Jealousy and social conflict in the British Raj
Undetectable by Tom Wright. The King's Head Theatre, Upper Street, Islington N1. 3*** William Russell
Two guys deciding whether or not to do it after three months getting to know one another.
Crown Dual by Daniel Clarkson. The King's Head Theatre, London N1. 4**** William Russell
The Windsors tie the audience in knots in this delightful sendup.
The Silence of Snow by Mark Farelly. The Brockley Jack Studio theatre, London SE4. 3*** William Russell
A sad life but an enthralling tale.