Reviews Archive
A Kind of People by Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti. The Royal Court Theatre, Jerwood Downstairs, Sloane Square, London SW1 to 18 January 2020. 4****. William Russell.
A tremendous play for today about life in multi ethnic Britain which challenges our reactions to racism.
One Under by Winsome Pinnock. The Arcola Theatre, 24 Ashwin Street, London E8 to 21 December 2019. 4****. William Russell.
A young man jumps in front of a tube train leaving the traumatised driver wanting to know why. Complex, moving tale.
One Million Tiny Plays About Britain by Craig Taylor. Jermyn Street Theatre, London SW1 to 11 January 2020. 4****. William Russell.
Something completely different for Christmas in a dazzling display of quick change and acting skills.
Whistle Down the Wind by Russell Labey & Richard Taylor. The Union Theatre, 229 UnionStreet, London SE1 to 21 December 2019. 4****. William Russell.
Charming, modest musical version of Mary Haley Bell's novel and the Brian Forbes movie. Not the Lloyd Webber one.
Midnight Movie by Eve Leigh. The Jerwood Upstairs, Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, London SW1 to 21 December 2019. . 3***. William Russell.
An intriguing if at times baffling trip to the wilder shores of the internet.
The Nativity Panto by John Savournin and David Eaton. The King's Head Theatre, 115 Upper Street, Islington, London N1 to 11 January 2020. 4****. William Russell
One man and four dames in what could be the funniest pantomime of the season.
The Boy Friend, book, music & lyrics by Sandy Wilson. The Menier Chocolate Factory, Southwark, London SE to 7 March 2020. 4****. William Russell
Charleston the night away on the Riviera with Polly and Mme Dubonnet in a spiffing revival of this much loved musical,
Act of God by David Javerbaum. The Vaults Theatre, Launceston Street, Waterloo, London SE1 to 12 January 2020. 4****. William Russell
God moves in mysterious and hilarious ways as She - yes that's right - reflects on the Ten Commandments with Archangels Gabriel and Michael.
The Wind of Heaven by Emlyn Williams. The Finborough Theatre, 118 Finborough Road, London SW10 to 21 December 2019. 4****. William Russell.
A child in a Welsh mountain village seems to have miraculous powers. A fine resurrection of a play not seen since 1945.
Cinderella by Luke Barnes & Not Too Tame. The Vaults Theatre, Launcelot Street, Waterloo, London SE1 to 12 January 2020. 4****. William Russell,
Filthy, funny, fabulous: Christmas cheer and beer, karaoke, Cinders, plus a man in a sequined mini dress and a suggestive dog called Buttons.
Scrooge by Charles Dickens adapted by Guy Retallack. The Bridge House Theatre, High Street, Penge to 22 December 2019. 4****. William Russell
A fresh retelling of an oft told tale about Christmas past, present and yet to come.
Costume at the National Theatre, National Theatre, London. **** Mark Courtice to 27th June 2020
A wonderland of costume at the National Theatre
Shook, Samuel Bailey, Southwark Playhouse, London, to 23rd November 2019****: Mark Courtice
Cracking script given tight and focussed treatment
Sidney and the old girl,Eugene O’Hare, Park Theatre London (till 30th Nov 2019) 3***: Mark Courtice
Dark and hard hitting.
Hunger by Amanda Lomas based on the novel by Knut Hamsun. The Arcola Studio two, 24 Ashwin Street, LondonE8 to 21 December 2019. 4****. William Russell
A powerful play about life on the streets now based on the Knut Hamsun novel impressively directed and performed.
e-Baby by Jane Cafarella. The Brockley Jack Studio, 410 Brockley Road, London SE4 to 30 November 2019. 4****. William Russell.
A touching, well acte tale of the relationship between a surrogate mother and the woman who wants a child.
#We Are Arrested by Can Dundar. Arcola Theatre Studio 1, 24 Ashwin Street, Dalston, London E8 to 7 December 2019. 4****. William Russell
In the time of universal deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act - Orwell. A terrific drama about press freedom.
Why Shouldn't I Go There? by Janet Behan. London Irish Centre, Camden Square & future dates in 2020. 4****. William Russell
Three Irish women tell their stories - a sad, moving, funny and stimulating hour in the theatre,
Touching the Void by David Greig. The Duke of York's Theatre, St Martin's Lane, London WC2 to 29 February 2020. 4****. William Russell
Climbing mountains and surviving. Impressively staged play which does not quite reach the heights and proves a longish evening.
Crisis? What Crisis? by Tom Black. Colab Factory, 74-84 Long Lane, London SE1 to 8 December 2019. 4****. William Russell.
Saving the day for Sunny Jim in 1979 - immersive theatre at its best.