Reviews Archive
12:37 by Julia Pascal. The Finborough Theatre,118 Finborough Road, London SW10 to 21 December 2022. 4****. William Russell.
A sprawling, enthralling epic story about Irish and Jewish nationalism - and bombs.
It’s a Wonderful Life by Jake Heggie; Libretto by Gene Scheer 4**** English National Opera, The Coliseum, London WC2 to 10 December 2022. Clare Colvin.
Heart-warming sentiment on the side of the angels in opera adaptation of classic Christmas film.
Elf the Musical. Book by Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin. Music by Matthew Sklar. Lyrics by Chad Beguelin. The Dominion Theatre, 268 Tottenham Court Road, London W1 to 7 January 2023. 3***. William Russell.
A Happy Holidays show for those who like shows like this.
Top Hat. Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin. Book by Howard Jacques and Matthew White. Based on the RKO film. The Mill at Sonning, Reading to 30 December 2022. 4 ****. William Russell
A tip top Top Hat.
Baghdaddy byJasmine Naziha Jones. The Royal Court Theatre, Jerwood downstairs, Sloane Square, London SW1 to 17 December 2022. 4****. William Russell
Stimulating, inventive and provocative tale about growing up.
A Sherlock Carol written by Mark Shanahan. Marylebone Theatre, 33 Park Road, London NW1 to 7 January 2023. 3***. William Russell.
And now for something completely different - or,as the blurb says, deck the halls with Dickens and Doyle.
Mrs Warren's Profession by George Bernard Shaw. Richmond Theatre, Little Green, Richmond to 26 November 2022. 2** William Russell.
Disappointing staging of a fine Shaw play.
Dinner With Groucho by Frank McGuinness. Studio 1, The Arcola, 24 Ashwin Street, London E8 to 10 December 2022. 5*****. William Russell.
Dazzling,diverting and brilliantly performed theatre of the absurd play.
The Love Goddess. Book by Almog Pail & Stephen Garvey. Music & Lyrics by Logan Medland. The Cockpit Theatre, Gateforth Street, London NW 8 to 23 December 2022. 2**. William Russell.
What's to love?
Life's A Drag by Nancy Brabin-Platt. The Brockley Jack Studio Theatre, Brockley Road, London SE4 to 19 November 2022. 3***. William Russell.
Life may be but this one woman show is not.
The Sex Party by Terry Johnson. The Menier Chocolate Factory, Southwark Street, London SE1 to 7 January 2023. 2** William Russell.
A two star play in a four star set.
The Lavender Hill Mob. Adapted for the stage by Phil Porter based on the screenplay by T.E.B. Clarke. Richmond Theatre, 1 Little Green, Richmond TW9 to 19 November 2022. 4****. William Russell.
A good night out.
Reflection and Remembrance - requiems by Faure and Charpentier. Union Chapel, Islington 12 November 2022. 4****. William Russell.
A challenging evening of remembrance.
How To Build A Better Tulip by Mark R Giesser. Upstairs at the Gatehouse, Highgate Village, London N6 to 20 November 2022. 2**. William Russell.
A futile search for how to grow a black tulip.
From Here to Eternity. Music by Stuart Brayson, Lyrics by Tim Rice, book based on the novel by James Jones by Donald Rice and Bill Oakes. Charing Cross Theatre, The Arches, Villiers Street, London WC2 to 17 December 2022. 4****. William Russell.
Testosterone is bursting out all over in this brash, loud, well sung revival.
Not Now by David Ireland. The Finborough Theatre, 118 Finborough Road, London SW10 to 26 November 2018. 4****. William Russell
A gem of a play beautifully performed
Paddy Goes to Petra by Aine Ryan. The Brockley Jack Studio, 410 Brockley Road, London SE4 to 5 November 2022. 4****. William Russell.
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. The Rose Theatre. Kingston upon Thames to 12 November 2022. 2** stars. William Russell.
Carry On Earnest - an evening to forget.
Evening Conversations. Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London W1D to 12 November 2022. 4****. William Russell
A beguiling tale of three continents.
Mary by Rona Munro. Hampstead Theatre, Eton Avenue, London NW3 to 26 November 2022. 4****. William Russell.
Henshall in fine form in splendid new play part of the James series.