Reviews Archive
Monteverdi Vespers of 1610, Hereford Cathedral, Hereford Choral Society, 18 March 2023, 4****. David Gray & Paul Gray
A performance of great technical accomplishment and power
Death Drop Back in the Habit, The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, 14 March to 18 March 2023, 4****. David Gray & Paul Gray
Simply hilarious
Ariadne auf Naxos. Theatre Royal, Nottingham. 17 March 2023. 4****. William Ruff
Strauss’s Ariadne may be bonkers but it’s beautiful too
Amatis Trio, Lakeside, Nottingham. 16 March 2023. 5*****. William Ruff
The Amatis Trio are outstanding advocates of two masterpieces of the repertoire
The Cunning Little Vixen (Opera North). Theatre Royal, Nottingham. 14 March 2023. 5*****. William Ruff
Opera North’s Vixen is 40 years old but as life-enhancing as ever
BBC Symphony Orchestra. Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham. 11 March 2023. 4****. William Ruff
A vibrant slice of early 20th century music-making
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.
Sinfonia Viva. Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham. 5 March 2023. 4****. William Ruff
Crisp baroque elegance from Sinfonia Viva
Iyad Sughayer. Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham. 5 March 2023. 5*****. William Ruff
A young piano star revealing beauty in unexpected places
Orlando Consort. Lakeside, Nottingham. 23February 2023. 4****. William Ruff
Vocal gems from The Orlando Consort's farewell tour
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.
London Philharmonic Orchestra. Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham. 18 February 2023. 5*****. William Ruff
A stimulating programme played with charisma and insight
Idiots Assemble – Spitting Image Saves the World: Live on Stage, The Rep, Birmingham, 16 February 2023, on until 11 March 2023 4**** David Gray & Paul Gray
Vicious, true, laugh-out-loud satire
Petr Limonov. Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham. 12 February 2023. 4****. William Ruff
Pianist Petr Limonov opens a window on the sublime
Schumann Quartet. Lakeside, Nottingham. February 9 2023. 4****. William Ruff
Intelligent, highly responsive playing from the Schumann Quartet
Byrd’s Great, Ex Cathedra, Birmingham Town Hall, Sunday 5 February 4pm 5***** David Gray
A glorious celebration of an iconic English composer
Motionhouse: Starchitects – Birmingham Hippodrome – 3 February 2023 – 5***** David Gray & Paul Gray
Zlatomir Fung and Benjamin Hochman. Lakeside, Nottingham. 2 February 2023. 5*****. William Ruff
Rare repertoire dazzlingly played by a young star cellist
Hallé. Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham. 27 January 2023. 4****. William Ruff
Passionate commitment brought to two very personal works