Reviews Archive
King Lear by William Shakespeare. The Brockley Jack Studio, London SE4. 3*** William Russell
Inventive, attention holding production of a difficult, challenging play.
Katya Kabanova (Opera North), Theatre Royal, Nottingham, 5*****: by William Ruff
Opera North spins Katya’s grim story into gold
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.
The Magic Flute, Theatre Royal, Nottingham, 5*****: by William Ruff
An inventive, energetic, revelatory Magic Flute from Opera North
Othello by William Shakespeare. The Union, 229 Southwark Street, London SE1 4**** William Russell
Jealousy and social conflict in the British Raj
Rough Crossing, Theatre Royal Plymouth, 3***, Cormac Richards
A curiosity kept afloat by a great cast
The Funeral Director by Iman Qureshi, Nottingham Playhouse, till 16 March (touring), 4****: Alan Geary
Unashamedly ishoos-led but the people are real
Circa by Tom Ratcliffe, The Old Red Lion, London, 4****, Veronica Stein.
An introspective, unpretentious, and often quite beautiful exploration of the state of monogamy.
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.
The Life I Lead, James Kettle. 5*****, Birmingham Rep and Touring; Rod Dungate
A show to treasure
My Brother's Keeper by Nigel Williams. The Playground Theatre, Latimer Road, London W10. 4**** William Russell
A family at war at the bedside of a dying father. Fine play well done.
God of Chaos, The Drum - Theatre Royal Plymouth, 4****, Cormac Richards
A thought-provoking and smart play for today
Club Tropicana - The Musical, Theatre Royal Plymouth, 1*, Cormac Richards
A show with few redeeming features
Strike Up The Band by George & Ira Gershwin & George S Kaufman. Upstairs at the Gatehouse, London N6. 4**** William Russell
Love, war, cheese,and great songs. A treat!
Richard II,Sam Wanamaker Playhouse,The Globe, 4****, Ken Deed
Richard II is revisited in a big way
Motown - The Musical, Manchester and Touring, 4****; Graham Clark
A show to keep you dancing in the streets
Waitress by Jessie Nelson & Sara Bareilles. The Adelphi, the Strand, London. 3*** William Russell
Broadway's hit musical - sickly, sweet confection.