Reviews Archive
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.
Pepperland, Theatre Royal Plymouth, 4****, Cormac Richards
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.
Creep, Theatre Royal Plymouth - The Drum, 4****, Cormac Richards
Horrific fun from a talented young company
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.
The Turn of the Screw adapted by Tim Luscombe, Theatre Royal Nottingham, till 13 April (touring), 3***: Alan Geary
Half ghost story, half psychological thriller
Hallé, Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham, 4****: by William Ruff
Mullova’s masterful Sibelius and some Technicolor French showpieces
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.
The Turn of the Screw, Northcott Theatre - Exeter, 2**, Cormac Richards
A disappointingly bland gothic horror
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.
Benidorm Live by Derren Litten, Theatre Royal Nottingham, till 30 March (touring), 4****: Alan Geary
Carry On Fawlty Towers
Edmond de Bergerac, Birmingham Rep, 4****; Rod Dungate
Plenty to see, but does it all add up . . .
Taming of the Shrew, William Shakespeare, RSC Stratford Upon Avon and Touring, 4****; Rod Dungate
Jolly, jaunty, spikey, but misses out on the real punch
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.
The Rite of Spring/Gianni Schicchi, Theatre Royal, Nottingham, 4****: by William Ruff
A Stravinsky/Puccini double bill? Sounds bonkers, but it works – sort of…