Reviews Archive
Murder With Love by Francis Durbridge, Theatre Royal Nottingham, till 10 August, 4****: Alan Geary
Doorbells and telephones sufficient to drive a murderer to murder. Great fun!
The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Benjamin Polya based on the novel by Victor Hugo. St Paul's churchyard, Covent Garden, London to 1 September. 2**. William Russell
A shambolic often inaudible production of a play based on Victor Hugo's famous novel with a gallant cast of six doing their best.
Islington's legendary fringe theatre, The King's Head, goes from strength to strength.
News about and new names at the famous London fringe theatre - The King's Head in Upper Street, Islington
Motown - The Musical, Plymouth to 17 August & on tour. 4****, Cormac Richards
A Full-on extravaganza of great music
Das Rheingold by Richard Wagner. The Arcola theatre, Dalston, London E 8 to 10 August. 4****. William Russell
An enthralling well sung version of the first part of the Ring Saga devised by Graham Vick and Jonathan Dove from Wagner's Ring Cycle
Nottingham Youth Orchestra, St Mary's Church, Nottingham, 4****: by William Ruff
Youthful talent and energy in a big, bold, extrovert programme
Wait Until Dark by Frederick Knott, Theatre Royal Nottingham, till 3 August, 4****: Alan Geary
Nottingham's Classic Thriller Season gets underway with a classic classic
Table Manners, Manor Pavilion Theatre - Sidmouth, 4****, Cormac Richards
Ayckbourn continues to entertain
My Son Pinocchio Jr by Stephen Schwartz & David Stern. Southwark Playhouse, London SE1 to 14 August, 2**. William Russell
A youthful cast perform with commendable energy in this version devised by Stephen Schwartz & David Stern of the Disney story.
Shackleton's Carpenter by Gail Louw. Jermyn Street Theatre, London SW1 to 17 August & then on tour. 4****. William Russell.
Righting a wrong - fine performance from Malcolm Rennie as the man who helped Shackleton save the crew of his 1914 polar expedition.
Something coming your way - The Night Watch by Hattie Taylor based on the book by Sarah Waters.
Coming shortly to a theatre near you..
Double Death, Manor Pavilion - Sidmouth, 2**, Cormac Richards
Few thrills from this rather turgid script
Southern Belles - a Tennessee Williams double bill. The King's Head Theatre, 115 Upper Strreet, Islington N1. to 24 August. 3***. William Russell
Impressively acted Tennessee Williams one act plays open the King's Head theatre Queer Season.
The View Upstairs by Max Vernon. Soho Theatre, Dean Street, London W1 to 24 August. 3*** . William Russell
Very well performed musical about an arson attack on a New Orleans gay bar in 1973 - first rate cast led by Tyrone Huntley.
The Colour Purple. Music & Lyrics by Brenda Russell, Ailee Wilis & Stephen Bray. Book by Marsha Norman. Birmingham Hippodrome to 20 July. 4****. Rod Dungate.
True to the original book, well performed but needs some big musical numbers.
Present Laughter, Manor Pavilion Sidmouth, 4****, Cormac Richards
Stylish Coward at his best
Games for Lovers by Ryan Craig. The Vaults Theatre, Leake Street, London SE1 to 25 August. 4****. William Russell
Hilarious war games in which a quartet of would be lovers from the Tinder generation battle it out to the bitter end.
Night of the Iguana by Tennessee Williams. Noel Coward theatre, St Martin's Lane, London WC2N to 28 September. 4****. William Russell
It is a long night, but splendidly performed and directed, one which survives quite the ugliest set of the decade,
Nottingham Chamber Music Festival, 5*****: by William Ruff
A Festival of discovery and high-octane emotion – with something for everyone
Leonore Piano Trio, Theatre Royal Nottingham, 5*****: by William Ruff
A glowingly passionate opening to Nottingham’s Chamber Music Festival