Reviews Archive
The Boy in the Dress David Walliams/Mark Ravenhill, RSC till 08 March 2020. 5****: Rod Dungate
Terrific adaptation, freedom seen through a child's eyes.
Cinderella, Palace Theatre Mansfield, till 5 January 2020. 4****: Alan Geary
Love panto, you won’t want to miss this one.
Nottingham Harmonic Choir, Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham, 5*****: by William Ruff
Vivid storytelling combines with stylish musicianship in this new-minted Messiah
Les Gloriables, Theatre Royal, Plymouth - The Drum to 30 December 2019 3***, Cormac Richards
Fun, original and bonkers - just a little too long
One Million Tiny Plays About Britain by Craig Taylor. Jermyn Street Theatre, London SW1 to 11 January 2020. 4****. William Russell.
Something completely different for Christmas in a dazzling display of quick change and acting skills.
Oh No It Isn't!, The Old Library - Bodmin to 22 December 2019 & touring. 5*****, Cormac Richards
Genuinely hilarious and moving gem.
Whistle Down the Wind by Russell Labey & Richard Taylor. The Union Theatre, 229 UnionStreet, London SE1 to 21 December 2019. 4****. William Russell.
Charming, modest musical version of Mary Haley Bell's novel and the Brian Forbes movie. Not the Lloyd Webber one.
Midnight Movie by Eve Leigh. The Jerwood Upstairs, Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, London SW1 to 21 December 2019. . 3***. William Russell.
An intriguing if at times baffling trip to the wilder shores of the internet.
Beauty and the Beast, Northcott Theatre - Exeter to 5 January 2020. 3***, Cormac Richards
Visually pleasing though with some shortcomings
Craig Ogden and Manchester Camerata, Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham, 5*****: by William Ruff
Stylish, virtuoso playing and a something-for-everyone programme
The Nativity Panto by John Savournin and David Eaton. The King's Head Theatre, 115 Upper Street, Islington, London N1 to 11 January 2020. 4****. William Russell
One man and four dames in what could be the funniest pantomime of the season.
The Boy Friend, book, music & lyrics by Sandy Wilson. The Menier Chocolate Factory, Southwark, London SE to 7 March 2020. 4****. William Russell
Charleston the night away on the Riviera with Polly and Mme Dubonnet in a spiffing revival of this much loved musical,
Cinderella, Theatre Royal Nottingham, till 5 January 2020. 4****: Alan Geary
Surely a box office smash!
Cinderella, Theatre Royal Nottingham, till 5 January, 4****: Alan Geary
Act of God by David Javerbaum. The Vaults Theatre, Launceston Street, Waterloo, London SE1 to 12 January 2020. 4****. William Russell
God moves in mysterious and hilarious ways as She - yes that's right - reflects on the Ten Commandments with Archangels Gabriel and Michael.
Nottingham University Choir and Philharmonia, 4****: by William Ruff
A high-energy performance of sweeping melodies, grandeur and spiritual conviction
The Wind of Heaven by Emlyn Williams. The Finborough Theatre, 118 Finborough Road, London SW10 to 21 December 2019. 4****. William Russell.
A child in a Welsh mountain village seems to have miraculous powers. A fine resurrection of a play not seen since 1945.
Cinderella by Luke Barnes & Not Too Tame. The Vaults Theatre, Launcelot Street, Waterloo, London SE1 to 12 January 2020. 4****. William Russell,
Filthy, funny, fabulous: Christmas cheer and beer, karaoke, Cinders, plus a man in a sequined mini dress and a suggestive dog called Buttons.
Scrooge by Charles Dickens adapted by Guy Retallack. The Bridge House Theatre, High Street, Penge to 22 December 2019. 4****. William Russell
A fresh retelling of an oft told tale about Christmas past, present and yet to come.
Barber Shop Chronicles, Nua Ellams, seen at NST Southampton, On Tour to 23rd November. **** Mark Courtice
Men behaving better in a high style, absorbing night out