Reviews Archive
Tick Tick Boom (2021), Dir Lin Manuel Miranda, Netflix: 5*****: Dana Archer
This film is a love letter to musical theatre
9 to 5, Theatre Royal Plymouth, 3***, Cormac Richards
Moderately fun musical version of funny movie.
Beowulf - an epic panto written by John Savournin. Music by David Eaton.The King's Head Theatre, Upper Street, Islington to 8 January 2022. 4****. William Russell..
Terrible puns and audience participation.
Royal Northern Sinfonia. Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham. November 30 2021. 5*****. William Ruff
An evening of musical magic
Amatis Trio. Lakeside, Nottingham. November 28 2021. 5*****. William Ruff
Youthful exuberance combined with mature wisdom
When Jazz Meets Flamenco - world premiere. Lilian Baylis Theatre, 183 Roseberry Avenue, London EC1. 4****. William Russell
The lady is not for ignoring.
Richard Wagner's The Valkyrie. English National Opera, The Coliseum, St Martin's Lane, London WC2. 3 ***. Clare Colvin.
Fine singing and orchestra in patchy new production.
Bonny and Read. Book & Lyrics Claire Novello. Music by Frederick Appleby. Brockley Jack Studio Theatre, 410 Brockley Road, London SE4 to 4 December 2021. 3***. William Russell.
Belligerent dames at sea
Shuga Fixx Vs. The Illuminati. The Pod, St Paul's, Covent Garden to 27 November 2021. 3***. William Russell
A fun filled affair
The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare. The Barbican Theatre, London. 4****. William Russell
RSC returns in style to the Barbican
Arcadia String Quartet. Lakeside Arts, Nottingham. November 20 2021. 5*****. William Ruff
Intensity was the keynote in a high-octane programme
Bernstein Double Bill (Opera North). Theatre Royal, Nottingham. November 18/20 2021. 4****. William Ruff
A celebration of one of music's most versatile, most unpredictable composers
Little Women The Musical based on the book by Louisa May Alcott. Music by Jason Howland, book by Allan Knee, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein. The Park theatre, Finsbury Park, London. 2**. William Russell.
A turkey for Christmas
Carmen (Opera North). Theatre Royal, Nottingham. On tour till April 2022 4****. William Ruff
Glorious tunes and simmering emotions transplanted to a darker, more provocative world
Rare Earth Mettle by Al Smith. The Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, London SW1. 4****. William Russell.
Overlong but stimulating and thought provoking.
Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker, Theatre Royal Plymouth, 5*****, Cormac Richards
Sublime production on every level
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike by Christopher Durang. Charing Cross Theatre, Villiers Street, London WC2. to 8 January 2022. 4****. William Russell
One to check into...
HMS Pinafore by W.S. Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan. In repertoire English National Opera, the Coliseum, St Martin's Lane, London WC2. 4****. Clare Colvin
Cracking good fun, superb singing and gorgeous staging.
Love Dance by Andy Walker. Chiswick PLayhouse, 2 Bath Road, London W4 to 27 November 2021.. 3***. William Russell
Sparkling rom com.
The Choir of Man. The Arts Theatre, Great Newport Street, London WC2 4****. William Russell
A terrific night out to remember and enjoy.