Reviews Archive
Dick Whittington – The Pantomime Paved with Gold, Birmingham Hippodrome, 20 December 2022, on ‘til 29 January 2023, 5*****, David Gray & Paul Gray
A spectacular and hilarious Panto. Oh yes it is!
Sleeping Beauty, Theatre Royal Plymouth, 3***, Cormac Richards
Fun, but too formulaic pantomime.
Ring down the curtain on 2022. William Russell
One year ends - here's to the next one.
Sarah Beth Briggs, Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham. 18 December 2022. 4****. William Ruff
Sarah Beth Briggs: a pianist of charisma and refinement
A Christmas Carol adapted by Ross McGregor. The Brockley Jack Studio Theatre, 410 Brockley Road, London SE4 to 30 December 2022. 4****. William Russell.
A Carol like no other splendidly staged and performed.
Rumpelstiltskin -book by John Savournin, music & lyrics by David Eaton. Park 90, 13 Clifton Terrace, London N4 to 14 January 2023. 3***. William Russell.
Philip Lee dazzles in the title role but look out for the cow in this not quite a pantomime
Summer in the City written by Jennifer Selway. Upstairs at the Gatehouse, Highgate Village, London N6 to 15 January 2023. 4****. William Russell.
A toe tapping nostalgic delight.
Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), Dir James Cameron, 20th Century Studios, 5*****: Matthew Alicoon
Do not bet against James Cameron.
Fidelio Trio, Lakeside Nottingham. 15 December 2022. 4****. William Ruff
Playing of brilliance, emotional depth and transparency by the Fidelio Trio
The Dissent, Theatre Royal Plymouth - The Lab, 2**, Cormac Richards
Interesting concept which isn't executed as successfully as it could have been.
Violent Night (2022), Dir Tommy Wirkola, Universal Pictures, 3***: Matthew Alicoon
2022's Die Hard Rip Off
The Sons of the Prophet by Stephen Karam. Hampstead Theatre, Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage, London NW3 to 14 January 2023. 4****. William Russell.
What happens when you don't have health insurance. A comedy with lots to make you think.
CBSO: Shostakovich Fifth Symphony, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, 7 December 2022
An outstanding performance of a little known violin concerto by Nielsen, and a mostly excellent Shostakovich Fifth Symphony
Handel's Messiah, City of Birmingham Choir & City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, 09 December 2022 4**** David Gray & Paul Gray
A fresh take on an iconic classic.
Queenz: The Show with Balls, Birmingham Town Hall. 7 November 2022. 5***** David Gray & Paul Gray
A show with big hair and a big heart - Fantabulosa
Newsies. Book by Harvey Fierstein. Music by Alan Menken. Lyrics by Jack Feldman. The Troubador Theatre, Wembley Park, Wembley HA9. Limited run. 3***. William Russell.
Overblown,but overflowing with energy.
Christmas Music with the Choir of St. John's Cambridge, Director Andrew Nethsingha, as part of the 822nd Lunchtime Organ Concert with Thomas Trotter: Symphony Hall Birmingham, 5th December 2022 5***** David Gray & Paul Gray
A concert to put you in the mood for the festive season
Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond TW9 to 31 December 2022. 5***** stars. William Russell.
Richmond has a bobby dazzler of a pantomime.
Hampstead Theatre artistic director stands down. William Russell.
Support a theatre near you.
Sister Act, Theatre Royal Plymouth to 10 December 2022 and then on tour. 3***. Cormac Richards
Fun show packed with unmemorable songs