Reviews Archive
The Cunning Little Vixen (Opera North). Theatre Royal, Nottingham. 14 March 2023. 5*****. William Ruff
Opera North’s Vixen is 40 years old but as life-enhancing as ever
BBC Symphony Orchestra. Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham. 11 March 2023. 4****. William Ruff
A vibrant slice of early 20th century music-making
My Fair Lady, The Lincoln Centre Theatre Production, Birmingham Hippodrome, 8 to 19 March 2023 then touring. 5****, David Gray & Paul Gray
A lavish and very well sung production
Jumping the Shark by David Cantor & Michael Kingsbury. Upstairs at the Gatehouse, Highgate Village, London N6 to 17 March 2023. 3***. William Russell.
Pleasant comedy about would be sit-com writers.
He Said She Said by Magero Otieno-Magoro. A Synergy Theatre Project. The Kiln Theatre, 725 Kilburn High Road, London NW6 7-10 March 2023. William Russell
The dangers of social media aimed at teenage audiences
Superpowers Panto - Extant & Simply Smiley Productions - The Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, 2 March 2023 and touring through March. 4****, Rod Dungate
A small-scale touring panto with a warm heart.
Sinfonia Viva. Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham. 5 March 2023. 4****. William Ruff
Crisp baroque elegance from Sinfonia Viva
Iyad Sughayer. Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham. 5 March 2023. 5*****. William Ruff
A young piano star revealing beauty in unexpected places
The Journey to Venice by Bjerg Vik translated by Janet Garton. The Finborough Theatre, 118 Finborough Road, London SW 10 to 25 March 2023. 4****. William Russell.
Bitter sweet story of old age, dreams and one more trip to Venice beautifully acted.
Rusalka by Antonin Dvorák. Royal Opera House WC2. To 7 March. 3*** Clare Colvin.
Watery end to a wood spirit’s dream
An Absolute Farce of a Murder Mystery by Peter Rae. The Drayton Arms Theatre, 153 Old Brompton Road, London SW5 to 11 March 2023. 4****. William Russell.
The hammiest show in town - but a barrel of laughs.
Close (2023), Director Lukas Dhont, MUBI, 4.5****: Matthew Alicoon
An impactful mediation on a longtime friendship.
Grenfell System Failure - scenes from the inquiry by Richard Norton-Taylor with Nicolas Kent. The Tabernacle, 34 Powis Square, London W11. 27 February 2023. 4****. William Russell.
Shameful account of buck passing and failure impressively performed.
Wodehouse in Wonderland by William Humble, Exeter Northcott Theatre until 25 February 2023 and tour until 29 April 2023, 4****, Cormac Richards
A hamper of delights
This Bitter Earth by Harrison David Rivers. The White Bear Theatre, 138 Kennington Park Road, London SE11 to 11 March 2023. 4****. William Russell
A moving tale of interracial love and how black lives matter
Orlando Consort. Lakeside, Nottingham. 23February 2023. 4****. William Ruff
Vocal gems from The Orlando Consort's farewell tour
The Way Old Friends Do, The Rep, Birmingham 23 February 2023 to 4 March, 2023 then on tour 3*** David Gray & Paul Gray
A warm but rather safe tribute to fandom and friendship.
Akedah by Michael John O'Neill. Hampstead Theatre Downstairs, Eton Avenue, London NW3 to 18 March 2023. 3***. William Russell.
Two sisters struggle with their past and the world of religious sects.
The Tempest - William Shakespeare - Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford, 18 February 2023, 4****, Rod Dungate
Fresh, but slightly flawed
The Beach House by Jo Harper. Park 90, 19 Clifton Terrace, London N4 to 11 March 2023. 3***. William Russell
Well intentioned and blessedly brief tale of sisters in love.