Reviews Archive
The Sun, the Mountain and Me by Jack Fairey. The Brockley Jack Studio Theatre, 410 Brockley Road, London SE 4 to 29 April 2023. 4****. William Russell.
An impressive account of a young man in the throes of a breakdown.
Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony, Symphony Hall, Birmingham 19 April 2023. 5*****. David Gray & Paul Gray
Classical elegance, romantic pastoralism and a very naughty bird!
Titanic The Musical, The Hippodrome, Birmingham, Tuesday 18th to Saturday 22nd April then on tour. 4****. David Gray & Paul Gray
An earnest and heartfelt musical dramatization of a terrible tragedy
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham. 18 April 2023. 5*****. William Ruff
Red-blooded emotion, soaring melody and vivid orchestral colour
The Makings of a Murderer. Adelphi Theatre, The Strand, London WC2 on 18 April 2023 and then on a 100 date tour of one night stands. 2**. William Russell.
Possibly more than you need to know about serial killers by MacVera.
Alessandro Stradella, 1678 The Power of Paternal Love - The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham – The Barber Opera, University of Birmingham 14 April 2023 – 5*****, David Gray & Paul Gray
A very long overdue revival of an opera that needs to be heard more
CBSO - Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto, Symphony Hall, 13th April 2023, 4**** Reviewers - David Gray & Paul Gray
Evil Dead Rise (2023), Director Lee Cronin, StudioCanal, 3.5***: Matthew Alicoon
A rise up in story but a rise down in scares.
Private Lives by Noel Coward. The Donmar, 41 Earlham Street, London WC2 to 27 May 2023. ***stars. William Russell.
Private Lives with overdone battles - a fitfully funny production.
Quality Street. Richmond Theatre, Little Green, Richmond TW9 to 15 April 2023 and then on tour. 4****. William Russell.
Delicious rom com set in Regency days
Good Friday St Matthew Passion, Ex Cathedra, Friday 7 April 2023, Symphony Hall, Birmingham. 5**** Reviewers - David Gray & Paul Gray
Another magnificent performance of this wonderful work
The Only White by Gail Louw. Chelsea Theatre, World's End, London SW10 to 22 April 2023. 4****. William Russell.
A true and disturbing tale.
The Dry House by Eugene O'Hare. Marylebone Theatre, 35 Park Road, London NW1 to 6 May 2023. 4****. William Russell.
A long day's journey possibly into light
Mamma Mia! Music & lyrics by Benny Andersson & Bjorn Ulvaeus. Book by Catherine Johnson. Novello Theatre, Aldwych, London is 24 today 6 April 2023.
A 24th birthday to celebrate.
Betty Blue Eyes. Book by Ron Cowne & Daniel Lipman. Music & Lyrics by George Stiles & Anthony Drew. The Union Theatre, 229 Union Street, London SE1 to 22 April 2023. **stars. William Russell.
Betty is a true delight, a rival in the porcine glamour stakes to Miss Piggy.
Lunchtime Organ Concert with Lichfield Cathedral Choir - 3 April 2023. 4****. Paul Gray
A superb Monday Lunchtime Concert and a glorious way to start the week.
Sea Creatures by Cordelia Lynn. Hampstead Theatre Downstairs, Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage, London NW3 to 29 April 2023. 3***. William Russell.
Fascinating, puzzling tale of selkies and a family living by the sea.
Julius Caesar: William Shakespeare, RSC @ The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford Upon Avon, 4**** Rod Dungate. Audio Described Performance 1 April 2023.
Refreshing and energised; a mirror for our Age.
Hallé. Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham. 1 April 2023. 4****. William Ruff.
Musical insight combined with eco-friendliness
Sugar Coat by Joel Samuels & Lilly Pollard. Southwark Playhouse, the Little, 77 Newington Causeway, London SE1 to 29 April 2023. 5*****. William Russell.
A fabulous evening of laughter,tears and sex.