Reviews

Told through a series of monologues and duologues, this show follows Dodi and Ava as they attempt to cope with their separation. It is a touching story that places heart, grief and identity at its centre, developing the queer narrative seamlessly without it becoming an area of focus. It was particularly refreshing to see diversity present on stage without the need for it to be overtly explained or justified. By treating it as an unremarkable part of everyday life, the product

Based on the horror-mystery story by Charles Dickens, this play follows a traveller who encounters a signalman living and working at the mouth of an ominous tunnel. Over the course of several nights, the two men exchange sympathies, and the signalman confides that he is being haunted by spirits connected to past tragedies. The production is set entirely along the stretch of railway track where the signalman resides, his small hut overlooking the line. While the set design is

Once in a while, an avid theatre-goer encounters a production that leaves neither a "good" nor "bad" impression, but rather a lingering sense of displacement—the feeling that "this just wasn't for me." Such was the case with this reviewer and the latest staging of Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell. It is a strange experience to sit in a room full of laughter and feel like the only one missing the punchline, yet that dissonance is exactly what defined the evening. Jeffrey Bernard (Rob

A 50-hour-long marathon of improvisation. Yes, you read that correctly: 50 hours. As this reviewer writes, people still have another 24 hours of complete and utter madness to sit through. The Pleasance puts on this event every year, and for regulars it seems to be an absolute highlight. This year, we find ourselves in Pleasanceville in the year 1980… something — a sort of makeshift parody of the Stranger Things universe. The event works in a very clever way: every odd hour (

All I want is a room somewhere I can listen to this music, all day, every day. Oh, wouldn’t that be loverly? Every theatre lover understands the deep affection for cinema — and more specifically, for movie musicals. From Bernstein’s iconic West Side Story to Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel , or even Pasek and Paul’s La La Land , these are the stories where characters burst into song not out of realism, but out of emotional necessity. There is, one might argue, no feeling

*This review will focus on the filmed version that is set to hit cinemas early next month. Details at the end of this review. Based on the classic Shakespearean tragedy, this production of Othello brings a sort of modern adaptation to the stage. Whilst it is never specified when the show is set, the costumes and set design seem to hint at a relatively modern version. Othello is a high ranking army general who finds himself being manipulated by his subordinate, Iago, into beli

Maury Yeston ’s 80th birthday was marked with a concert that served not merely as a celebration, but as a vivid reminder of the singular voice he has brought to musical theatre. Drawing on a selection of his most acclaimed and beloved works, the programme illuminated the breadth of a career defined by musical sophistication, lyrical clarity, and an unwavering commitment to storytelling. Eliza Wilmot Through a series of recorded interview segments, Yeston shared everything fr

Theatre is subjective. Not every story will suit everyone; one is bound to find a piece that simply does not speak to them. I realise that beginning a review in this way does not bode especially well for the production in question. Whilst that instinct is not entirely misleading, there is, in truth, much here to unpick. It is only fair to preface any discussion by noting that this is a show steeped in blood and gore, and one which proves genuinely terrifying at points. Camill

This famous American psychological thriller follows the story of Thomas Ripley (played here by Ed McVey ), a young man tasked with persuading a fleeting acquaintance to return home from Italy at the request of his wealthy family. Ripley travels to Italy under the financial care of the Greenleafs, intent on completing what seems, at first glance, to be a straightforward assignment. Yet as he settles into the languid glamour of sun-soaked Italy, he finds himself drawn into a ti

Based on the notorious 1992 movie with Whitney Houston , The Bodyguard returns for yet another tour of the UK. It follow the fictional story of Rachel Marron, an international superstar, as she is being targeted by an anonymous stalker. Bodyguard Frank Farmer is subsequently employed to ensure Rachel’s safety, as well as that of her sister and 10-year old son. Having had its previous tour swept up in controversy surrounding audience behaviour in theatres, expectations for th

The Mill at Sonning has one of those stellar reputations — and not without good reason. As one of the few remaining dinner-and-theatre experiences, it offers the kind of outing that feels genuinely distinctive from the moment you arrive. Having previously reviewed productions at this venue, this reviewer can say with complete honesty that, while not every show has been an outright success, the overall calibre of the experience has always compensated for any shortcomings on st

Charles Dickens ’ famous novel has been adapted countless times since its original publication, with many of those interpretations taking to the stage. To celebrate 20 years on the theatre scene, the Guildford Shakespeare Company has taken on the formidable challenge of creating its own adaptation—and the result is an undeniable success. At its heart, David Copperfield is a coming-of-age story that charts one young man’s journey through hardship, self-discovery, and personal

Sondheim’s iconic creation Into the Woods returns to the London theatre scene, and with a cast packed full of some of the industry’s finest artists, this production arrives more than primed for success. Fortunately, it largely delivers. Having never seen a live staging of Into the Woods before — though familiar with the divisive film adaptation — this reviewer found herself surprised by the tone of the piece. Darker than expected, yet far more comedic, the musical strikes a

Based on the timeless classic by Louisa May Alcott , Jo follows the story of the March sisters as they come of age during the American Civil War. It is a classic for a reason: a story of sisterhood, love, and - most importantly - of finding one’s own path, whatever that may be. Little Women is one of, if not my favourite, stories of all time. The 1994 film adaptation carried me through some of my darkest days, reminding me of the joy found in human connection and the quiet

Cable Street follows the uprising of young revolutionaries against the rise of fascism in London’s East End. Based on a true story, the musical brings together the story one hundred thousand Jews, Irish workers and communists as they unite to resist hatred. On paper, it is a powerful and necessary story, rich with dramatic and emotional potential, especially given the politically uncertain times in which we currently find ourselves. This production centres on three young peo

The new musical Beautiful Little Fool follows 48-year-old Scottie Fitzgerald as she reflects on the lives—and legacies—of her infamous parents, F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. Having now lived longer than either of them did, Scottie looks back on their careers, their relationship, and the events that led to their untimely deaths, while also trying to make sense of her own childhood. The premise is incredibly exciting, opening the door to significant emotional depth and comple

This poignant new play by Luke Norris follows a young couple confronted with a choice every human being dreads. At their 20-week pregnancy scan, what should be a moment of uncomplicated joy becomes the beginning of something far more devastating. Without giving too much away, the play charts the unbearable grief of the life they imagined, while quietly interrogating the philosophical and moral questions surrounding parental autonomy and choice. Its strength lies in its restr

We all know, by now, the story of the six famous New York friends. FRIENDS was not just a hit sitcom but a cultural phenomenon, redefining television comedy and leaving a legacy that continues to resonate decades later. Its influence on the genre is undeniable, with characters, catchphrases, and storylines firmly embedded in popular culture. To parody something so beloved and iconic is no small feat; it comes loaded with expectation and the ever-present risk of falling short

From childhood, we are told stories with meaning — stories that carry a moral. That is, after all, where the familiar phrase “the moral of the story is…” comes from. Beauty and the Beast teaches us that true beauty comes from within; Peter Pan reminds us to treasure our childlike spirit. The point is that good stories leave the audience with something to take away. Gerry & Sewell , despite its impressive journey from a small pub theatre to major regional stages, does not seem

Charing Cross Theatre returns this year with another adult pantomime, Beauty and the Beast (A Horny Love Story) - a camp, spirited twist on the classic fairy tale. The story follows the son of a petrol-station owner in the quaint town of Lickmanochers and his unexpected encounter with a once-proud prince, now transformed into a beast. As with any panto, exaggeration is part of the charm. Here, however, the production occasionally tips into excess, at times losing the very c