Emma's Theatrics

Once in a while, we come across a piece of writing that is so masterfully crafted that it feels like nothing short of pure genius. Now, this doesn't happen often, and it is even more rare that this piece of writing unites the minds of its viewers in agreement with this assessment. This play by Kimberly Belflower is that piece of writing. John Proctor is the Villain is a one-in-a-lifetime production—a show that speaks to every generation alike. Handling topics as delicate as

Spitfire Girls shines a light on the unspoken heroes of the Second World War - the women who fought stereotypes and deep rooted misogyny to serve their country. The show follows two women as they enlist to join the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA), flying planes from factories to deliver them to the Royal Air Force during the war. Whilst these women were not on the front lines of the fighting, their job was essential in assuring the security of the soldiers who were. Although t

There’s a quote in the show’s programme that reads “Our age is the age of the refugee, the displaced person, mass immigration.” We live in terrifying times. Uncertain and uncomfortable times. When the status quo is constantly being challenged, corruption is reaching far and wide and our reliance on human bonds is stronger than ever. A story like The Beekeeper of Aleppo perhaps never felt more relevant than it does right at this moment. It follows the story of Nuri ( Adam Sin

Based on the beloved ITV series, this original story provides yet another case for Inspector Morse (played here by Tom Chambers ) to add to his repertoire. When a young actress suddenly dies during a performance of Hamlet , a gripping investigation begins, gradually uncovering elements from the inspector’s past. As with the television series that inspired it, the production attempts to balance an intricate mystery with a more introspective look at its central character. The p

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

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 ( R

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 (

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

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

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

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

Still on the hunt for his infamous nemesis Professor Moriarty, the residents of 21B Baker Street once again find themselves entangled in a particularly knotty murder case. The year is 1901. The place? London. While the Great British Empire battles on and the dying Queen Victoria keeps the country on edge, strange happenings start to show that things aren’t as solid in the halls of power as they seem. Those cracks run all the way through the monarchy, the government, and the E

Blessed with an albeit shocking title, Sophia Chetin-Leuner ’s new play - P*rn Play - follows 30-year-old Ani as she struggles with an addiction to violent pornography. This play attempts to break down the barriers, showing that addictions that happen behind closed doors may very well find themselves up hindering your ability to live your life in the outside world. As Ani sees her life falls apart around her, she has to come to terms with the idea that what she thought would

Recognised across the globe as “the most beautiful woman,” Hedy Lamarr was far more than just a pretty face. Behind her Hollywood glamour lay a brilliant mind that contributed to the development of pioneering technologies — yet despite her intellect and achievements, Hedy led a largely solitary life, isolated by an often misogynistic world. Told through a series of flashbacks, the play gives us glimpses of Hedy’s extraordinary journey as she recounts how she came to be questi

Earlier this year, this reviewer was given the chance to review this particular show. Those of you who have followed my page for a while...

Jane Austen 's famous 1815 comedic novel ' Emma ' is back for a new stage adaptation, and it is wittier and funnier than ever, delighting...

Amidst the political turmoil of 2022, Alexander Molochnikov , a successful Russian director was working on Chekhov’s The Seagull. When...

This show is possibly the most unhinged comedy this reviewer has ever witnessed. Period. Set in a prison ward director’s office, the show follows the madness of the director and his assistant trying to solve the issue of a massive fire breaking out in the prison. Only problem is – they only seem to care about the governor’s daughter’s visit to the prison, and not the hundreds of prisoners dying in the fire. With sharp and witty jokes, and some slapstick humour, the cast of fo

Perhaps one of the most popular theatrical works in the United Kingdom – JB Priestley ’s An Inspector Calls sets off on tour to stun audiences across the country. The story follows a stereotypical upper class family around a dining room table as they celebrate the engagement of the family’s only daughter – Sheila Birling - to the son of a prominent businessman – Gerald Croft. The diner is then interrupted by the arrival of a police Inspector, coming to inquire about the rece