Matthew Lunn 
Queen Anne offers an insightful and commendably believable depiction of the reign of one of England’s lesser known monarchs, and her complex relationship with childhood friend Sarah Churchill. Though the play takes time to get into its stride, the second Act is quite exceptional. Emma Cunniffe and Romola Garai give wonderful performances, and the play has an extremely satisfying payoff.
While everyone should enjoy Ink, I am sure that many people who are more discerning than I am will find it spectacular.
Sand in the Sandwiches is absolutely delightful, a one man play in which Sir John Betjeman – a remarkable performance by Edward Fox – looks back on his life and career via a series of poems and anecdotes. In a frequently gloomy world, this is guaranteed to lift your spirits.
This Is Not Culturally Significant is an arresting and thought provoking play, performed entirely in the nude by Adam Scott-Rowley. Once you get over this – and believe me, it does not take long – you are gripped by a gamut of human emotion, perceived in the depictions of numerous absurd, but very recognisable characters. I highly encourage you to see it.
The Goat is a fascinating play by one of America’s greatest playwrights; a depiction of life utterly undone by an unforgivable transgression. Damian Lewis and Sophie Okonedo are excellent as disintegrating couple Martin and Stevie, ably supported by West-End debutant Archie Madekwe as their son Billy. The play suffers from too much ‘telling’, rather than ‘showing’, and in spite of Jason Hughes’ best efforts his character Ross is little more than a plot device. Nevertheless, this is an admirable production and a must-see for Albee fans.
Finborough Theatre’s production of Arthur Miller’s scarcely seen Incident at Vichy does great justice to a play that deserves a far wider audience. Compellingly staged and beautifully acted, the production demonstrates the cruel and contradictory faces of evil, which smile when good men succumb to inertia.
James Macdonald’s production of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is a breathtaking depiction of human misery peeled back, with four wonderful performances at its core. If I see a better production this year, then I will count myself phenomenally lucky.
Ellen McDougall’s Othello is a very solid production, with excellent performances and a number of intriguing original motifs. Whilst these did not all work for me, mileage will vary between audience members, and the production’s many strengths and the excellent venue means it is to be recommended.
