REVIEW: Shit-Faced Shakespeare, Leicester Square Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Book now for Shit-Faced Shakespeare

: The official website for Shit-faced Shakespeare, the unholy offspring of Magnificent Bastard Productions, describes their show as “the deeply highbrow fusion of an entirely serious Shakespeare play with an entirely shit-faced cast member.” Nevertheless, it inspires a certain amount of suspicion. Surely there wouldn’t actually be a drunk cast member? Wouldn’t it be dangerous? And wouldn’t a drunk person performing on stage be incredibly obnoxious? In fact, it is very real, all necessary precautions are taken, and it is extraordinarily entertaining.

REVIEW: The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, Criterion Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Book Now for The Comedy About A Bank Robbery at the Criterion Theatre

The Comedy About A Bank Robbery is uproariously funny. It is irreverent and energetic, with a versatile and imaginative set that lends itself brilliantly to unapologetic silliness. Perhaps most importantly, the script is not only very clever, but its characters are extremely consistent. They are desperate to fulfil their best laid plans, so when things go wrong, you really feel for them. Then things keep getting worse, and worse. And the belly laughs pour forth.

REVIEW: Bug, Found 111 Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

James Norton in Bug at Found111 Theatre

Simon Evans’ production of Bug is a visceral and immersive piece, which lives up to Tracey Letts’ excellent script. Kate Fleetwood and James Norton deliver deeply moving performances, complimented by a strong supporting cast and sublime set, lighting and sound design. It is a brilliantly judged production, which will set your pulse racing, and linger long in the memory.

REVIEW: Hello Norma Jean, Park Theatre ✭✭

Hello Norma Jeane

Hello Norma Jeane The Park Theatre 24th February 2016 2 stars Marilyn Monroe remains one of Hollywood’s most intriguingly enigmatic figures – adored by so many, yet understood by so few. In many ways, she typifies the distinction between private and public identities, a theme that is at the centre of Hello Norma Jeane. The protagonist is Lynnie (Vicki Michelle), an elderly woman with a failing memory, and a tremendous secret. Escaping her Essex nursing home, she is tracked by her grandson Joe (Jamie Hutchins) to a Los Angeles motel. Here she reveals that she is Marilyn Monroe, having faked her death decades earlier. Joe desperately wants this to be true, not least because it might mend his relationship with his abusive partner Scott. When ‘CIA Agent’ Bobby (Peter McPherson) bursts onto the scene, claiming to be searching for Marilyn, Joe is convinced. Yet we soon discover that Bobby is … Read more

REVIEW: Road Show, Union Theatre ✭✭✭

Road Show by Stephen Sondheim at the Union Theatre

Stephen Sondheim is, without question, one of the greatest living lyricists, and his contributions to musical theatre will be revered for decades to come. Sadly, Road Show is not one of his finer efforts, although The Union Theatre’s inventive and solidly performed production makes for an enjoyable night at the theatre, if you leave your disbelief at the door.

REVIEW: Red Velvet, Garrick Theatre ✭✭✭

Red Velvet at the Garrick Theatre

Red Velvet touches on a number of very difficult subjects regarding race, and does so in a compelling and thoughtful manner. The play is generally well written – with a number of excellent touches – and this production contains a host of fine performances, not least Adrian Lester as Ira Aldridge. Nevertheless, Aldridge is an incomplete protagonist, and too many aspects of his life are told to us, rather than shown. This means that, in spite of the play’s many strong qualities, it cannot achieve its full dramatic potential.

REVIEW: Weald, Finborough Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Weald at the Finborough Theatre

Weald is a very satisfying play, a compelling examination of the impact that changing circumstances may have on our sense of self. This is achieved via the developing character arcs of two men at very different stages in their lives, yet both shaped by doubts about their future. The two excellent central performances, coupled with Daniel Foxsmith’s intelligent script, makes for an enriching theatrical experience.

REVIEW: Hangmen, Wyndham’s Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Hangmen Tickets Now On Sale

If you can trust anyone to execute a black comedy, it’s Martin McDonagh. The Irish playwright is an undoubted master of the genre, with an enviable back catalogue which includes The Pillowman, The Cripple of Inishmaan, The Lieutenant of Inishmore and In Bruges. Hangmen is a worthy addition to his collection, offering a fascinating insight into the dark absurdities of a death-fixated culture