CRITIC’S CHOICE 2022: Paul T Davies
Paul T Davies took a look at the theatre he saw in 2022 and lists his Critic’s Choice Top 10 shows. What were your favourites?
Critics Choice
CRITIC’S CHOICE: Gary Stringer selects his theatre highlights for 2019
Our newest critic on the BritishTheatre.com team, Gary Stringer, selects his theatre highlights for 2019.
CRITIC’S CHOICE – Mark Ludmon picks his highlights of 2019
BritishTheatre.com critic Mark Ludmon looks back at his theatre highlights of 2019.
CRITIC’S CHOICE 2016: Alexa Terry
We asked our reviewers to take a look at 2016 and to nominate some stand out productions for 2016. Alexa Terry replied with the following:- The Pianist of Willesden Lane Often, I find myself leaving the theatre with tear-streaked cheeks and puffy eyes. But, I was not prepared for the sobs that engulfed me, as I watched Mona Golabek’s The Pianist of Willesden Lane’ – a true story of how Lisa Jura, Golabek’s mother, was sent to Great Britain on the Kinderstransport and became a concert pianist. Overwhelming, powerful and hauntingly current, this is undoubtedly, one of the best and most moving pieces of theatre I have experienced. Vanities ‘Vanities’ completely provoked my emotions as I laughed out loud, had my heartstrings plucked and tried to cough away the lumps in my throat (I will get a reputation for being a cry-baby if I’m not careful!). With a satisfying score … Read more
CRITIC’S CHOICE 2016: Matthew Lunn
We asked our reviewers to take a look at 2016 and to nominate some stand out productions for 2016. Matthew Lunn replied with the following:- 1. Hangmen This pitch-black comedy centred on the life of a celebrated hangman (David Morrissey), and the discovery that one of his victims may have been innocent. Morrissey’s caustic performance, coupled with Johnny Flynn’s extraordinary turn as his enigmatic antagonist, defined this witty and gripping piece. Read Matthew’s Hangmen review. 2. The Dresser A superb revival, which truly does justice to Sir Ronald Harwood’s perceptive and poignant script. Set in a provincial theatre during World War 2, the play captures the strained, but intimate relationship between a fading actor and his loyal dresser. Reece Shearsmith is on terrific form as the eponymous Norman, whilst Ken Stott delivers a career-defining performance as ‘Sir’. Read Matthew’s review of The Dresser. 3. The Comedy About A Bank Robbery … Read more
CRITIC’S CHOICE 2016: Julian Eaves
We asked our reviewers to take a look at 2016 and to nominate some stand out productions for 2016. Julian Eaves replied with the following:- The stand-out moments of 2016 for me are all new works, or at least new to the UK. ‘Can’t Stop It’, is a trans-Atlantic collaboration between two new British book writers, Adam Button and Lemon Otter; Lemon has also done the ingenious musical arrangements of the songs, which are by US indie group, Suburban Legends – most of the numbers come from their back catalogue, but some have been composed especially for the show. In the hands of dramaturg-director Max Reynolds, this show is taking very promising shape. Following two sets of workshops – at Canterbury and at the Performance Preparation Academy, Guildford – the team is currently exploring different options to develop the show further. Read Julian’s original article. ‘Adding Machine’, the US composer … Read more
Critics Choice Broadway Shows The Top 10- April 2015
What show should audiences from the UK see first if visiting the Great White Way? We have compiled this list to save you the trouble of working it out! It’s just our view – and everyone has one – based on our Reviewers’ thoughts. We will update the list when we can. Only Plays and Musicals which have been running for less than two years are included in this list. (The list assumes that shows which have transferred from the West End have been seen in the West End : Skylight, The Audience, The Curious Incident of the Dog In The Night and Wolf Hall.) So go see them! 1. The Visit For 90 minutes of ecstatic storytelling, you are transported to a place where love, death and consequence are dancing together and where a victory for true love might just not be what you first think it will. Chita … Read more
Critic’s Choice – Top 10 West End Plays – 1st April 2015
What Play should you see first in London? We have compiled this list to save you the trouble of working it out! It’s just our view – and everyone has one – based on our Reviewers’ thoughts. We will update the list regularly so new productions get on your radar and when original casts change that is factored in. Plays which have been running for more than three years are not included – this is a list for new or relatively new productions running in London. So go see them! 1. A View From The Bridge At the centre of the maelstrom of human experience that whips up and around and in Jan Versweyveld’s spare set is the towering, mesmerising and faultless turn from Mark Strong. Lean, muscular, a volcano approaching breaking point, Strong’s extraordinary Eddie is a once-in-a-generation performance. Read Our Review | This show is SOLD OUT 2. … Read more
