Matthew Lunn

Matthew Lunn graduated with an MA in Romantic and Victorian Literary Studies in 2012, and has a particular interest in the writings of John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley. He has been with British Theatre since August 2015, and is still spellbound by all the wonderful theatre that London has to offer. By day, he works in the transport sector, and is a regular contributor to CHESS magazine.

REVIEW: Through The Mill, London Theatre Workshop ✭✭✭✭

Off West End, Reviews
Through The Mill at London Theatre Workshop

Ray Rackham’s play is infused with enormous passion for its subject, a woman who touched the lives of millions with her extraordinary singing and irrepressible charm. A witty and thoughtful piece, Through the Mill looks at snapshots from key moments from Judy Garland’s life, which demonstrate the interplay between her overwhelming professional life and personal struggles. Exceptional live music – delivered by various members of the cast – and a busy set partitioned for various stages of Garland’s career lends itself to an immersive and often powerful theatrical experience.

REVIEW: Cinderella And The Beanstalk, Theatre 503 ✭✭✭✭✭

Off West End, Reviews
Theatre 503

Pantomimes have the potential to be uniquely excruciating. Children are merciless critics, and decades of expectation weigh heavily on poor productions. Such is the genre’s status in British popular culture that it is very difficult for any show to achieve mass appeal – it must be original enough to set itself apart from hundreds of other pantomimes, yet inclusive enough to appeal to several generations of families. What makes Sleeping Trees’ reprisal of Cinderella and the Beanstalk so wonderful is that it doesn’t centre on celebrity performers, topical jokes or endless double entendres. Rather we are treated to three highly talented comic actors both subverting and celebrating the genre, with uproariously funny results.

REVIEW: Titus Andronicus, New Wimbledon Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Off West End
Titus Andronicus at New Wimbledon Theatre

Titus Andronicus is not one of Shakespeare’s finest plays, but Arrow and Traps’ Theatre Company do a splendid job with their adrenaline fuelled, and often nightmarish interpretation. The excellent choreography, universally strong performances and nicely observed modern touches means that if you can stomach the premise, the production’s not to missed.

REVIEW: What Am I Doing?, Union Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Off West End, Reviews

Whilst I don’t think What Am I Doing?: Tales From a Worrying Actor quite fulfilled its promise of exploring the essence of worrying, Gregory Hazel’s easy charisma, coupled with consistently entertaining anecdotes, made for an enjoyable one man show. Constructed as a collection of songs and monologues, the show thrives on Hazel’s ability to poke fun at himself. Though the music sometimes lacked a personal touch, his storytelling offered a memorable insight into the absurdities of his profession, and its associated anxieties.

REVIEW: Stitching, White Bear Theatre ✭✭✭

Off West End, Reviews
Stitching at the White Bear Theatre

Stitching is an interesting and challenging play, undermined by a late twist, but still engaging. There are a number of moments which will take some people aback, and one or two lines will court controversy, which is unsurprising given the play’s chequered performance history. Nevertheless, the strong cast and superb staging are enough to justify giving it a go, though there is no doubt the play will elicit a wide range of reactions.

REVIEW: The Sweethearts, Finborough Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Off West End, Reviews
The Sweethearts at Finborough Theatre

The Sweethearts is a truly fascinating play, and I am certain that Sarah Page has a very bright future as a playwright. The theme of heroism is particularly closely examined, and explored to brilliantly cynical effect. Coupled with involving dialogue and a universally excellent cast, The Sweethearts makes for an unforgettable and thought-provoking performance

REVIEW: The Book Of Mormon, Prince Of Wales Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Reviews, The Book Of Mormon musical - The Book of Mormon West End tickets, West End
The Book Of Mormon Tickets London

The Book of Mormon begins long before you step into the theatre. London is adorned with its posters, our offices echo with remembered jokes and songs. As you enter Leicester Square, you are bottlenecked towards the Prince of Wales – particularly if there’s a film premiere – and when you step up to the theatre, you are encircled by queues for entry and ticket collection alike. The atmosphere is spellbinding, and the weight of expectation is colossal. I’m delighted to say that my expectations were met.