REVIEW: The Station Master, Tristan Bates Theatre ✭✭✭

The Stationmaster at Tristan Bates Theatre

Connor’s score owes a considerable debt to Sondheim, but, that said, it treads in very interesting paths. Complex and intricate, the melodies and harmonies reward careful listening, but there is no danger of a “hummable tune” for the most part, even though individual numbers and vocal lines are quite beguiling, instantly enjoyable.

REVIEW: Waste, National Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Waste at the National Theatre

Barker’s play is extraordinary, especially given that it was written over a century ago and revised by him in the late 20’s, the original having been banned from performance. The notions and complex philosophies which underline the narrative are as fresh, vital and important now as then. The need to invest in the future, to educate the young properly. The hopelessness of political cabals. The marginalisation of women. Double-standards in public life. The dirty compromises of party politics. The terror a true rebel with a proper cause can create in the complacent and borne to rule.

REVIEW: All On Her Own – Harlequinade, Garrick Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Harlequinade at the Garrick Theatre starring Zoe Wanamaker and Kenneth Branagh

The revival of Harlequinade, directed by Branagh and Ashford, now playing at the Garrick Theatre (in a 100 minute experience that includes All On Her Own and no intervals) is something of a revelation. Mostly, Harlequinade is seen in conjunction with The Browning Version, one of Rattigan’s masterpieces, usually as a curtain raiser. To my mind, that combination has never worked and Harlequinade has always seemed pale and irksome by comparison with The Browning Version. But, here, released from the curtain raiser position, placed directly in the spotlight, splendidly set up by the intense darkness of All On Her Own, the play can shine.

REVIEW: The Winter’s Tale, Garrick Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭✭

Judi Dench in The Winter's Tale

Dench’s verse speaking is unrivalled. She picks each word and gives it full, accurate weight, landing the sense, purpose and exact emotion of every glittering phrase. She is wily, wise and wonderful. Her pained berating of Leontes when she tells him Hermione is dead is one of the greatest moments in theatre I have ever witnessed. So powerful, it knocks the breath from your body.

REVIEW: The Father, Wyndhams Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

The Father at Wyndhams Theatre

In the early stages of the play, this approach is both confronting and disarming. I found myself consulting the programme to check who was who before catching on to Zeller’s conceit (as opposed to thinking I had missed something). Once you click into the right receptive mode, accept you will not understand everything, you are free to marvel at Kenneth Cranham’s extraordinary performance as André and gain some understanding of what it is to have your wits challenged by Alzheimer’s.

CRITICS CHOICE: Top 10 Plays November 2015

The Hairy Ape Old Vic Theatre

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! Join our mailing list to receive information on this and other great productions. 1. The Hairy Ape O’Neill’s play has lost none of its power or resonance. It still feels as shocking and new today as no doubt it did in 1922. Jones’ revelatory and evocative production is not just beautiful to look at, easy to follow and enthralling – … Read more

REVIEW: Piaf, Bridewell Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Piaf by Pam Gems at the Bridewell Theatre

Given its inherent flaws, the play cannot hope to succeed without a powerhouse performance from its star and here Laasko has struck gold. Leigh is outstanding in every respect. Her voice is powerful and bewitching, full of throaty sensuality and ardent guttural flourishes. You have no trouble believing that she could sing loudly enough to be heard over the traffic on the streets of Paris.

CRITICS CHOICE: Top 10 Long Running Shows in London – November 2015

Phantom Of The Opera at Her Majestys Theatre

What long running show 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 that cast changes can factor into the mix. Only Plays and Musicals which have been running for more than three years are included in this is list. These are our Top 10 Long Running Shows in London. So go see them! Join our mailing list to get special offers on this and many other great shows. 1. Wicked Wicked is tremendous shape and the current cast gives it full value. If you have never seen it or if you have seen it, now is the time to go again – you too could be changed for the better. We went back to Wicked this … Read more