Critics Choice: Top 10 New Plays in London May 29

The One Day Of The Year at The Finborough Theatre

10 Best New Plays in London 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. The One Day Of The Year Despite its trappings and narrative, this is not a play about Anzac Day, the public holiday in Australia where attention is paid to those who fought for their country in wars, those who were killed or maimed, or worse, survived. No. In the same way Death of … Read more

Bad Jews Poster Censored By London Underground

Bad Jews Arts Theatre

London Underground has banned a poster for the play Bad Jews after it was ruled it may cause “widespread or serious offence“. The poster advertises the West End transfer of the production which was a success at the St James Theatre. The poster contains the name of the show, three cast members fighting and some press quotes. Producer Danny Moar said the decision was ‘a form of censorship‘ – possibly driven by the mistaken belief the show was anti-Semitic. He told the London Evening Standard: ‘Half the cast are Jewish, I’m Jewish, the writer [Joshua Harmon] is Jewish and the word “bad” in the title, in so far as it matters, doesn’t mean “evil” — it means “non-observant”. ‘This is a form of censorship which is so weird and ironic when, in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo events, everyone marched against censorship.’ A Transport of London spokesperson said the … Read more

London’s Ten Best Plays – 6 February 2015

West End Theatre

10 Best New Plays in London 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. We’ve included booking links for the shows listed and there are some great offers available on some of these shows. So go see them! If you prefer musicals check out our Top 10 Musicals list. 1. Tree – Old Vic It’s gentle, fascinating stuff. Watching these two very different men bond over nothing really, except their maleness, and … Read more

REVIEW: Bad Jews, St James Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Bad Jews at The St James Theatre, London

Harmon writes vicious dialogue fearlessly and with potent froth. The characters are clearly defined by their speech and each seems real, accessible – possibly someone you might know. There are several real surprises along the way and not much ends up as it first seems. It is a sharp, clever piece of writing.

St James Theatre Announces New Season

Bad Jews is part of the new season of plays at The St James Theatre, London

The St James Theatre has announced a season of comedy from January to May 2015 with two comedies and a comedy legend taking to their stage. Bad Jews, a play by Joshua Longhurst will run from 15 January – 28 February. The UK premiere of this production of Bad Jews was a sell out at the Ustinov Studio, Bath earlier this year, where it earned huge critical acclaim for its hilarious script and sharp performances. A beloved grandfather has died and a treasured family heirloom with religious significance is up for grabs. But who is most deserving of it? Bossy, overbearing, fanatically religious Daphna? Her wealthy cousin Liam who’s just returned from skiing with his non-Jewish girlfriend Melody? Or Jonah, his brother, who would prefer not to get involved in the fight? A cramped Manhattan apartment becomes the setting for a viciously hilarious quarrel about family, faith and legacy as … Read more