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A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Southwark Playhouse, 1 June
Glass Half Full Productions & Go People Theatre present a production that is a perfect introduction to the Bard and to theatre in general. When I told people I was going to see a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream with seven actors there was genuine horror. This is clearly abridged in all senses, the…
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Lee & Omar: We are All Idiots, New Wimbledon Studio, 26 May
A sketch preview, which seemed unsuited to its surroundings. I’ve visited, and mostly enjoyed, following the second Illuminate Festival at New Wimbledon Studio. There’s been hits, there’s been misses but I’ve always felt there was a consistent theme-showcasing small theatre producers who wouldn’t get attention elsewhere but having what it is an Edinburgh preview feels…
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A View from Islington North, Arts Theatre, 24 May
I am unashamedly interested in anything Corbyn related and so far I have disappointed. Corbyn is such a bland man that is no surprise that works inspired by him to continue to disappoint. A View from Islington North at the Arts Theatre is a collection of 5 short plays with vaguely political connections. Mark Ravenhill’s The…
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Blue/Orange, Young Vic, 18 May 2016
The Young Vic’s production of Joe Penahll’s Blue/Orange seems a timely revival about institutional racism and the NHS. Luke Norris (A View from a Bridge, Young Vic) stars as Bruce, a newly employed doctor at a mental health hospital in London, in charge of the mentally unstable Christopher, a young black man played by Daniel…
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Bishops Grove, New Wimbledon Theatre, 16 May
Cocky twentysomething, Jack finds himself trapped with peculiar masseuse Sidney. With no one coming to help them the unlikely couple end up questioning their identities, the depravity of life and why Geri really left the Spice Girls. All the while, another person is set to go missing in Bishop’s Grove… Retison Theatre‘s production, as part…
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Every Seven Years, New Wimbledon Studio, 13 May
The simple premise of Theatre Bench’s Every Seven Years follows a couple Pam (Charlotte Baker) and Ralph (Ben Fensome) from 21 to 84, showing the audience scenes throughout their relationship. It is a well-written, well performed play but there is no conflict, no real conclusion to reward the audience. The concept is interesting but I…
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Bug, Found 111, 13 May 2016
For those unaware of this London production of Tracey Letts’ Bug then you are missing out on a hot ticket. This play about paranoia in the Deep South is in the emerging Found111 space on Charing Cross Road. The venue’s claustrophobia perfect for a play about two people lost in their own tiny world. Kate…
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King Lear, Theatre Royal Brighton, 7 May
ATG have brought a superb production to Brighton. It is the Lear all need to see, especially if their first experience was rather poor like mine. Seeing this production made me realise that Lear is hard to do well but when it is it can be spectacular. It has been overshadowed by the upcoming Deborah…
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Data, New Wimbledon Studio, 11 May
Andrew Maddock’s Data, as part of the Illuminate Festival at New Wimbledon Studio, is an intriguing, if unsatisfying piece. A three hander about data mining should have a lot to say but it leaves the audience unsatisfied. The positives are the performances. I particularly enjoyed Helena Doughty as Rachel, a 21 year old Campaign Manager…
View from the Cheap Seat 