Welcome to Red Bus Londinium reviews, celebrating the wonderful diversity of London’s theatre scene from the intimacy of a pub theatre to the extravagance of the West End. You will also find ideas on how to afford the theatre, so it can be enjoyed by all.
- Review: Squidge, Riverside Studios ****
Review: “Squidge,” Tiggy Bayley’s powerful debut play celebrates teaching assistants, capturing the complexities of the UK education system with poignant accuracy.
- Review: Summer Folk, National Theatre **** ½
Review: Robert Hastie’s production of Gorky’s Summerfolk at the National Theatre revitalises its themes of privilege and disillusionment, resonating powerfully today.
- Review: Ancient Grease, The VAULTS ***
Review: Ancient Grease at The Vaults merges Greek mythology with Grease, offering camp entertainment despite its distracting writing and extended length.
- Review: Mythos: Ragnarök, Alexandra Palace ****
Review: Mythos: Ragnarök at Alexandra Palace fuses Norse mythology and professional wrestling, captivating audiences with its energetic performances and emotional depth.
- Review: Children of the Night, Southwark Playhouse ****
Review: Children of the Night is a vibrant, intimate exploration of 90s Doncaster, blending personal stories with communal resilience and nostalgia.
- Review: Iron Fantasy, Soho Theatre *** ½
Review: Iron Fantasy at Soho Theatre humorously explores female strength through whimsical performances, showcasing resilience and vulnerability amidst a critique of gym culture.
- Review: Russell Maliphant Dance Company Landscapes, Sadlers Wells East ****
Review: Russell Maliphant’s “Landscapes” at Sadler’s Wells East features compelling solos like “AfterLight” and “Two,” blending masterful movement, light, and music.
- Review: Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch “Sweet Mambo”, Sadlers Wells *****
Review: Pina Bausch’s Sweet Mambo, now in London, masterfully blends movement, emotion, and storytelling, showcasing the profound impact of her Tanztheater.
- Review: Spin Cycles , Camden People’s Theatre****
Review: Spin Cycles is a poignant, humorous one-woman show exploring grief and wellness culture, resonating deeply with communal experiences and personal trauma.
- Review: Maggots, Bush Theatre ****
Review: Maggots at the Bush Theatre explores the hidden human cost of urban neglect, revealing the fragile connections between community and storytelling in contemporary society.
- Review: BIGRE / “Fish Bowl”, Sadlers Wells ****
Review: Bigre “FishBowl” at Sadlers Wells offers intelligent physical comedy and sharp social satire, capturing relatable awkwardness through clever characters and intricate scenography.
- Review: Friends! the Parody Musical, New Wimbledon Theatre, ***
Review: FRIENDS! The Musical Parody blends nostalgia and comedy but falters in balancing tribute and satire, appealing largely to devoted fans.
- Review: Ebony Scrooge, Sadlers Wells East ****
Review: Sadler’s Wells presents a vibrant Caribbean-inspired remix of A Christmas Carol, showcasing dynamic choreography and a fresh narrative twist.
- Review: Sunny Afternoon, (on tour), New Wimbledon Theatre, ***
Review: Sunny Afternoon at New Wimbledon Theatre celebrates the Kinks’ legacy, blending captivating music with the band’s complex story for an engaging experience.
- Review: After Sunday, Bush Theatre ****
Review: After Sunday at the Bush Theatre explores the intersection of Caribbean identity and a failing psychological care system, highlighting trauma, resilience, and human connection.