Red Bus Londinium Five Star Shows
London’s theatre scene is one of the most extraordinary in the world. Not just because of its grand stages and household names, but because of the tiny rooms above pubs, the converted warehouses, the fringe venues taking risks on voices that haven’t yet been heard. So much history, so much drama, everywhere you go.
The Top Deck is my rarest award. In three years of reviewing London theatre, I only awarded five stars ten times, given only when a show stops me in my tracks regardless of its budget, its postcode or its pedigree. From Pina Bausch at Sadler’s Wells to an intimate new play Upstairs at the Gatehouse, these are the shows that proved that theatrical magic has no minimum seat count.
Review: Cock, Colab Theatre *****
Review: Mike Bartlett’s play “Cock” explores identity and love with raw performances in an intimate setting, provoking thought on desire and connection.
Review, Hoopla! 20th Anniversary, RH and friends *****
Review: Hoopla celebrates 20 years of improv, evolving from pub nights to a thriving theatre, honouring its rich heritage and diverse community.
Review: Waitress Musical, New Wimbledon Theatre *****
Review: The 2026 Waitress UK tour celebrates its tenth anniversary, featuring Carrie Hope Fletcher as Jenna at various theatres across the country.
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: &Juliet, New Wimbledon Theatre *****
Review: &Juliet combines Max Martin’s hits in a humorous, engaging twist on Shakespeare’s tale, showcasing strong performances and dynamic choreography.
In Clay, Upstairs at the Gatehouse *****
Review: In Clay is a compelling one-woman musical about artist Marie-Berthe Cazin, exploring her struggles and triumphs in 1930s Paris.
Review: My neighbour Totoro, Barbican *****
Review: My Neighbour Totoro at the Barbican captivates with stunning puppetry, exquisite music, and remarkable performances, enchanting audiences of all ages.
Review: August in England, Bush Theatre *****
Review: Lenny Henry’s impactful play on Windrush reveals the injustices faced by Caribbean residents in the UK, blending humour and poignant reality.
Review: Ain’t Too Proud *****
Review: Ain’t Too Proud combines exceptional songs and choreography with a profound story, exploring the Temptations’ legacy and civil rights issues.
Lehman Trilogy *****
Review: This captivating family saga explores the rise and fall of Lehman Brothers, featuring impressive performances in creatively staged scenes.
Want to read my latest reviews?
- Review: A Doll’s House, Almeida ***
- Review: One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Old Vic ****
- Review: Hoopla! 20th Anniversary, Mini Showstopper! The Improvised Musical ****½
- Review: Teeth ‘n’ Smiles, Duke of York ***½
- Review: Smoke, Omnibus Clapham ****
- Review: Sorry (I Broke Your Arms and Legs), Pleasance Theatre, **** ½
- Review: Down to Chance, Pleasance Theatre ****
- Review: Cock, Colab Theatre *****
- Review: Please Please Me, Kiln Theatre *** ½
- Review: Heart Wall, Bush Theatre *** ½
- Review, In The Print, King’s Head Theatre ****
- Review: Broken Glass, Young Vic *** ½
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