Author: Red Bus Londinium
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Review: R.O.S.E., Sadlers Wells East ****
Review: R.O.S.E. is a dynamic collaboration at Sadler’s Wells East, blending nightlife and contemporary performance by choreographer Sharon Eyal and DJ Call Super. This immersive three-hour event features audience participation alongside striking dance segments, creating a vibrant communal atmosphere. It offers a unique fusion of energy and artistry, redefining the traditional theatre experience.
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Review: Inside Giovanni’s Room, Sadlers Wells East ****
Review: Phoenix Dance Theatre’s production, Inside Giovanni’s Room, staged at Sadler’s Wells East, reinterprets James Baldwin’s seminal novel through a compelling narrative dance. Choreographed by Marcus Jarrell Willis, the performance effectively explores themes of sexuality and societal expectations, delivering an emotionally charged experience that highlights Baldwin’s enduring significance.
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Review: Just for one day, Shaftesbury ****
Review: “Just For One Day,” now at the Shaftesbury Theatre, celebrates the 1985 Live Aid concert’s 40th anniversary. The show blends lively music with critical insights into Bob Geldof’s efforts, addressing the complexities of aid responses. It highlights the concert’s impact and evolution, while its reworked songs and strong cast contribute to an engaging tribute.
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Review: Miss Myrtle’s Garden, Bush Theatre ****1/2
Review: “Miss Myrtle’s Garden,” currently at the Bush Theatre, features Diveen Henry as Myrtle, portraying the struggle of memory loss within a Jamaican family in Peckham. Directed by Taio Lawson, the play blends humour and heartache, highlighting the universal experiences of dementia while offering a poignant and affectionate exploration of family dynamics.
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Review: Tending, Riverside Studios ****
Review: “Tending” is a poignant theatre production based on over 70 interviews with NHS nurses, showcasing their sacrifices, struggles, and joys, particularly during the Covid-19 crisis. Written by El Blackwood and directed by John Livesey, it humanises nurses through composite characters, aiming to reshape public perceptions of their experiences.
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Review: Kyoto, RSC / Soho Place ****
Review: Set in the 1980s and 1990s, “Kyoto” explores the United Nations climate change summits, spotlighting Republican oil lobbyist Don Pearlman’s efforts to sabotage agreements. While capturing the urgency of the situation, the play balances human stories with political insights. However, some comedic moments feel out of place amidst serious themes.
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Review: A Brief Case Of Crazy, Riverside Studios ****
Review: A Brief Case of Crazy, performed by Skedaddle Theatre at Riverside Studios, is a charming movement-theatre show featuring an introverted office worker, Thomas, vying for Daisy’s affections against the villainous Simon. The production combines physical comedy and puppetry, creating both humorous and poignant moments, showcasing the actors’ impressive talent.
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Covenant of Water, Abraham Vergese
This is an epic novel which my Book Group loved. It is very long so make sure to choose a time when everyone will have plenty of time to read. Strengths are that it does not shy away from difficult stories, troubled times or unhappy endings. The reader feels a part of the sweep of…
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Human Acts, Han Kang
None of our book group would say that we enjoyed this but we are all delighted that we read it. Nobel Prize-winning Han Kang gives an important insight into an event in South Korean history that none of us knew about it. Even more important, it gave us an insight into the grief, resilience, internal…
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Review: NOW that’s What I Call A Musical, New Wimbledon Theatre ***
Review: NOW That’s What I Call A Musical is a nostalgic juke box musical celebrating the NOW compilation tapes’ fortieth anniversary. Set in Birmingham across 1989 and 2009, it intertwines youthful dreams with the realities of adult life. While the plot is thin, the lively musical numbers and family dynamics shine, ensuring audience enjoyment.
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Review: Retrograde, Apollo Theatre ****
Review: “Retrograde” by Ryan Calais Cameron is a gripping play exploring the dilemmas faced by black actor Sidney Poitier during McCarthyism. Set in one tense day, it examines themes of identity, sacrifice, and ethical choices, as Poitier grapples with the pressure to denounce hero Paul Robeson to secure his career.
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Review: Dear England, National Theatre **** ½
Review: “Dear England” at the National Theatre explores the duality of England’s obsession with football, highlighting the joy and burden of expectations, alongside themes of racism. It portrays Gareth Southgate’s leadership and his progressive communication with fans, emphasising social issues like equality. The play is significant for understanding contemporary English culture.
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Review: The Years, Harold Pinter **** ½
Review: “The Years,” based on Annie Ernaux’s memoir, explores a woman’s life from 1941 to 2006, intertwining personal milestones with significant global events. The play, notable for its visceral abortion scene, reflects profound societal changes impacting women’s choices. Through the stories of five actresses, it prompts audiences to consider how context shapes personal decisions.
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Review: Sisyphean Quick Fix, Riverside Studios ****1/2
Review: Sisyphean Quick Fix, awarded BEST PLAY at the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, portrays sisters Krista and Pip navigating family challenges across distances. Written and starred in by Bettina Paris, the play delicately balances humour and love amidst painful realities. It highlights sacrifices, lost opportunities, and the emotional toll on relationships while promoting awareness with…
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My Fair Lady, The Questors Theatre ****
Review: Established in 1929, the Questor’s Theatre in Ealing is a hidden gem, producing shows like My Fair Lady that sometimes rival West End quality. My Fair Lady combines adventure with excellent standards, showcasing impressive talent and high production values.
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Review: Dear Evan Hansen, New Wimbledon Theatre ****
Review: Dear Evan Hansen, currently touring at the New Wimbledon Theatre, explores the isolation of Gen Z in a connected yet disconnected world. With impactful performances, especially by Ryan Kopel, and strong songwriting, the production reflects both teen experiences and parental challenges. This poignant musical is a must-see for all generations.
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Review: Yankl And The Beanstalk, Pleasance **½
Review: “Yankl and the Beanstalk” at Pleasance London reinvents panto with a queer, Jewish, socialist flair. Inspired by Haimisher traditions, it combines familiar narratives with Yiddish elements, engagingly performed amidst delightful audience interaction. Nay Oliver Murphy shines as Yankl, while topical themes resonate. This refreshing take diverges from conventional pantomime styles, offering unique charm.
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Review: Lavender, Hyacinth, Violet, Yew, Bush Theatre ****
Review: Coral Wylie, a founding member of the Bush Theatre’s Young Company, both writes and performs in “Lavender, Hyacinth, Violet, Yew,” a World Premiere exploring the complexities of family life and queer identity. Through the story of Pip and the late Duncan amidst the AIDS epidemic, it captures generational connections and the challenges of acceptance.
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