Author: Red Bus Londinium
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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 offers nostalgic enjoyment through 1980s hits, despite a flimsy plot and moderate choreography.
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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” explores the national passion for football, addressing expectations, racism, and cultural change through Gareth Southgate’s leadership and communication.
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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 **** ½
Review: “Sisyphean Quick Fix, awarded Best Play, explores sisterly bonds amidst familial burden, blending humour and heartache through distance and sacrifice.”
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Review: 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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Review: Kenrex, Southwark Playhouse ****½
Review: Kenrex at the Southwark Playhouse is part concert, part true crime podcast and part play. Largely a one-man-show, Jack Holden is triumphant
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Review: Mrs President, Charing Cross Theatre **
Review: The play “Mrs President” at Charing Cross Theatre struggles with clarity, showcasing Mary Todd Lincoln yet failing to effectively portray her nuances.
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Review: Oedipus, Old Vic *** ½
Review: Oedipus at the Old Vic is a visually compelling yet disjointed retelling of the classic tale, marked by varied performances and modern elements.
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Review: Stalled, Kings Head Theatre ***
Review: Stalled is a new musical examining mothers-daughters’ relationships, showcasing strong performances, but suffers from overstuffed storytelling and pacing issues.
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Review: …blackbird hour, Bush Theatre (and on tour) ***½
Review: …blackbird hour directed by malakaï sargeant, is a poignant play that explores mental illness through the character Eshe, portrayed by Evlyne Oyedokun. With powerful performances and innovative staging, it highlights the impact of mental health struggles on individuals and their supporters. The production offers a challenging yet vital viewing experience.
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Review: Pig Heart Boy, Unicorn Theatre (and tour) ****
Review: Pig Heart Boy, currently at Unicorn Theatre before its national tour, is based on Malorie Blackman’s acclaimed book. Adapted for the stage, it follows 13-year-old Cameron, who faces life-changing decisions regarding a pig heart transplant. The production tackles themes of ethics and integrity, offering thought-provoking content for a youthful audience.
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Review: Mean Girls, Savoy ***½
Review: Mean Girls is a high school musical drama exploring the universal struggle to fit in, inspired by Tina Fey’s 20-year-old film. The Broadway musical, which opened in London in 2024, features vibrant staging and costumes. Praised for its strong performances, it recently won Best New Musical at the 2025 What’s On Stage awards.
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Review: Trash, Sadlers Wells ****
Review: Yllana and Toom Pak’s TRASH! delivers a joyful, innovative theatre experience, engaging children with percussion and comedy in a recycling centre.
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