Author: Red Bus Londinium
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Review: Here You Come Again, New Wimbledon Theatre ****
Review: Here You Come Again is a vibrant, heartfelt production at the New Wimbledon Theatre, blending humour and poignancy as it explores loneliness through the lens of Dolly Parton. Strong performances by Tricia Paoluccio and Steven Webb enhance the narrative, making it an enjoyable experience for both fans and newcomers alike, despite earlier homophobic incidents…
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Review: Much Ado About Nothing, Jamie Lloyd ****½
Review: Jamie Lloyd’s latest production, Much Ado About Nothing, marks a vibrant departure from his usual grey palette, showcasing the talents of Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell. With a lively atmosphere, humour, and a strong ensemble, it stands out as an engaging introduction to Shakespeare for younger audiences.
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Review: Scissorhandz, Southwark Playhouse ***
Review: Scissorhandz at Southwark Playhouse offers a musical reinterpretation of the classic Edward Scissorhands story, showcasing strong performances, particularly from Jordan Kai Burnett. However, the production suffers from genre confusion and uneven song choices, impacting its overall coherence. While commendable, it lacks the polish needed to fully honour its predecessors.
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Review: Ghost, New Wimbledon Theatre ***
Review: “Ghost the musical, currently at the New Wimbledon Theatre, revives the iconic 1990 film with a talented cast and nostalgic set design. Featuring The Righteous Brothers’ Unchained Melody and original songs, the show captures the spirit of its predecessor, appealing especially to fans of the era, though it may not sway new audiences.”
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Review: Play On, Lyric Hammersmith ****
Review: Play On! transforms Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night into a lively 1940s Harlem jazz club, featuring 20 Duke Ellington songs. The show, directed by Michael Buffong, addresses race and sexism while following Vy, a female songwriter masquerading as a man. With dynamic performances, particularly from Rev, the production is a joyous celebration of black talent.
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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.
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Review: Matthew Bourne’s Oliver ****
Please sir, can I have some more? We all know the words, but do we all really need any more Oliver? Red Bus Londinium says yes, we do.
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Review: Jack and the Beanstalk, New Wimbledon Theatre ****
The New Wimbledon Theatre played host to Jack and the Beanstalk this year, one of the 23 pantomimes producing by Crossroads pantomimes (who are also responsible for the pantomime at the London Palladium). Being part of such a large production stable, means that a local theatre is able to turn on a pantomime with extremely…
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2024 Red Bus Highlights
2024 had many wonderful theatre, book and cultural highlights. It was very hard to make choices of which were the most stellar but I have tried! Below are the shows, books and other treats which for me opened my mind and expanded my horizons in 2024. My 2024 Most Powerful Show: Between the Lines at…
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Review: Hijinks and Caviar, New Wimbledon Theatre **
Review: Hijinks and Caviar has potential but currently lacks cohesion and depth, with a confusing plot and unmemorable songs.
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Review: Hairspray, New Wimbledon Theatre ***½
Review: The New Wimbledon Theatre’s touring production of Hairspray offers a vibrant, enjoyable experience, blending powerful performances with a significant social message.
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Review: Jesus Christ Superstar, New Wimbledon Theatre ****
The New Wimbledon Theatre currently plays host to the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of Jesus Christ Superstar. With strong vocals, a stark and simple staging and stunning choreography (which earned an Olivier nomination in its first iteration), there is much to enjoy here for fans of this Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber…
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Review: Blizzard, Soho Theatre ****
In Blizzard, now at the Soho Theatre, writer and director Emily Woof has created a one-woman poignant and at times both physical and philosophical comedy that taps into the midlife neuroses and daydreams we all ponder. Middle-aged, married and muddled, Dotty (Emily Woof) and her husband, neuroscientist (also nicknamed Dotty) are growing apart as their…
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Review: King Lear, Riverside Studios ****
Review: Shu-wing Tang’s nonverbal King Lear captivates audiences with an all-female cast, exploring storytelling through movement and minimalism.
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Review: Madagascar, New Wimbledon Theatre ****
Based on the popular DreamWorks Animation film, Madagascar the Musical follows four animal friends who escape from New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to Madagascar
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Review: The Cord, Bush Theatre ***
The early days of parenthood are exhausting, destabilising and throw every relationship into a starker relief than previously. Too often in theatre and TV, these days are presented for either their comedy value or through an idealistic lens of the love which new parents feel for the new person they have created. It is refreshing…
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Review: Agathe, Playground Theatre ****
Thirty years since the Rwandan Genocide, Agathe at the Playground Theatre is a powerful piece of theatre storytelling, casting a research-informed gaze on a little known (and, as it turns out, short-lived) Rwandan leader, Agathe Uwilingiyimana. Playwright Angela J. Davis researched many testimonies and the play is a reminder of theatre’s ability to teach and…
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Review: Minority Report, Lyric Hammersmith****
Based on the short story by American science fiction writer Philip K Dick, Minority Report in an adaptation by David Haig (on tour, currently at Lyric Hammersmith) explores the age old debate between pre-destiny and free will.
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