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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, awarded Best Play, explores sisterly bonds amidst familial burden, blending humour and heartache through distance and sacrifice.”
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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, 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” 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: 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 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: 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 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 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 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, 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 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: 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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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: 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 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 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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