RED BUS LONDINIUM Reviews

  • Just for one day, Old Vic ****

    Just For One Day at the Old Vic revisits the seminal Geldof fundraising concert of 1985, the events that led up to it and all that came after. It is estimated that Live Aid was shown live in 150 countries and although I managed to live in one of the few places not showing it,…

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  • The King and I, Dominion Theatre ***

    The King and I (touring) is now playing at the Dominion Theatre where it offers a traditional staging of this Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Led by Helen George (of Call the Midwife fame) and Darren Lee (an experienced “King”), the performance ably presents the story. All of the cast are strong singers. There is, however,…

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  • Review: Metamorphosis, Lyric Hammersmith **

    Lemn Sissay, Lyric Hammersmith, Frantic Assembly, Kafka: this play had excellent credentials and there was every reason to hope for a profound and interesting show. Unfortunately, directorial choices had the cast hollering and the audience left feeling battered by the one-note performances. Any nuance of dark and light was gone with moments which might have…

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  • Bronco Billy, Charing Cross Theatre ***

    Review: Bronco Billy, a vibrant musical adaptation, entertains with strong performances, bright choreography, but lacks the moody depth of the original film.

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  • Spymonkey’s The Frogs, Kiln Theatre ***

    Spymonkey’s The Frogs, now running at the Kiln Theatre is a return after some years for the Spymonkey troupe.  If you love physical theatre and are a Spymonkey fan who wants to see the next step on their journey, you will be in for a treat. The movement, timing and costumes are top class and had…

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  • Review: Before After, Southwark Playhouse ***

    Before After, now running at the Southwark Playhouse started life in workshops in 2014 and most famously was livestreamed from the Southwark in 2020. It is now a two-part musical with live band. Its start in life will no doubt draw in the curious as will its strong cast. Grace Mouat (SIX, Legally Blonde – Regent’s Park Open…

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  • Abba Voyage: tips and thoughts

    Abba Voyage is a ground-breaking spectacle and it would be remiss of me to suggest any less. The use of technology to recreate an Abba concert experience is nothing short of ground-breaking and almost impossible to wrap your head around. There are some changes I would have preferred – fewer slow songs, no songs that…

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  • 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.

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  • Kim’s Convenience, Park Theatre ****

    Kim’s Convenience, now running at the Park Theatre is the play that preceded the Netflix sitcom. Playwright Ins Choi (who played Mr Kim’s son in the original stage play) stars as the eponymous Mr Kim and presents a warm-hearted but funny insight into both family life and the immigrant experience.  Kim’s Convenience, won the Best…

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  • Review: Cowbois, Royal Court ***

    Cowbois, now running at the Royal Court is a West End transfer of a new RSC play which played to great acclaim in Stratford. The first half, set in a small Western town where the men are long since departed to the gold rush, bristles with tension and has strong vibes of the suspicion of…

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  • Review: God of Carnage, Lyric Hammersmith **

    The God of Carnage, now running at the Lyric Hammersmith is a re-staging of the award-winning play by Yasmina Reza. The play explores the tensions and undertones at a meeting between two sets of parents after one son has hurt the other. A strong and appealing cast has been pulled together with Freema Agyeman (Dr…

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  • Review: The little big things, Soho Place ****

    Review: The Little Big Things, a new British musical, captivates audiences despite mixed critical reviews, exploring family dynamics and disability.

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  • Review: Patriots, Noel Coward Theatre ****

    Review: Patriots returns to the West End, exploring Russia’s 1991 collapse through oligarchs, focusing on Berezovsky’s downfall and exile.

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  • Review: Tarantino Live, Riverside Studios ***

    Review: Tarantino Live offers a captivating, immersive musical experience featuring iconic female characters, best enjoyed by dedicated Tarantino fans.

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  • 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.

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  • Review: Re-Member Me, Hampstead Theatre ****

    Review: Dickie Beau’s play Re-Member Me blends documentary, mime, and memoir, exploring Ian Charleson’s life in a unique theatrical experience.

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  • Review: Invisible, Bush Theatre ***

    What stories do we tell? Whose stories? Who chooses? These are important questions asked in Invisible, a one man show featuring Nikhil Parmar, currently playing at the Bush Theatre and shortly due to travel to New York as part of the 59E59’s Brits Off Broadway season. Parmar wrote the play as a Bush Theatre commission…

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  • Oubliette (Volume Club) ****

    Review: Oubliette, a new musical at The Other Palace, features impressive performances and clever staging, exploring themes of despair and madness.

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If you have suggestions or would like me to review something, please email contact@redbuslondinium.uk