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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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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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Review: Hijinks and Caviar has potential but currently lacks cohesion and depth, with a confusing plot and unmemorable songs.
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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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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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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: Shu-wing Tang’s nonverbal King Lear captivates audiences with an all-female cast, exploring storytelling through movement and minimalism.
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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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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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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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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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Review: In Clay is a compelling one-woman musical about artist Marie-Berthe Cazin, exploring her struggles and triumphs in 1930s Paris.
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Birds of Paradise theatre are a Scottish touring group with disabled and non-disabled actors and a disability-led managing team. This structure brings a backdrop of authenticity to Don’t.Make.Tea. at the Soho Theatre which, while it is a farce, touches on some very real modern issues. The audience did not always find the play easy. You…
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Tender love story Shifters by Benedict Lombe has been a sell-out success at the Bush Theatre and it seems hard to believe we might not see it in another incarnation soon. The Bush, under the artistic direction of Lynette Linton is going from strength to strength and Shifters is another triumph for them. Des(tiny) (Heather…
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Review: “Power of Sail” at Menier Chocolate Factory explores free speech limits, examining tolerance and political choices through engaging character interactions.
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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 (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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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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