Author: The Reviews Hub - London

Writer: Michael Frayn Director: Michael Longhurst The Hampstead Theatre has had much-needed commercial success of late in sell-out, star-powered revivals of works by that grand old man of contemporary British ‘theatre of ideas’, Tom Stoppard. Why not try the same trick with that other pillar of the genre, Michael Frayn? Why not, indeed. It is hard to find a spare ticket for Michael Longhurst’s much-anticipated production of the venerable writer’s Copenhagen, the first in London since its original National Theatre production in 1998. So, at one level, Hampstead’s bet has paid off. Longhurst’s production is certainly clever, almost self-consciously so,…

Choreographer: Pina Bausch Choreographer and Director: Meryl Tankard The first performance of Pina Bausch’s Kontakthof was in 1978. Now, 48 years later, choreographer Meryl Tankard has gathered together the surviving original performers of the piece for a reinterpretation which looks back at that premiere and incorporates black-and-white footage of the event. Kontakthof – Echoes of ‘78 is part of Sadler’s Wells’ Elixir Festival 2026, which celebrates ageing through the medium of dance, and as such, it’s a perfect vehicle for exploring the wisdom of perspective as well as the resilience of the human body. Kontakthof, for the most part, lends…

Writer: Suzie Miller Director: Justin Martin Transferring from the National Theatre, Inter Alia tells the story of a Crown Court Judge, Jessica Parks (Rosamund Pike), who must balance the practical and ethical demands of home and professional life. Her marriage to an ego-bruised criminal defence barrister, her son’s forays into young manhood and the first blushes of sexual activity, and her commitment to bettering the experiences of vulnerable witnesses at court come to a head in a vast yet specific analysis clash of personal and political duties. Suzie Miller’s text gushes forth with astonishing pace, at a speed that is…

There’s something rather special about witnessing an artist reclaim their voice after a health crisis. When that voice belongs to David Raleigh, a musician of considerable accomplishment, and the setting is the intimate environs of Crazy Coqs, the effect is nothing short of transformative. Raleigh’s evening represents an adventurous re-imagining of the classic American songbook, performed in a way that strips away any notion of dusty tradition. The core tension of the show, and indeed its great appeal, lies in the collision between Raleigh’s artistic vision and the material itself. His vocal phrasing carries unmistakable echoes of Stevie Wonder, that…

Writer: Justin Cartledge Director: Amy Clayton Greed, fear, and mental breakdown are central themes in this chilling 55-minute three-hander. All the actors in Lighthouse are completely committed and, despite occasionally erratic accents, believable. Veteran lighthouse-keeper Morgan (played by writer Justin Cartledge) has sent his new trainee James (Richard Orchard-Rowe) out in the cold to count seagulls. He laughs about this with his fellow old-hand and comrade of many years, Mac (Darren Matthews). It’s one of few moments of light relief, even as it foreshadows the pervasive sense of control and manipulation, which darkens into something that can’t possibly end well.…

Choreographer: Fernando Romero Director: Jude Kelly This contemporary flamenco performance is an exuberant display that exemplifies passion personified.  From the precision of each dancer to the raw musical and vocal expressions, this show is dazzling in every way. The renowned flamenco guitarist, composer, and producer Paco Peña’s show, Solera, directed by Jude Kelly and choreographed by Fernando Romero, returns to Sadler’s Wells. A number of soulful performers drive this show, each unique in their own way. With a mix of young and mature performers, Solera embodies the flamenco tradition that is passed down from one generation to the next. The…

Composer and Lyrics: Robin Hiley Writer: Becky Hope-Palmer Director: Alex Howarth The musical Lifeline debuts in London at Southwark Playhouse Elephant. It is nothing if not ambitious. It tells two parallel stories, the first about Alexander Fleming, the Scottish scientist who invented penicillin, the second a fictional love story of NHS doctor Jess and her musician boyfriend, Aaron. The show’s real innovation is to have a chorus of real-life doctors, nurses, dentists and scientists, a different team of 12 from a total of 60 participants performing each week. Hidden away above the stage is an impressive band of instrumentalists. Lifeline…

Writer: Maria Telnikoff Director: Lauren Tranter The show blurb for Maria Telnikoff’s amiable, if somewhat saccharine four-hander, Eggs Aren’t That Easy To Make, suggests the piece aims for “queer rom-com” territory. In reality, it is difficult to determine which of the various couples represents the love interest, or what obstacles stand in the way of their happiness. Still, the light-hearted and largely tension-free piece has something to say about the practical and emotional challenges faced by lesbian couples in finding suitable sperm donors. Unconfrontational Claire (Rachel Andrews) and ditzy best friend Dan (Tom Kingman, in adorable puppy mode), who is…