London Reviews

Director/Choreographer: Matthew Bourne Music: Tchaikovsky Reviewer: Alex Ramon When Matthew Bourne collected his well-deserved Special Award at the Olivier ceremony two weeks ago, the prize was in recognition of a body of work that's not only significantly raised the profile of British dance but also helped to completely transform it as an art form. Principal among the productions that have ...

Choreographer:  Damien Jalet Reviewer:  Richard Maguire Choreographer Damien Jalet’s collaboration with Japanese sculptor Kohei Nawa begins so darkly you might wish that you’d brought along your night vision goggles. But out of this darkness come images alien and otherworldly that both frustrate and delight, and although there are seven dancers on stage it is impossible, in the gloom, to see ...

Writer: Christopher Bond, Dale Boyer and Trevor Martin Director: Benji Sperring Reviewer: Mike WellsThe title alone is enough to excite any horror movie aficionado. The original Night of the Living Dead™vmight be over 60 years old now, but five sequels and two remakes later, it’s legacy as an icon of the genre is as strong as ever. It redefined the ...

Writer: W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan Director: John Savournin Reviewer: Karl O'Doherty There’s a bounce and bit of mischief running through this colourful production that makes it impossible not to love. From Buttercup’s sweet sassiness to the jolly-sailor patter of the crew, it’s all just hugely entertaining - highlighting the ridiculousness of the situation even more than other productions that ...

Writer: David Mamet Director: Sam Yates Reviewer: Maryam Philpott “We’re a dying breed” super salesman Ricky Roma announces in the closing moments of David Mamet’s finest play, a statement about the end of the traditional salesman and the personal skills that died with them. Sam Yates’ touring production setting-up shop at the Richmond Theatre for a week is a powerful ...

Writer: Barney Ashton-Bullock & Christopher Frost Director: Robert McWhir Reviewer: Mike Wells The Above the Stag Theatre has been producing LGBT+ focussed theatre for just over a decade - it’s claimed to be the only professional, full-time LGBT+ venue in the UK. That brings with it an opportunity to champion new gay writing in what is now a fantastic new ...

Devised by Roger Glossop, based on the tales of Beatrix Potter Music: Steven Edis Lyrics: Alan Ayckbourn Director: Sheila Carter Reviewer: David Guest More than 100 years since Beatrix Potter first told the tale of Peter Rabbit in book form the enchanting stories still have mass appeal with toys, ballet, animation and more keeping the characters alive. Now, an extraordinary ...

Writer: Henry Filloux-Bennett Director:  Jonnie Riordan Reviewer:  Richard Maguire While not quite based on a recipe book, Toast is, instead, an adaptation of celebrity chef Nigel Slater’s autobiography of 2004. Of course, food and cooking are major themes of this play that has travelled from Salford via the Edinburgh Fringe, but Toast is more a nostalgic reflection of a 60s/70s childhood. ...