Tag Archives: Plays

Writer: Emma Reeves (based on novel by Jill Murphy) Director: Theresa Heskins Composer: Luke Potter Reviewer: Helen Tope  Goofy, clumsy and a spectacular failure, Mildred Hubble is the ultimate thinking girl’s heroine. Since the publication of Jill Murphy’s novel The Worst Witch in 1974, Hubble has entertained generations of children. A newly-inducted member of Miss Cackle’s Academy, Mildred’s dubious grasp of even the most ...

Writers: Lindsay Williams, Trevor Suthers, James Quinn, Louis Ashton-Butler, Peter Kerry, Diane Whitley, Dave Simpson. Directors: Miranda Parker, Trevor McFarlane, Alice Bartlett, Simon Naylor, Chantell Walker, Roger Haines, Reviewer: Sam Lowe It's the first time, this reviewer has attended the well-known JB Shorts nights. Six more 15 minutes plays are presented to the audience written by top TV writers. The buzz ...

Director: Jeremy Herrin / Jonathan Boyle Playwright: James Graham Reviewer: Helen Tope It is 1974, and the Labour Party have won the General Election. But a win without a majority means the race is on to nudge Labour over the line and into political safety. Enter the Whips – the handlers of Westminster. It is their job to see MP’s ...

Director: Alastair Whatley Writer: Oscar Wilde Reviewer: Helen Tope There are few writers who can boast such a reputation as Oscar Wilde. His death in 1900, after a spectacular fall from grace, is a story so compelling it almost eclipses his impressive list of credits – almost. An Ideal Husband, Lady Windermere’s Fan, The Importance of Being Earnest takes top ...

Writer: Noel Coward Director: Michael Cabot Reviewer: Helen Tope It is a story we could finish for ourselves. Two sets of newlyweds meet whilst honeymooning in the French Riviera. Elyot Chase – married to Sibyl – is horrified when he discovers his previous wife, Amanda, and her new husband, rooming next door. Words are exchanged, looks; sparks fly. We think we know how this should end, but ...

Writers: Jules Verne (novel) Laura Eason (adaptation) Director: Theresa Heskins Reviewer: Helen Tope The premise is simple: wealthy gentleman Phileas Fogg takes on a wager that will see him attempt to traverse the globe in 80 days. Leaving Victorian London with his loyal valet, Passepartout, they begin an extraordinary journey. It is a story so well known, but much of ...

Writers: Knaive Theatre Director: Tyrrell Jones Reviewer: Helen Tope An award-winning production, fresh from a tour across America, Bin Laden: The One Man Show is the little show with big ambition. Staged in The Lab at Theatre Royal Plymouth, Knaive Theatre uses this rehearsal and performance space to create a drama is both thought-provoking and vivid. The one-act, one-man show ...

Writer: William Shakespeare Director: Natasha Buckley Reviewer: Helen Tope Created to professional standards, productions from local company, The Actors Wheel, have everything except the Equity card. Performed by students of Marjon University’s Acting programme, The Actors Wheel combines discipline and ambition in equal measure; taking on challenging work, and it’s safe to say, few plays possess the fearsome reputation of ...