Month March 2024

REVIEW: The Sleeping Beauty: Birmingham Royal Ballet

Reading Time: 2 minutesBirmingham Royal Ballet's rendition of the timeless classic, The Sleeping Beauty, enchants audiences with its captivating portrayal of Princess Aurora's journey. Directed by Carlos Acosta, the production boasts a level of artistry and finesse that is truly commendable. With coaching support from former Principal, Dame Darcey Bussell, BRB dancers excel, embodying the essence of the story with remarkable skill and grace.

REVIEW: The Lonely Londoners

Reading Time: 3 minutesRoy Williams’ familiar eloquence when writing characterful monologues, and his raw commentary on England are evident in his new adaptation of Sam Selvon’s classic novella ‘The Lonely Londoners’.

REVIEW: The Improvised Play

Reading Time: 2 minutesAs a big fan of improv (or impro depending who you speak to), I am happy to see the world of improvisation (often reserved for nights above a pub) making its way into theatres like The Arcola. In The Improvised Play, two actors explore a single 70 minute narrative. The focus is on creating and exploring (in this case two) fleshed out characters. The night I went, the show was truly hilarious, but there was also room for moments of real poignancy and connection.

REVIEW: Hamilton

Reading Time: 3 minutesThroughout history there are pieces of theatre that defined a genre, whether the classic Pirates of Penzance or more contemporary Phantom of the Opera; however in the 21st century there cannot be a more influential musical in pop culture then Hamilton. Lin Manuel Miranda has written a piece of masterful theatre that works as a postmodern biopic, historical drama, and just an incredible album. 

REVIEW: Rika’s Rooms

Reading Time: 2 minutesGail Louw's Rika's Rooms, part of the Louw season at The Playground Theatre, is a compelling and complex theatrical experience that examines the densities of memory, identity, and trauma caused by loss.  Based on Louw's novel, the play is inspired by the playwright’s own mother, who was sent away as a child from Nazi Germany to Palestine and then later as young woman moved to South Africa into the midst of Apartheid.  Now, aged 76, living in England with dementia, Rika dwells between two worlds: the present, which doesn’t make too much sense anymore, and the past, more coherent, but populated by people lost.  

REVIEW: Raves R Us

Reading Time: 2 minutesAs someone who has an interest in both theatre and music. The promise of an immersive theatre rave adventure piqued my curiosity. Marketed as an enthralling journey that merges compelling theatre with raving and a subsequent night out, Raves R Us aimed high. Unfortunately, while it aspired to deliver an unforgettable evening, it fell short in execution.

FEATURE: Full cast announced for new stage adaptation of Sunset Song, touring Scotland this Spring/Summer

Reading Time: 2 minutesDundee Rep Theatre, in co-production with the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, have revealed the full ensemble cast that will star in their thrilling new adaptation of Sunset Song, which will tour stages across Scotland this Spring/Summer.