Antonia Constantin

Antonia Constantin

REVIEW: Classical Pride: Classical Drag!

Reading Time: 2 minutesLast night at HERE at Outernet, I witnessed a unique fusion that closed this year’s Pride with a spectacular bang: Classical Drag. Fronted by conductor Oliver Zeffman and Creative Producer Jack Cullen, this event was a groundbreaking blend of classical music and drag performance—a concept so unconventional, promising a lot, and almost delivering it but not quite. 

REVIEW: Aoife O’Donovan with Guildhall Session Orchestra

Reading Time: 2 minutesEntering the Barbican Hall, unsure of what to expect, I was soon captivated by the incredible experience that is Aoife O'Donovan’s performance. The GRAMMY Award-winning American singer-songwriter made her entrance on the stage discreetly, almost shy and overwhelmed by the moment. Jokingly, she remarked that she knew the tickets were sold out but didn't imagine there would be so many of us. She then performed three of her older songs, charming the audience with her beautiful voice, before diving into the tracks from her newest album, All My Friends. As she made her Barbican debut, accompanied by the Guildhall Session Orchestra, the Music Centre London Session Choir, and conductor Eric Jacobsen.

REVIEW: The Trials And Passions of Unfamous Women

Reading Time: 3 minutesThe Trials and Passions of Unfamous Women is a play exploring the real stories of women who faced the criminal justice system in the UK and was commissioned by the London International Festival of Theatre (LIFT) and Clean Break.

REVIEW: Brahms Requiem by Candlelight

Reading Time: 2 minutesAttending the recent performance of Brahms Requiem by Candlelight at St. Martin-in-the-Fields was a truly beautiful experience. The historic and elegant architecture of St. Martin-in-the-Fields provided a breathtaking backdrop for the evening. The atmosphere was enhanced by the warm glow of candles. For those not familiar with the concept, candlelight concerts at St. Martin-in-the-Fields are renowned for their intimate ambiance. The soft, golden light from the candles creates ethereal surroundings that perfectly complements the evening's music, making it always an evening to remember.

REVIEW: Surfacing

Reading Time: 2 minutesThursday night at the Omnibus Theatre, I had the pleasure of watching  Surfacing, an incredible play written by Tom Powell and directed by Stephen Bailey of Asylum Arts, known for The Real and Imagined History of the Elephant Man. Developed in collaboration with neurodivergent communities and medical professionals, the play is a commentary on mental health, shared vulnerabilities and the power we all have to help one another heal.  The production featured Sarah Livingstone as Luc, a CBT therapist, and Jerome Yates as Owen the “service user”, her long-awaited client.