REVIEW: Mark Thomas: Gaffa Tapes
Reading Time: 2 minutesMark Thomas, the long acclaimed comic, sometimes journalist and investigative reporter, returns to the stage in wake of the British general election and he’s got a lot to talk about.
John Richardson
REVIEW: Gwyneth Goes Skiing
Reading Time: 2 minutesFollowing on from last year's critical and popular success of their show Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story Linus Karp and Joseph Martin return with another silly premise, turning the scandalous Gwyneth Paltrow ski trial into a musical comedy littered with humour you'd see in drag shows, and with about as much general silliness and bawdiness too. From songs, to audience participation, trials, puppetry and “live” video calls from the drag queen Trixie Mattel, a lot is thrown at you across the 80 minutes to mixed effect
REVIEW: Shirley Valentine
Reading Time: 2 minutesReviving her role in this one woman play, Sally Reid brings to life all the existentialism, dreams and fears of Shirley Valentine as she reminisces over her past, present and the choices that lie in front of her.
FEATURE: TravFest launch
Reading Time: 3 minutesTraverse Theatre has announced its programme for TravFest24, it’s yearly festival of Fringe Theatre running in accordance with the Edinburgh Fringe, from Thursday 25th July to Sunday 25th August.
REVIEW: The Gondoliers
Reading Time: 2 minutesEvery Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera has the same secret weapon in their arsenal; juxtaposition. This is often the strongest technique of G&S, setting silly and fun stories against deeper subtext and commentary using the medium of opera.
REVIEW: James V: Katherine
Reading Time: 3 minutesThese are just some of the questions posited by writer Rona Munro in James V: Katherine, the fifth in an award winning series of plays. The play, based on a true event, speculates on a private conversation between King James and Katherine during her 1534 trial for heresy, with Rona adding a queer love story allowing us to explore interweaving themes of queer love, faith, and the political climate of Scotland at the time. A lot to explore perhaps, but Rona skilfully strides between the topics in a captivating, tense and beautiful drama that toys with your emotions.
REVIEW: Biolanthe
Reading Time: 3 minutesGilbert and Sullivan are two of the best ever writers of comic operas and have created a legacy of timeless plays, from the humour, political satire, or charming melodies, they remain a favourite of theatres all over the UK. EUSOG have carried the proverbial torch incredibly well, producing a show that does capture the spirit of a show that’s been charming audiences since 1882.
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.