Reading Time: 2 minutesThe Crumple Zone, a festive tragi-comedy by Buddy Thomas, explores infidelity and friendship within a conflicted household. Despite its humorous script and strong performances, especially by James Grimm, the play's dramatic depth falters, offering clichéd insights into trauma. The ending hints at potential growth, leaving the audience wanting more.
Reading Time: 2 minutesThe recent gender-flipped adaptation of The Great Gatsby by Scar Theatre offers a fresh take on the classic novel. Set in the 1920s, this production features remarkable performances, particularly by Ethan Bareham as Nick Carraway and Emily Serdahl as Jay Gatsby. The seamless stagecraft and ensemble dynamics create an engaging theatrical experience that embodies glamour.
Reading Time: 2 minutes"Falling for" is a two-hander about a coercive relationship, blending conflict and accuracy.
Reading Time: 3 minutesCressida Brown, director of Cutting the Tightrope at Arcola Theatre, discusses the importance of political expression in art amid rising censorship. Inspired by UK actions surrounding Palestine, she emphasizes the need for artistic dissent, fearing repercussions for creators. The theatre's courage to host such works represents a vital stand against suppression in today's climate.
Reading Time: 2 minutesThe world premiere of Drew Gasparini's contemporary musical, We Aren’t Kids Anymore, takes place at London's Savoy Theatre on April 28, 2025, featuring stars Sam Tutty and Aimie Atkinson. The show explores the challenges of adulthood through five characters, accompanied by Gasparini performing his iconic works in the second act.
Reading Time: 2 minutesRuairi Conaghan's one-man show explores the enduring effects of trauma rooted in his childhood during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The narrative highlights the violent loss of his uncle and its impact on family dynamics. Through humor and physical performance, Ruairi confronts mental health challenges and the generational scars of conflict.
Reading Time: 2 minutesJack and the Beanstalk: What a Whopper is an adult pantomime that humorously blends traditional elements with outrageous comedy. While the show features entertaining performances, particularly by Matthew Baldwin as the pantomime dame, it struggles in its second half as the novelty of its shock humor fades. Ultimately, slight edits could enhance its impact.
Reading Time: 2 minutesMichael Keegan-Dolan's "Nobodaddy" is an avant-garde interpretation of William Blake's poem, blending dance and folk-rock music into a mesmerizing performance. The choreography is distinctive, highlighting each dancer's individuality amidst a playful atmosphere. With effective staging and haunting vocals, the show delivers an uncanny experience filled with delightful oddities and emotional depth.
Reading Time: 2 minutes“Eva Recacha has created a world that is at once grotesque and beautiful, unsettling and deeply moving—a dream worth stepping into.” When I first heard about Eva Recacha’s The Picnic, inspired by Hieronymus Bosch’s The Garden of…
Reading Time: 2 minutes“You can have opinions if you want, just it’s best not to talk about them”: A series of short, urgent plays addressing censorship in the arts in Britain