‘Thrilling, inquisitive and well-acted’ Who is safe? How do you know? What if you’re wrong? These are the questions at the centre of Gut, Frances Poet’s thrilling four-hander, performed by recent graduates of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. The drama follows Maddy (played by Sophie Doyle) and Rory (Mackenzie Heynes) as they raise their three-year-old son Joshua in the ...

‘Dishes that will astound a jaded London palette’ Surrounded by shabby chic furniture and kitsch details, bathing in warm candlelight, we were ready for a trip of culinary discovery in three-month-old restaurant Bong Bong’s Manila Kanteen. A calming wash of eggshell blue soothes us as we prepare to make our first dive into Filipino cooking, and what a refreshing dip ...

‘If all mime is this energetic, sign me up’ Just at the tail end of the London International Mime Festival is the French company Galactik Ensemble, with their 2017 show Optraken. Normally (and unfairly) I avoid this wonderful festival, having flashes of white face paint, berets, and deathly silence. Although equally French, this daredevil, hair-brained comedy is phenomenal and cacophonous. From ...

Sadler’s Wells Every year Sadler’s Wells lives up its maxim of focusing and highlighting new and emerging talent with a variety show like no other, and this year is no different. Less knees Up Mother Brown more Swan Lake on acid, Sampled unites the (at times) separate fields of dance, and allows for discussion and appreciation along with some stonking ...

It may have bitten off more than it can chew in its themes of pain, lust, longing, comedy, tragedy, horror and humanity, but Sex/ Crime certainly has moments worthy of attention As “I’m So Excited” thumps overhead, we settle in upstairs at the Soho Theatre for an evening promising pain, lust, longing, comedy, tragedy, horror and humanity. And ff you think that’s ...

Jake Brunger’s sexual comedy Four Play returns to the London theatre scene. Snappy, sassy and with a cynical undertow, it is interesting to see how this piece has aged since its 2014 debut, considering the breakneck speed at which the theatre world moves. Focusing on the complications of monogamy within the male gay world, we are introduced to Rafe and ...

‘Lavish, beautiful and devilishly funny’ In the mood for a sumptuous ballet? Craving feathers, frolics and frantic movement? How about this year you give the Bolshoi a break and dive into a double Olivier Award-winning show that will make you laugh? Matthew Bourne’s classic The Red Shoes returns to Sadler’s Wells for the third time, and all we can say is thank you. ...

‘Charming, lively evening filled with wine and flavour’ With the guidance of chef/co-owner Brodie Meah, I finally begin to understand the allure and excitement of the natural wine movement. In cosy, candlelit surroundings eight minutes’ walk from Arsenal station, we embark on this exciting journey, which is not for the fainthearted, teetotal or those on a budget. Top Cuvée, which ...

‘Exceptional dance company conjures up myth and magic’ With the swirl of glittering saris and four female musicians crafting a numinous atmosphere, the audience settled down for an evening unlike any other last month. The Darbar Festival celebrated its 14th year, and its third annual residence at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, championing classical Indian dance. The all-male Bharatanatyam ensemble, the Temple ...

‘Irish fine dining delivers clever flavours’ On a clear but chilly night, my partner and I jumped out at Old Street and navigated our way through the throng and skyscrapers of Shoreditch intrigued by the prospect of Irish fine dining. Chef Richard Corrigan’s latest venture, Daffodil Mulligan, has taken over from the much-loved Nuala and promises fresh twists on classics ...