‘Fables of fagatory’ A romp through the Regency and a tryst with the Tudors; reveling in the salacious, unseen and tumultuous lives of the queer folk of the past and present has never been so much fun. “Lord” George Hicks and Josh Cockcroft’s innovative, highly amusing and utterly arch tale of gay history has an understandably esoteric audience spellbound. But never ...
‘Clever as it is subtle’ Doilies and deception, surveillance in the 60’s, and more cups of tea than the Great British Bake Off. Pack of Lies is a moving play based on a true story, focusing on the way political turmoil and distrust can poison a seemingly perfect suburban friendship. Deep within the tunnels of the Menier Chocolate Factory, we ...
‘Let’s dive into the good, and what a pool of good it is’ Moving sheets billow, and the waves begin to look as although they are dancing as we stare out to sea. So the stage is set for this nautical themed dance piece set in a far-flung lighthouse. But as always with matters close to tide, there is more ...
‘Appropriately vague and mystical’ “I am here to repair”, calls out our lead, surrounded by the sun-drenched desert. His story is entrapped by its own ideas, aesthetically interesting, but thematically stunted. The Prisoner is a strange fairy tale with an uncertain didactic message and a pace that confounds logic. Written by the legendary Peter Brook and Marie-Helene Estienne, and with stars ...
‘Critiquing the cruelty of children and the climate of the ‘80s perfectly’ Lip gloss and murder, a deadly concoction. One that Heathers brews up with camp, infections and gleeful enjoyment. The adaptation of the cult classic ‘80s film zips with wit, humour and some knockout performances. It is both original and unexpected. With this mix of sickly sweet and sour, ...
‘Shouts about the female perspective’ A life dreamed of, yet built using sand that can be easily crumbled into the sea. With Fabric, we have an insight into a story far too familiar and a fate far too common. The issues discussed are ever-present, but what I am most interested in is does a gripping subject matter make a good ...
‘Discusses an issue that is literally killing our young people’ All singing (except without the singing), all-dancing (except without the dancing), Dust is a show that has its hands tightly around your heart and won’t let go. Depending on your emotional stability, that’s a good thing. Never have I seen a more effective, irreverent and igniting one-woman show, never have I ...
‘Unflinchingly open about its discussion of depression, motherhood and family relationships’ Memories of sticks of rock and walks along the pier are quickly smashed as Caterpillarputs its well-written fist through all of our fond seaside memories. This play is hard going; spinning with unstoppable precision, it covers a wide range of topics with as much grace as could be imagined. ...
‘Over eagerness to get the message across to the audience’ A bed very similar to Tracey Emin’s famous squalid art show greets us as we crowd into the basement theatre at the Cecil Sharp house to watch Freak by The Herd. Despite the low-fi feel of the space and the warbling echoes of the choir rehearsing above, the show is ...
‘Brings up moments of true connection’ A tale spanning the sheer destructive power of a bad break up, Getting over Everest is a nippy production that is as foul-mouthed and frank as it is funny. However, despite its humour and clever one-liners, it feels as though something is missing. Following the most recent installment of Bridget Jones’s Diary, we see Libby ...