'The Engagement' is a dark tale based on a true story about the destructive power of alcoholism. Playwright James Alexander Allen worked with Wayne Liversidge to bring his experiences to life. Following a successful run in Brighton in 2018, this is 'The Engagement's London premiere. Allen is not afraid to lean into the darkness behind … Continue reading The Engagement at the Bread and Roses
Month: Nov 2019
A Bench At The Edge at the Tristan Bates
Last night I went to see Off the Cliff's production of Luigi Jannuzzi's 1981 short play 'A Bench At The Edge' at the Tristan Bates Theatre. For those who are not familiar with the play, it is a darkly comic, absurdist two-hander about suicide. Someone (Number One) sits contentedly on a bench enjoying the view. … Continue reading A Bench At The Edge at the Tristan Bates
Spiderfly at Theatre 503
Spiderfly at Theatre 503 is that powerful combination of a beautifully written play, imaginatively produced and perfectly cast. There is such a confidence and intelligence to the writing, it is hard to believe this is John Webber's first full length play. This is a drama that genuinely thrills and intrigues. This is the story of … Continue reading Spiderfly at Theatre 503
Bed Seven at the Tristan Bates
Set in the 1950s, Bed Seven is a sweet and charming true-life love story. This two-hander stars Chloe Wigmore as nurse Patricia and Jesse Rutherford as Gerald, the resident of the eponymous Bed Seven. They also take on the roles of each other's respective parents, with these slightly out of frame voices providing important context … Continue reading Bed Seven at the Tristan Bates
Fiji at the Omnibus Theatre
Rehearsals photo credit: Jonathan Oldfield. Edward Stone (left) and Pedro Leandro pictured. If I'm being totally honest, I wasn't expecting much from a comedy about the relationship between a cannibal and his prospective meal. Nonetheless I braved a cold night to leave my house and head to Omnibus Theatre in Clapham to see 'Fiji'. I … Continue reading Fiji at the Omnibus Theatre
Oh Yes Oh No at the Battersea Arts Centre
Last night I went to a relaxed performance of Louise Orwin's 'Oh Yes Oh No' at the Battersea Arts Centre. My expectations were high as I'd just seen the announcement on Twitter that it has been nominated in the Best Performance Piece category by the Offies. I was not disappointed. 'Oh Yes oh No' sparkles … Continue reading Oh Yes Oh No at the Battersea Arts Centre
New writing double bill at the Bunker
Last night I enjoyed an extraordinary double bill of new plays at the Bunker Theatre. Such a privilege to be able to see them as a reviewer. Reminds me how lucky I am to write about fringe theatre and that I get invited to experience beautiful and inventive pieces of new writing. Before I get … Continue reading New writing double bill at the Bunker
Under the Radar at the Bread and Roses
Last night I went to the Bread and Roses theatre for the dark comedy 'Under the Radar'. Written and directed by Jonathon Crewe, this is a play that starts slowly, before taking you on a macabre and unexpected journey. From the opening scenes, I have to confess that I was a little worried that I … Continue reading Under the Radar at the Bread and Roses
Gaping Hole at Ovalhouse
Gaping Hole is my third show of Ovalhouse's Demolition Party Season, and while I am sad to farewell the venue (although the plans for their new building in Brixton looks amazing), I'm really enjoying the variety of the shows they have scheduled to send off their Oval home in style. Gaping Hole is created and … Continue reading Gaping Hole at Ovalhouse
Defective Inspector at the Lion and Unicorn
Last night I headed to the Lion and Unicorn in Kentish Town for the pure silliness that is Laughing Mirror's Defective Inspector. The set up is simple. Richard P Cooper (played by writer & director Harrison Cole) is a self-important and inept detective, failed yet prolific novelist and now newly fledged incompetent playwright. With the … Continue reading Defective Inspector at the Lion and Unicorn
