Reviews

So to Venice, 1772 and the intrigues of Alvar, amateur occultist and Spanish nobleman. In an original stage adaptation – from Jacques Cazotte’s novel The Devil In Love – by Rahil Liapopoulou, Alvar summons up a spirit, who appears to him in the form of Biondetta, a page at first but soon after a beautiful woman who professes her love for him. Things quickly take a turn for the sexual as Biondetta makes her intentions clear, but can Alvar resist her advances? Will his soul be forever lost if he sleeps with her? Can he invoke his Catholic upbringing against Satan and find his way back to his estranged mother? Or is it all a figment of his imagination? Continue reading Review: The Devil in Love @ Courtyard Theatre >>

‘Betwixt – a funny musical’, and it’s as simple as that. To sum it up, my choice of words are ‘a strange, slightly crazy, adult fairytale, just for the hell of it!’ And that is one of the particularly joyful things I learnt whilst watching this wonderfully odd musical. It really is all about the fun, and I personally would rejoice if fellow theatrical companies/productions similar in nature to Betwixt! would follow suit out of the woodwork and show everybody how it’s done. This is up to date comedy at its best; new theatre finally making its mark which I urge all theatre goers to welcome with open arms because it really does take a talented mind to pull this stuff off. Continue reading Review: Betwixt! Trafalgar Studios 2 >>

Warning – tissues required, this one’s certainly a tear jerker! Amidst the depressing times of the disgrace that is the London riots, this phenomenal piece of theatre does an astounding job of sweeping you off your feet and forgetting about the world for a couple of hours. Incredible as the experience was, my only disappointment was that I wished it had gone on for longer. Please don’t hesitate when considering the hype that surrounds this musical, this is a once in a life time must see! Continue reading Review: Ghost, Piccadilly Theatre >>

When I first heard of the Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park I imagined a simple raised platform surrounded by damp grass. Thankfully I was mistaken. The venue is very much a theatre and an impressive one at that. There are raked cushioned seats in a semicircle, in the style of an ancient amphitheatre, there is lighting galore and an outdoor sound system that means you enjoy every word, spoken and sung. It’s located in the idyllic Inner Circle gardens of Regent’s Park resulting in the stage being framed not by curtains but by a variety of trees and foliage. The beauty intensifies as the night goes on and the sun sets, forming dramatic silhouettes around the stage. Continue reading Review: The beautiful Beggar’s Opera >>

The night Julie Atherton took over the Apollo theatre for her one off performance turned out to be the hottest day of the year so far, giving the title of her largest solo concert to date, ‘No Space for Air’, a topical resonance. The air conditioning soon proved its worth though, and everyone made themselves comfortable while waiting for the lights to come to dim. The set was simple and elegant; two small chandeliers hung stage left against a black drape that would later illuminate with stars. Continue reading Review: Make Space for Julie Atherton’s Air >>

Shrek the musical has opened at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, on 14^th of June. This brand new musical, failed to establish itself on Broadway, but is giving itself ago in London. Taking a step out from the ordinary is Amanda Holden as Fiona joining Nigel Lindsay who is cast as Shrek, spending the next few months in the swamps of Drury lane. But was it all a fairytale…

Continue reading It’s SHREKtacular! >>

Just when I thought I’d seen it all, the London theatre scene, once again, forces me to swallow my words and admit defeat. Last night paid homage to perhaps one of the most bizarre theatrical experiences that in reality, will be hard to upstage. Continue reading Review: A Sheer Shoe-Stopper >>

From January to April 2011, Leicester Square’s Arts Theatre plays host to the new country musical Woody Sez. Co-devised by David M Lutken with Nick Corley, this modest show illustrates the life and music of one Woody Guthrie, American folk legend and core influence to some of the greatest musicians known today. Continue reading Review: Woody Sez – Arts Theatre >>

On Saturday the 23^rd of October, I was fortunate enough to be in the audience for a matinee of “The Phantom of the Opera”, and then an evening performance of “Love Never Dies”! It was a brilliant way to experience the whole story in one day and I would recommend it to anyone.

Continue reading Phantastic Omnibus!!!! >>

From talking to one of my friends, I heard about a musical called ‘Jersey Boys’, a musical about the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. At first I had not much of an idea who they were and what they had done until I went to see the show. Even now having seen it three times it still is one of my all time favourite shows. Continue reading Review: Jersey Boys – West End >>

I was looking through all the theatre brochures and maps, and when looking at what was on at the Gielgud Theatre I wasn’t really interested. A musical called Hair, containing the cast from Broadway and about hippies. Really? Continue reading Review: Hair – West End >>

War Horse was originally a novel by Michael Murpogo which was adapted for the stage by Nick Stafford. The play started at the National Theatre on the Olivier Stage before it transferred to the New London Theatre in Covent Garden.

The play is about the story of a boy called Albert and his horse called Joey, who, at the start of World War One is sold to the British cavalry and shipped to France. Joey soon finds himself in No Mans Land and in an extraordinary journey, is seen serving for both sides. Joey’s owner Albert, is too young to join up to fight to get his horse back but embarks on a dangerous mission too find his horse. Continue reading Review: War Horse – New London Theatre >>

When thinking of London’s West End, you instantly think of those big shows such as The Lion King and Phantom of the Opera. You don’t necessarily think of puppets, who are unemployed, racist and sing about how it sucks to be them.

Continue reading Review: Avenue Q >>

As the curtain rises on the stage of ‘Gigantic’, we are instantly plunged into the story with back drop and sound effects setting the tone for what is about to become some of the best amateur dramatics.

Continue reading Review: Enchanted Children and Gigantic >>