Review: Chekhovian
See it for the Chekhov, and come away forgetting for the most part these are students. They’re already Chekhovian.
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Reviews
Review: The Final Episode
Two original twists, a fine, fresh writer/performer/director and something I certainly look forward to seeing developed.
Review: Uccelini
A rich, suggestive and above all probing work about how we live with our ghosts so we can live with each other.
Review: Two Halves of Guinness
As a gentle voyage around the frothy half of Guinness we know, and the dark we don’t, it deserves awards, and another tour.
Review: Carmen
A must-see for anyone compelled by ballet; something we’re not likely to see in Brighton for years.
Review: Maurizio Baudino Recital St Nicholas Church, Brighton
Throughout Maurizio Baudino’s playing is international standard and in the best sense you're not attending to him, but the music. Superb.
Review: Between the River and the Sea
Recognizing humanity is a mingled yarn mightn’t sound revelatory. Nor what we want to take away. But it’s what we need.
Review: The Splitting of Latham
Another example of why theatre is inclusive and all the better for it.
Review: Sussex Musicians Club
Sussex Musicians always surprises with its repertoire and its musicianship.
Review: The Waves
A mostly outstanding – and theatrical - adaptation of an almost impossible-to-adapt novel.
Review: Dualism
An exquisite dance and movement piece exploring the ideals of polarities within a body and the effects that it has on you.
Review: The Choir of Man
The Choir of Man brings us joy whilst bursting with talent. But it’s a timely reminder of what’s at stake.
Review: Playhouse Creatures
This version is never done because the all-female five-hander is easier: so do see it. A triumph.
Review: Iphigenia
Pacing is fleet, inexorable, even with those frozen minutes of contemporary video. Unmissable.
Review: Heart Wall
One of the most remarkable reveals in recent theatre, and makes this play an absolutely compelling must-see.
Review: The Ballad of Johnny & June
That rare event: a new musical with classic inscribed on it. Outstanding.
Review: A Home for Hamish
A delightful and beautiful half hour spent watching skilled practitioners delight young children.
Review: Finding Oneself (Not) in Paris
a hilarious, poignant one-woman show about learning to accept yourself because of your faults
Review: On the Harmful Effects of Tobacco
A short, comedic play infused with modern style, physical comedy, and silliness
Review: John Proctor is the Villain
The apotheosis is both thrilling and more than timely. At a moment where feminism is being closed down, this needs screaming
Review: Two
As fine a revival as you’re likely to see in London or the South. It's a classic that, like Road, is more political as it ages gracefully.
Review: A Doll’s House
The end, a question-mark, leaves a silence where you might hear a door banging three streets away.
Review: Oliver Nelson and Vasikis Rakitzis Violin and Piano Recital St Nicholas Church, Brighton
Perfection in a warm spring day.
Review: Waitress
Hope Fletcher raises soaring music theatre, an ounce of gold in the throat and stars six inches above it.
Review: Falstaff
Mike Stoneham deserves acclaim for this one-man tour-de-farce, that keeps the Rabelaisian fires burning.
Review: Edward II
Alex Pearson has devised an Edward II that’s fleet, clear, crisply compelling and as sly as Marlowe: something other productions could profit from.
Review: The Authenticator
Absorbing, playfully swerving from where it might travel, The Authenticator mildly frustrates, mostly digs you in the ribs with questions. And thoroughly entertains.
Review: A Rollicking Dream of Midsummer
A Dream of Midsummer is a high-energy spin-off of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night's Dream, that works best if you know the original..
Review: In the Print
Sheerly theatrical, superbly performed; as one man gains a choke-hold and one woman can see how it might just be stopped. Unmissable.
Review: Pack of Lies
This one-time hit though now rarely-staged Olivier-winning play is worth tracking down; and you’ve a little more time to find it in Southwick.
Review: The Old Ladies
A small classic, if not on the scale of The Truth About Blayds, it’s yet another gem. And a must-see.
Review: Fumi Otsuki and Gisela Meyer Violin and Piano Recital St Nicholas Church, Brighton
Fumi Otsuki has certainly developed considerably since his debut here, and is taking in exciting and much less well-known repertoire.
Review: Summerfolk
We need Summerfolk. Sided and slant, this version is a must-see. And almost as much as Chekhov, we need more Gorky.
Review: Vincent in Brixton
An outstanding revival, not least for the quiet blaze between Niamh Cusack and Jeroen Frank Kales, but with a revelatory supporting cast
Review: The Crucible
One of Lewes Little’s finest of recent years; which often happens when they’re ambitious.
Review: The Regent’s Wind Quintet Recital St Nicholas Church, Brighton
Memorable and a salutation to all such brilliant women composers
Review: The BFG
Evans and his team have transported the magic so completely it’s taken up residence. Both outstanding and a delight
Review: John Bruzon Piano Recital St Nicholas Church, Brighton
A hugely welcome recital and more treasurable than most last-minute substitutions.
Review: It Walks Around the House at Night
Class war meets woohoo in this clash of cultures. There’s twists up to the last moment. And a mobile phone can spell magical revenge. Highly recommended.
Review: The Legend of Davie Mackenzie
A hilarious romp through the lives of two neir dae weels who try their best to survive.
Review: Dear Liar
Stella Powell-Jones and her team make the strongest possible case. A must-see for all lovers of theatre, wit, and wincing put-downs.
Review: Mandy Ching Man Liu, Bonnie Liu, Irine Chagunava Recital St Nicholas Church, Brighton
An exceptional recital from both soloists and pianist. And special too in its range of repertoire. Fearless and eclectic yet knowing where they want to go aesthetically.
Review: The Constant Wife
An outstanding revival and adaptation, a faultless cast, an award-winning set too. Brighton has been lucky in its last three productions. This though is the gem. Outstanding.
Review: The Shitheads
Aa a blazing new voice though The Shitheads packs a flinty punch; and paradoxically heralds a vivid poetic talent. A must-see.
Review: Deep Azure
One of the few moments of Peter Brooks’ term “Holy Theatre” has arrived at the Wanamaker. A must-see.
Review: Embarrassed Naked Female (this show contains nudity)
When life gives you stalkers, make a show with their creepy messages
Review: The Story of Peer Gynt
The Norwegian Ibsen company - and here Kåre Conradi - are doing for Ibsen what Conor Lovett and Gare St Lazare are doing for Beckett. And both are to be found at the Coronet.
Review: After Miss Julie
Provocative, absorbing take on Strindberg’s 1888 masterpiece. Fine cast led by Liz Francis make much of demob denouements.
Review: Glorious!
Wendi Peters sends you out singing: with all the right notes in the wrong order. Solidly recommended.
Review: Dirty Old Songs
Sonic exploration of a selection of the dirtiest songs across blues history.
Review: The Tempest
Orlando Gough’s music stamps this production, and makes the pulleys of reinvention sing despite themselves. For that and the sweep of decolonised languages, a must-see.
Review: Jerusalem
This flawless production of weight and substance calling on NVT’s resources is a triumph.
Review: 1.17am, or until the words run out
A cracking debut that picks you up and never lets go. Like any play that gifts us believable characters, it leaves you wondering what life, not just Hunter Gordon, will do with them. Highly recommended.
Review: Ellie Blackshaw Solo Violin Recital St Nicholas Church, Brighton
Ellie Blackshaw with her interrogatory musicianship probes corners I've not heard before, indicating these variations. Rapt, rare music making.
Review: Arcadia
As bright as stained crystal and warm as the filament Thomasina reaches for: outstanding.
Review: Dance of Death
Strindberg to live with? Who’d have thought of that? An outstanding must-see. If you can’t get there, tune in to the livestream. This demands a wider audience.
Review: The Gambler
Chiten Theatre intensifies to a point of light here something barbarous, atavistic, and goes to the heart of nihilism. Still outstanding.
Review: Elise Jasmine Hills Piano Recital St Nicholas Church, Brighton
We’re seeing what looks to be a major pianistic talent in the ascendant.
Review: Midsomer Murders
Don’t miss this. You’ll be surprised. Particularly if you think you know the badgers.
Review: Bloom
A beautifully imagined afternoon watching a Japanese stepdancer perform percussive stepdance to Scottish tunes and original music in the company of a highly appreciative audience.
Review: American Psycho
If you can queue, you’ll be in good company. Jean queued for Les Mis at 6.30 am.
Review: The Lion in Winter
In the main a stupendous feat: two leads at the top of their game and three superb, beautifully detailed actors inhabiting the sons; with two fine supporting ones as siblings Philip and Alais. A must-see.
Review: Yohei Nakajjina and Miho Sanou Viola and Piano Recital St Nicholas Church, Brighton
A stunningly symbiotic partnership. Consummate musicians it'll be a pleasure to welcome them back. Again.
Review: Mrs President
Mrs President will continue to haunt and I suspect, develop. Be haunted though.
Review: Cable Street
This is an event. Break in (without breakages!) if you have to, to see this. You’ll be standing in the aisles to swarm the barricades.
Review: The Gospel According to Jesus, Queen of Heaven
Jo Clifford's classic text performed in a relaxed atmosphere.
