Genre: Mainstream Theatre 0
Review: Devil of Choice
A measured and nuanced exploration of how relationships get threatened from within and without.
Review: Pilgrims
Elinor Cook’s always worth a diversion for. This drama deserves friends and revivals.
Review: Sadness and Joy in the Life of Giraffes
Rodrigues is a dramatist we need to see far more of.
Review: Fiver
An enchanting speed-read of our connectedness, a reminder that a fiver can change your life. Irresistible.
Review: Them!
A complex exploration of the evolution of theatre which hits often more times than it misses.
Review: Plenty
Unsettling enough to avoid instant classic status, but outliving many that court it. A superb revival.
Review: Little Miss Sunshine
It’s a quiet heartbreaker, with stoicism and love the only answers. Do see it.
Review: Henry IV Part 2 or Falstaff
The triumph of this newly-energized production is bringing the darker Falstaff to a diverse audience
Review: Henry IV Part 1 or Hotspur
A soaring remix of how the play settles a succession on congealed blood.
Review: Creditors
We’re unlikely to see a better production of this still rarely-performed disturber of ourselves.
Review: The Glass Piano
A bewitching mix of deconstructive magic and fabulous therapy, it’s above all Grace Molony who brushes distinction into this already distinctive production.
Review: Mary’s Babies
Maud Dromgoole’s proved more than adroit, skilful, and deliciously risk-taking. A must-see.
Review: The Rubenstein Kiss
If you care for grippingly argued, passionate theatre, you must see this.
Review: Rotterdam
Rotterdam’s an outstanding play about sexual identity, choices, and above all what it means to transition.
Review: After Edward
This has to be the smartest debut from this venue since Jessica Swales’ Bluestockings: no wonder the playscripts sold out early.
Review: Downstate
A masterly, unsettling play that in this production never puts a foot wrong. And wrong-foots us all.
Review: Berberian Sound Studio
Thoroughly absorbing, full of walking shadows who throw vivid questions.
Review: Blood Knot
With Angela Smith’s phrase ringing in our ears, there’s not going to be a better play anywhere that answers it. Do see it.
Review: Shipwreck
A superb ensemble piece. Of all dramas on these interesting times in America, it’s the one truly necessary.
Review: Cyprus Avenue
Devastating drama about the DNA of bigotry; and it all starts in surreal farce.
Review: The Lady From the Sea
A groundbreaking production. Even outside its unique terms it’s outstanding.
Review: When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each Other
This cast’s exemplary dedication deserves watching for their sheer performative belief.
Review: I’m Not Running
Compelling dissection of what hampers the mindset of our main progressive party.
Review: Sweat
No wonder this play’s just extended its run. Don’t even read this before you try booking.
Review: The Merry Wives of Windsor
Sparkling, a sassy, sexy, sure-footed revival. On its own terms, could it really be bettered?
Review: The Tell-Tale Heart
As an electric shock to schlock gothic, theatre doesn’t come much better than this.
Review: Romeo and Juliet
This Romeo and Juliet has all the pace and heart any production, modern-dress or period, demands. Karen Fishwick’s radiant Juliet is the soul that imprints itself on it.
Review: Antony and Cleopatra
Supremely worth it to see a pair so famous weighing equal in their own balance, perhaps for the first time.
Review: Madagascar The Musical
Highly Recommended for monkeys and lemurs of all ages – quite apart from lions, zebras, hippos and giraffes.
Review: The Madness of George III
This magnificent revival poses even more urgent questions. A twitch on the thread for all of us.
Review: The Funeral Director
One of the most riveting few minutes of contemporary theatre I’ve seen all year.
Review: Allelujah!
Bennett’s exhorting us to fight back with laughter and rage in this riveting, timely play. It’s a sad and angry consolation.
Review: Stories
Utterly compelling. Anything Nina Raine writes now is routinely expected to touch greatness. No pressure.
Review: Measure for Measure
The most thoughtful and thought-provoking recreation of a Shakespeare play this year.
