Buried Child: The Modern American Classic that Shocks
Sam Shepard’s 1979 Pulitzer Prize-winning play Buried Child explores a Midwestern-American family holding onto a dark secret in the ‘70s. The arrival of their grandson Vince, whom they do not recognise, sparks the intense unravelling of that secret. In The New Group’s 2016 production, directors Scott Elliot and David Horn capture the essence of Shepard’s original work, creating a show that manages to be both hilarious and horrifying in the same minute. Continue reading Buried Child: The Modern American Classic that Shocks
Amadeus: A Heartbreaking Awareness of Human Inadequacy
Can a play be violent without showing any blood at all – no physical conflict, no punches, no guns? The National Theatre’s 2017 production of Amadeus lacked all those things, yet it may be one of the most violent plays I have ever seen. Continue reading Amadeus: A Heartbreaking Awareness of Human Inadequacy
Hamilton: A Shot in the Dark, a Cultural Crowd Pleaser
A dramatic re-imagining of the life of the first US Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton, the Broadway show is a pastiche of colonial history and urban culture. With its songs boasting rapid fire, tongue-twisting raps and riffs, Hamilton repackages a history lesson in hip-hop form that is sure to entice adults and children alike. Continue reading Hamilton: A Shot in the Dark, a Cultural Crowd Pleaser
Ibsen’s Ghosts Are Still Haunting
Ghosts challenged nineteenth-century societal norms by exploring topics of religion, incest, euthanasia, and venereal disease; subjects that caused great controversy in its time. Ibsen’s theatrical realism, while less shell-shocking today, still certainly creates intense and engaging theatre. Continue reading Ibsen’s Ghosts Are Still Haunting
Fleabag: Sexy, Scathing and… Sad?
It is interesting to retrospectively consider the humour and gender politics of this performance in 2020. Fleabag, now almost inseparable from Waller-Bridge herself, was championed as an anti-heroine of the 21st century, who shifted the boundaries of what women were allowed to say about their own sexuality and biology. It was transgressive and taboo-smashing; a shocking revision of the female voice that was unapologetically vulgar, vulnerable and, crucially, unvictimised. Continue reading Fleabag: Sexy, Scathing and… Sad?
Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn – Has Christmas Come Early?
In these dark times, viewing Berlin’s production will most definitely be successful in lifting the spirits of even the most Scrooge-like viewer. This musical will remind you of the spirit of Christmas – and that even though this year may be lasting a lifetime, there’s still something to look forward to. Continue reading Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn – Has Christmas Come Early?
A Very Potter Musical: (Re)finding Magic
What do you find when you ferment all the mystique of the Harry Potter series with underbudget student theatre and absurdist American college humour? A Very Potter Musical. It’s a totally awesome, light-hearted, and strangely moving production that will have you laughing from lights up to curtain close. Continue reading A Very Potter Musical: (Re)finding Magic
Peter Pan: Flying Back to Neverland
Peter Pan is sweet, nostalgic, moving, and magically impressive. The production is more true to James Matthew Barrie’s book than the film – amongst the friendships and warmth, there is a stronger sense of danger and fear in the face of adventure. Continue reading Peter Pan: Flying Back to Neverland
Going Viral: Catch It While You Can
You’re on a flight from Uganda to England. One after another, your co-passengers all break into tears. Everyone except you. Five years after its initial run, British theatre artiste Daniel Bye’s Going Viral perfectly resonates with the paranoiac and alienating nature of our current times – afflicted as we are today with COVID-19. Continue reading Going Viral: Catch It While You Can
All My Sons: Can Blood Ties Be Broken?
Howard Davies’ direction of this highly successful play does justice to Miller’s writing and accurately conveys the complex layers that make a father and son relationship unique. This is not only for dedicated supporters of Miller – even newcomers will enjoy the witty conversation between family and neighbours that are contrasted with scenes of raw truth, delivered by a strong ensemble cast. Continue reading All My Sons: Can Blood Ties Be Broken?
The Dialog 