Freelance journalist, campaigner and theatre critic.
★★ Henry V opens with a plea for the audience to work their “imaginary forces” when watching the play, given the stripped-back nature of the set (in this production, it’s … Continue Reading ‘Henry V’ online review – Conquering king fails to captivate
★★★★ Teenage Dick is educational Shakespeare, and that’s not just because this particular retelling of Richard III from Mike Lew is set in an American high school. Framing his rise … Continue Reading ‘Teenage Dick’ review – High school Richard III teaches everyone a lesson
This electrifying rewrite of Romeo and Juliet has more hits than you can shake a spear at – ★★★★★ In many ways, & Juliet is a mix-and-match musical. A centuries-old … Continue Reading ‘& Juliet’ review – Mogul Martin’s thrilling musical takes pop nostalgia to the max
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s staging of the ‘problem play’ is, in itself, not without its issues – ★★★ With some notable exceptions, I’m left wondering if stagings of Shakespeare like … Continue Reading ‘Measure for Measure’ review – Bard’s blackmail tale is a struggling slow burner
Combining puppetry, pantomime, sign language and audience participation, the RSC’s frolicking production owns the stage – ★★★★ Kimberley Sykes’ As You Like It sometimes gets lost in its own excitement. … Continue Reading ‘As You Like It’ review – A jubilant, theatrical celebration
The acclaimed production returns to the Globe with cheerful jubilance – ★★★★ As You Like It is an interesting play for a first visit to Shakespeare’s Globe. Federay Holmes and … Continue Reading ‘As You Like It’ review – Gender-swapped take on the Bard’s comedy is an amusing frolic
The creative team behind last year’s hit Julius Caesar return with another spectacular, magical sensation – ★★★★★ Shakespeare, at its best, is truly immersive. With Caesar and now A Midsummer … Continue Reading ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ review – Nicholas Hytner soars to new heights with this ethereal experience
Daft and riotous, Morgan Lloyd Malcolm’s play on Shakespeare’s “dark lady” is a theatrical firecracker – ★★★★★ Why haven’t we heard of Emilia Bassano? The first female professional poet – … Continue Reading ‘Emilia’ review – A hilarious, urgent and uproarious tale demanding to be told
McKellen delivers a bold and striking performance as the ill-fated king in this epic Shakespearean tragedy – ★★★★☆ McKellen gazes out into the audience after an incredible three-hour performance at … Continue Reading ‘King Lear’ review – Ian McKellen plays the tragic role with blistering emotion and bravado
