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Hope Springs by Richard ConlonDirector: Tim FordReviewer: Helen ChapmanThis performance of ‘Hope Springs’ by Richard Conlon, was staged by the ‘Young REP’ and was cast by an enthusiastic group of young people and some of their parents. Set on an idyllic island, the story follows a group of teenagers who were sent to a ‘correctional [...]

Animal Farm by George OrwellAdaptor: Peter HallLyrics: Adrian MitchellMusic: Rochard PeaseleeDirector: Nioklai FosterReviewer: Ali NobleNikolai Foster’s ‘Animal Farm’, currently playing at Leeds’ West Yorkshire Playhouse, is, in simple terms, outstanding. It’s quite difficult to describe the set-up without it sounding, well, odd. But attempt we will. The cast of 16 take on the menagerie of [...]

Independent Means by Stanley HoughtonDirector: Chris HonerReviewer: John Garfield-RobertsFor the centeneray of Annie Hornimans movement that established the UK’s first repertory company in Manchester, Director Chris Honer wanted to find a play that came from the ‘Manchester School’ of playwrights as a fitting tribute, several days within the British Library archives Honer found a little [...]

Avenue Q – Noel Coward Theatre Music & Lyrics: Robert Lopez & Jeff MarxBook: Jeff WhittyDirector: Jason MooreReviewer: Liz VileWhen I was asked to review this production I jumped at the chance. Having seen this show before I was very interested to see if the new cast created such an energetic and enthusiastic performance as [...]

Blowing Whistles by Matthew ToddLeicester Square TheatreDirector: Pete NettellReviewer: David SaundersThe comedy written by Matthew Todd has at its heart the relationship of Nigel and Jamie a thirty something gay couple who decide to celebrate their tenth anniversary by sharing their bed with internet date Mark. The events of the evening are used as a [...]

Privates on Parade Book & Lyrics: Peter NicholsMusic: Denis KingDirector: Ian BrownReviewer: Helen Chapman.Privates on Parade is inspired by writer, Peter Nichols’, own real life experiences in which he escaped guard duties to become part of the combined service entertainment unit, and the characters are influenced on real-life people and places. This play tells a [...]

The Venetian Twins by Carlo Goldoni Bolton Octagon TheatreTranslator: Ranjit BoltDirector: Paul HunterReviewer: John Garfield-Roberts This is the second show in current Artistic Director Mark Babych’s final season and the last show for Director Paul Hunter as Associate Director, but what a fantastic send off Hunter has given himself with The Venetian Twins. Goldini’s classic [...]

Aida by VerdiEnglish National OperaDirector: Jo DaviesConductor: Gerard KorstenReviewer: Jeffrey MayhewIn many ways a logical starting point for a considered review by a member of the public is whether, putting aside personal taste and minor caveats, the production in question is to be recommended – whether it is worth the money and effort to go [...]