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Review of ‘Speculations’: “Conspiracy-theory play is riddled with hollowness”
It’s ironic how a play exploring the incongruities surrounding three of America’s most notorious assassinations can be so incongruent itself. The fact that someone of Trevor Nunn’s stature agreed to direct it only adds to the mystery—though its lack of quality shouldn’t surprise anyone who witnessed the tuneless spectacle that The Score was. In any…
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Review of ‘The Bridge’: “Palestinian play exposes major conflict but ultimately lacks one of its own”
Humour is subjective, but calling this performer a comedian might be a stretch. Yes, he makes jokes. And surprisingly, they are meant to be funny. Whether that goal is fulfilled or not is once again a matter of taste. If you’ve never heard jest before, you’ll probably say he’s hilarious. If you happen to be…
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Review of ‘Ceilidh’: “Unconventional Scottish musical isn’t that brave, but it teems with heart”
As with its pronunciation, be prepared for something a little unusual and unexpected. By all means, this is an atypical musical. An imperfect one, as well. But the great thing about it (or perhaps one of the many) is that it doesn’t need to be flawless. A simple story and an accessible Gaelic score result…
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Review of ‘The Moth’: “Dusty play doesn’t emerge from its cocoon”
Nothing’s better than a good political drama. And probably nothing’s worse than a poorly delivered one. This isn’t by any means one of the worst shows I’ve come across in my years as a critic. In fact, this month has obliged me with an infinite stream of tripe, making me look more favourably upon this…
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Review of ‘ROLEPLAY’: “Sex-driven show is worth a second coming, but it needs a bigger load”
You don’t have to be too open to enjoy this play. Despite its flaws (and there are many prominent ones), it has enough attributes to satisfy its audience. In other words, it’s fun to ride: intense but not too painful; it goes deep inside you without tearing you apart; and it offers some interesting reflections…
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Review of ‘Girls’: “Kidnapping play doesn’t fully steal audiences’ hearts”
They’ve got the right premise. They delivered the right approach. But they haven’t followed through. Not completely, that is. Girls has returned to the London stage ten years after its original iteration. Its first production came at a time when its real-life inspiration was still fresh in audiences’ minds: nearly three hundred girls were kidnapped…
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Review of ‘Derren Brown: Only Human’: “Mentalist show is barely mind-blowing”
I’ve been asked not to tell what happens in the show. Maybe because not much happens after all; if the real reason is copyright infringement, I think they will be fine: there’s hardly anything in this show worth stealing, and even the good bits aren’t that good (and certainly not original). Derren Brown has impressed…
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Review of ‘The Pianist’ (2026, Park Theatre): “Stage adaptation hits all the right notes despite lacking a few fortes”
They lied in the tagline. This isn’t a musical. I don’t mind the deception, however. If misleading the public means this show may get more viewers, so be it. Because it needs to be seen. And heard. And more importantly, listened to. Szpilman gave us the facts. Polanski gave us the images. And now, albeit…
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Review of ‘Martin Guerre’ (Old Vic, 2026): “New revival features more historical accuracy but loses its identity”
It’s never had its way with audiences. The original London production was indeed on for a good couple of years. But that hardly compares to the remarkable success of Boublil and Schönberg’s previous works. Had it opened today in its initial form, it probably wouldn’t have lasted that long. Neither will this newest, heavily altered…
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Review of “tell me straight//aggy”: “Double bill is twice as bad”
This really tried my patience. More than the annoying slow walkers taking up the entire width of the pavement. More than the self-unaware people who think everyone on the bus wants to listen to their trashy song selection. And more than the house invasion I’m currently dealing with in my personal life (I’m not making…
