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Review of ‘Krapp’s Last Tape’ (2026, Royal Court): “Gary Oldman shines in somber existential play”
I’ve always found it difficult to connect with Samuel Beckett. I don’t deny his genius, but his niche appeal is undeniable, even to his most passionate lovers. That doesn’t make him better or worse. But it’s not easy to analyse a piece that you’re somehow predisposed not to enjoy. There are two reasons why its…
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Review of ‘1536’: “Anne Boleyn-themed drama needs some reformation”
“This is England, woman”. A simple line unloads all the ominous weight of a dire age — and a most dangerous situation. What once was a harmless, playful act has become a death sentence. Yes, this England. 16th-century England. And the social dynamics among men and women, nobles and peasants, and virtually anyone abided by…
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Review of ‘The Anti “Yogi”‘: “Multi-limbed spectacle needs a little extra hand”
There’s no doubt about her flexibility onstage. Both as a performer and in any yoga position. She can also dance. And even play God. Literally, you shall see some interesting interpretations of how the Buddha and Krishna are supposed to talk. It’s all in good faith, though (no pun intended — well, maybe a little…
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Review of ‘The Wasp’: “Buzzing premise for a thriller fails to sting”
I was on board the moment I saw there was murder involved. And perhaps, that was the only part of it that got me engaged. It wasn’t too big an investment anyway. There’s some brilliance shimmering through the basic pieces of The Wasp, which is returning to the London scene in a new production presented…
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Review of ‘Flush’: “Loo-ny narrative is way out of tune”
The title left little to the imagination. So did the toilet stamp they put on my hand, which has haunted me all weekend. Not in a good way, though. It’s an excruciatingly bland, boring play. The kind that makes you look at your watch over and over again, only to find out it’s been only…
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Review of ‘Let The Right One In’: “Jack Thorne’s adaptation sucks all the blood out of fluttering vampire tale”
I was caught off guard despite its title. I should have known better. The name didn’t smell garlicky, but the reference should have been obvious. Fortunately enough, there’s more to this tale about two teenagers- one of them, a mortal; the other one, a so-called demon of the night -than the brainless prepubescent wet dream…
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Review of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ (2026, The Globe): “Interactive production doesn’t take pains, but it’s almost perfect”
This is not the groundbreaking tour de force that The Globe blessed us with at the end of last year, but it’s not that far from that level of excellence. There’s nothing technically new about it. Unlike the venue’s most recent predecessor, this one is back to drollery, liveliness, and, of course, summer. And that…
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Review of ‘Heart Wall’: “Self-examining narrative has the mindset but not the soul”
This is a coming-home story. And like every story about somebody returning to the place that watched them grow but didn’t allow them to, the outcome is never pretty. At least, not entirely. Things haven’t been going great for Franky, whose glamorous London life might not be as ideal as she wants people to think.…
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Review of ‘26.2 Reasons To Stay Alive’: “Galloping monologue delivers a marathon of instropection”
Alright — there’s no need to panic. I know what you’re thinking after reading that title. And I want you to take a deep breath and say to yourself that everything will be fine. Yes, it’s called 26.2 Reasons. Yes, that’s a reference to the London Marathon’s distance. And yes, its average running time is…
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Review of ‘Grace Pervades’: “Ralph Fiennes shines as Irving’s dullest stage appearance”
It’s funny, if not ironic, that the story of a frustrated, perfectionist actor trying to deliver the finest theatre has been told by somebody who doesn’t seem to know the basics of proper storytelling. There is only one reason to come see this show, and after a glimpse of it, you don’t need to stay…
