Marianka Swain

“RENT is a soul-stirring act of creation, and so too is this exhilarating revival.”

“This major West End premiere presents the life of John Maynard Keynes to audiences in a captivating night of theatre, bringing one of the 20th century’s most influential thought leaders to the stage.”

“It’s a reminder that this genius writer delivers his comedy with a sting in the tail.”

“Tim Sheader’s rock-tastic production was first seen at Regent’s Air in 2016, and it makes a pulse-racing, soul-stirring, triumphant return.”

“This wonderful new British musical does them justice.”

“Sinatra: The Musical is a turbulent experience, boasting more than 20 Sinatra hits and sleek, glossy staging, but is let down by poor writing that never quite gets under the legendary artist’s skin.”

“But if it’s not as bold conceptually as it might be, the dynamite female company does seal the deal.”

“The coming-of-age storyline is just as raucous as it is heart-warming and relatable.”

“Beneath the play’s Wildean bon mots, champagne and glamour, there lurks a dark heart and all-consuming destructive devastation.”

“This play likewise makes me want to scream, laugh, cry, and dance.”

“That really sums up this entertaining romp: it’s a wildly unlikely sensation.”

“Paddington is pure theatre magic...It invites a live audience in to become part of the story...I tip my hat to Paddington: the small bear is a big hit.”

“End works beautiful on all counts.”

“It’s a hell of a mic drop, and I for one can’t wait to see what else Rubasingham has in store.”

“This is an accessible romp that honours Shakespeare’s populist spirit, jubilantly reclaims queer history, and explores a literary mystery that continues to fascinate.”

“This life-affirming show proves that and more – an absolute tonic.”

“This is a show that continues a vital conversation, and does so with empathy, care and burning conviction.”

“This darkly brilliant Evita is bursting with star quality.”

“Stereophonic is an endlessly rich, deeply human labour of love.”

“Carter is outstanding as the robustly pragmatic Vivie, whose assured sense of self is shattered by a series of revelations.”

“Are opened Off Broadway in 2023 and now makes its UK debut at the National, a witty, dreamlike, insightful, sometimes maddening, ultimately moving tribute to the man who left an indelible mark on musical theatre.”

“Even as disaster strikes, this spectacular party never ends.”

“Long-time friends Hiddleston and Atwell turn these ingredients into a full-on banquet of both blissful comedy and ecstatic romance.”

“Three’s company in Mike Bartlett’s gloriously funny and deeply empathetic new comedy.”

“This is a simply glorious Oliver!, and a must for family audiences (even if you’ve got to pick a pocket or two).”

“This gorgeously crafted musical adaptation uses an outlandish premise to pose questions about relatable and quietly profound concepts.”

“Happily, Armando Iannucci and Sean Foley’s explosively funny new stage adaptation also pulls off that near-impossible high-wire act.”

“This staging still makes O’Casey’s grimly resonant point about the futile horror of civil war and sectarian politics.”

“It’s a reminder of how exciting live theatre can be when we take the safety catch off, and that art can and should strike a powerful blow against tyranny.”

“This giddily magnificent, life-affirming production will certainly spread joy.”

“Don your best pink shirt for this fun, life-affirming, super grool musical.”

“This 2022. Edinburgh Fringe hit looks right at home in the West End beside the likes of Operation Mincemeat, Two Strangers, and Standing at the Sky’s Edge.”

“This is theatrical time travel of the most joyful variety.”

“Caird, who co-adapted with his wife Maoko Imai, sticks faithfully to the film, but could probably diverge more – either to trim the three-hour runtime, or to introduce fresh theatrical elements. There are some of the latter here, including an ensemble fan dance and plaintive songs, backed by Joe His...”

“It’s that rare show in which you really take the characters to heart, and this contrasting pair are beautifully balanced on their parallel journeys to self-acceptance.”

“This promising watery play at our great riverside theatre just needs more in its depths – and fewer songs.”

“What an extraordinary enterprise this is.”

“That’s when this blistering production hits the wuthering heights.”

“Never mind ‘Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough’: Christopher Wheeldon’s turbo-charged company hardly pause for breath in this epic thriller of a tribute.”

“She really gives something of herself in an emotionally raw turn, and, using that gorgeous powerhouse voice, lends some welcome dramatic heft to Wainwright’s meandering songs.”

“Nye’s story deserves to echo through the ages.”

“This spellbinding West End production was well worth the wait.”

“Explosive, anarchic and swaggeringly rock 'n'”

“It’s also a blisteringly good time, thanks to one of the best back catalogues available to any jukebox musical.”

“The biggest takeaway is just what a brilliant stage performer Parker is, whether landing a wry zinger with expert precision or letting loose in some fantastic physical comedy.”

“This astounding show definitely feels like a new chapter in theatre.”

“It’s the best Dahl adaptation since Matilda, and the best new musical I’ve seen this year, hands down.”

“But despite that interesting backdrop, and a 70-strong cast, this epic production is, alas, epically boring.”

“Moss and Jamie Armitage’s infectiously fun production is packed with witty touches that make history, and theatre, easily accessible.”

“This impeccably played comedy of manners nicely balances palace gossip with broader ideas about class, power, and way that tradition can both comfort and stifle.”

“The show does address a big issue from the novel: the imbalance in the main relationship, with an older Henry all but grooming Clare to fall in love with him.”

“But this current hybrid still feels like a story in search of its ideal form.”

“It’s a wickedly entertaining show that balances proper spectacle with heartfelt drama.”

“This is a Sunset Boulevard for a new generation.”

“This final instalment is the most flawed, but the Death of England project has proved a mighty, rapid-response record of an explosive period.”

“But this neither feels like a faithful rendering, nor a transformation with real contemporary heft.”

“There’s plenty to admire about this show, from its inclusive spirit to its harnessing of big emotions, but it lacks detail and nuance: those crucial little things.”

“Otherwise, Christopher Luscombe’s witty, handsome revival succeeds because it trusts the material, allowing the profundity to quietly transcend the flippancy.”

“And yet, the sneaky truth is that this wild, thrilling, go-for-broke, genuinely hilarious musical comedy remains one of the funniest shows in the West End.”

“Regardless of whoever plays the Emcee and Sally – and next up is the pop duo of Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears and Self Esteem – this production is, and will remain, an absolute knockout.”

“So too does this boundlessly inventive show constantly set its ambitions seemingly beyond its resources (including a cast of five summoning numerous characters) — and somehow not just meet but exceed them.”

“Luke Sheppard’s production, meanwhile, in which ordinary living-room furniture is magically transformed – like a chest of drawers becoming a cascading staircase, or spotlights hidden in a cupboard – captures the sheer elation of creativity.”

“Tom Morton-Smith’s adaptation strikes a perfect balance of honouring Hayao Miyazaki’s creation and seeking a new theatrical language, brilliantly realised in Phelim McDermott’s exquisite production.”

“It’s kitsch, joyful hedonism writ large, bursting with sparklers, streamers and technicolour vitality – and powered by a cast who know only too well that you should perform every show as though it could be your last.”

“It's the party at the end of the world - and it's the show of the year.”

“You'd need a heart of stone to resist.”

“And, in truth, it’s not exactly a musical in the traditional sense. After two viewings, I’d be hard pressed to reproduce much of the original score; the songs that stick are the pop hits used in the movie and triumphantly reprised here, ‘Johnny B Goode’ and ‘The Power of Love.’”

“Miranda’s construction is just a marvel – one of the artistic wonders of the world.”

“Golden Age musical pleasures with a dash of contemporary wisdom”