LondonTheatre1

“Instead, it mixes poignancy with silliness, finding humour in the absurdity of life while quietly reminding us that none of us has as much time as we think we have.”

“This intriguing and thoughtful production is highly relevant in the turbulent and uncertain world in which we live.”

“Although I am not sure that a musical about Jane Eyre was really needed, and there is already an opera by Michael Berkeley, I am pleased to have encountered this particular production.”

“It is a competent biography of a complex and interesting character, but it lacks a bit of zest and never quite hits the right note.”

“While there are some intriguing and insightful remarks about the injustices faced by black people in American journalism as well as in wider society, the play takes too long to make the point, already known to the savvy and discerning, that mainstream media is not to be trusted.”

“However, the omission of all but four characters certainly gives Andrews' staging great impetus, enabling the audience to concentrate on the main protagonists; at times it is quite gripping, even if the momentum is not sustained throughout.”

“This is Shakespearean comedy of the highest quality, very much as we like it and very much as you will like it too.”

“Harrison delivers each story beautifully, switching character to character at the snap of a finger and bringing each one of them onto the stage for the audience to meet and get to know.”

“The whole evening was great fun and total fantasy – just go and lose yourself!”

“The show is short (but performed across two acts) and silly – just as it should be.”

“Even by musical theatre standards, the show is sluggish and too repetitive.”

“Then again, the show’s momentum is slowed to an extent anyway by the decision to make forays into the lives of other singers.”

“Whether you're a fan of magic or just looking for an entertaining, family-friendly show, Now You See Me Live is well worth seeing.”

“Built around those astonishing puppets, Dinosaur World Live is a fabulous show for children, especially three to nine-year-olds.”

“An awesome experience for young and old alike.”

“Sadly, most of it falls very flat.”

“This is an enjoyable show performed by two very talented and likeable performers, but it is somewhat protracted, and I’m not sure who their target market is in this current format.”

“Otherwise, the art of storytelling blossoms in this curious and fascinating show.”

“This is a blazing, joyful triumph.”

“Thought-provoking, deeply moving and magnificently performed, The Importance of Being Oscar is theatre at its most intimate and affecting.”

“A musical (and magical) adaptation, the show is not just a faithful recreation of a favourite book for many young children but also the perfect way to introduce them to the magic of theatre.”

“The music is vibrant and powerful and lifts the play beyond the familiar clichés.”

“The plot may be dark, but the music is upbeat, and the cast are enthusiastic and very talented.”

“Tender by name and tender by nature, it throws the kitchen sink and then some at an increasingly convoluted storyline, including self-harm, possible eating disorders and an apparent addiction to adult entertainment.”

“Overall, The Jonathan Larson Project is a very enjoyable ninety minutes spent in talented company, showcasing many songs which are well worth hearing and which otherwise we would have missed.”

“But what they are given is a stodgy pudding rather than a sizzling hot dog.”

“A playful and passionate production.”

“I am so pleased that I was able to see this particular rendering.”

“The Truth is the most enjoyable comedy you may ever see in your entire life.”

“While sufficiently entertaining, there was still the unshakeable feeling that this was very, very well-trodden ground.”

“A musical that has been many years in the making, it has been worth the wait!”

“The performances are good, the staging reasonable, and the storyline clever - but the spark is missing.”

“Sound issues aside on the night, it's a decent and dynamic production.”

“This version is hugely enjoyable, even if some of the darker intent doesn’t quite pack the punch that it could.”

“I failed to see, in the end, why the distinction was made between them – some of the movements, taken together, were something of a dance feast, but I didn’t think there was enough dramatic tension between the different body parts.”

“The result is certainly fascinating, and I found that time flew by, Erdal's storytelling and Anita Rochon's direction ensuring that there was always enough variety, whether or not you agreed with what he was saying!”

“There are some impressive skills on show.”

“Much goes on but the narrative becomes unwieldy.”

“Huge on spectacle but thin on drama, the revival of War Horse at the Olivier feels more like the launch of another tour than a seminal work that has returned with new resonance.”

“In some ways, it is difficult to care too much about what is going on, especially if, like me, you’re not inclined to pay much (if any) attention to celebrity gossip.”

“A thoughtful and perceptive production with as much socio-political commentary as heartfelt humanity.”

“Overall, however, it wasn’t a show that emotionally or psychologically connected with me.”

“An engaging and eclectic production that held my attention throughout.”

“It is also superbly acted by all concerned.”

“Dark, distressing, funny and thoroughly entertaining, this production is a powerful and emotionally charged experience.”

“The cast are utterly stellar, and every single actor stands out.”

“So full credit to Lex Lee for delivering an outstanding performance.”

“I found the pacing quite perfect in this dynamic and pinpointedly sharp production.”

“A mixed bag of emotions come to the fore in this surprisingly riveting and gritty production.”

“A real must-see show taking you on a journey of mystery and intrigue with the magic of Theatre.”

“The Price is possibly Miller’s most philosophical endeavour, beautifully realised but in need of a gentle fine-tuning and perhaps ten minutes shaved from the Victor/Gregory Solomon merry-go-round that sometimes becomes a tired refrain.”

“At the end of the day, Avenue Q is a hilarious hoot, and I have no hesitation in recommending this delightful and hearty production.”

“A triumph – warm, witty, and deeply human.”

“However, performances are very strong and worth seeing if you have 105 minutes to spare!”

“The Unicorn's first major co-production with the Royal Shakespeare Company is a breathtaking triumph.”

“But I wasn’t exactly gripped by this meandering and rather lukewarm production.”

“It’s rather unsatisfying, then, for theatregoers looking to be startled.”

“The innocence shines through, which is why she is targeted by both Merteuil and her music teacher, Chevalier Danceny, played by Darragh Hand, a nicely understated portrayal which is very effective.”

“Joyous and uplifting, Kinky Boots is just the tonic in an increasingly divided and divisive world.”

“With its strong writing, fine performances, and excellent direction from Josh Roche, In the Print is very accessible even for those not familiar with the political situation of the 1980s.”

“A strong and sophisticated script with a committed and convincing cast is rather let down by a sluggish production, and patience is only somewhat rewarded by the time the curtain call finally comes round.”

“This is a wonderful revival of a marvellous play.”

“In covering such a broad range of topics from mental health to body positivity to vegetarianism to unfaithful significant others, the storyline might have benefited from substantial trimming.”

“A thoughtful and convincing production.”

“An impressive and energetic production that doesn't rely on suddenly cranking up the volume to make patrons jump – it's far more slick and sophisticated than that.”

“Excellent writing and production of a play which, at its heart, is about love, or is it?”

“The wherewithal to keep going in the face of life’s myriad challenges is beautifully portrayed in this feelgood and inspiring production.”

“I sat totally entranced, as one should do by a really effective piece of drama, and I also found it very profound and moving.”

“It is nonetheless a thoughtful and fascinating piece of theatre.”

“The density of the writing, the complexity of the ideas, the lecture-like feel of far too many monologues and the bewildering cast of characters make it an ordeal rather than a joy.”

“Oh, Mary! is daft, daring and meticulously put together.”

“A pity, then, that the play proceeds at the pace of a snail, and there are one-hour plays out there that have more content than this two-hour one.”

“A sharp and rich production, The Playboy of the Western World’s ridicule of reductively romantic veneration of causes or cultures is more relevant than ever and should provoke as much thought as it entertains.”

“That’s their problem, frankly, as there’s much to admire in this stunning and delightful show.”

“The Hunger Games on Stage is a show that should be on everybody’s Christmas list.”

“Resistance is futile when the comedy value is as relentless and impressive as it is in this delightful production.”

“About Spies is wonderful stuff, and highly amusing: this is a production company that has honed their craft, and their experience shines through in what is probably their most sophisticated show yet, at least in its technical aspects.”

“What makes Marie and Rosetta a joyous entertainment are the songs, the band, and the incredible voices of these two amazing singers.”

“It is very silly – relentlessly so, really – but resistance is ultimately futile.”

“In the end, it’s a show I’d see again – there are some decent punchlines to chortle at and a stellar cast with plenty of talent to enjoy.”

“It is a very powerful, involving, piece of writing and stagecraft, and needs to be seen – highly recommended!”

“It is funny, and if you want to sit back and enjoy a funny two-hander from a couple of charismatic actors, this play will do the job.”

“A tepid and sluggish show that took a long, long time to make the point that life is s**t and then you die.”

“Here, we are gifted a memorable revival that refuses to shy away from the biting social commentary of the original, while basking in its delightfully dark comedy.”

“It’s not bad, but I drifted off on occasion, and still managed to easily follow proceedings, which to me is indicative of how it could be streamlined and speeded up.”

“The whole production is about as good as theatre gets; with every shade of emotion and absolutely no wasted dialogue or scene.”

“A slick and imaginative production.”

“It’s escapism of the highest order, playing to the gallery as it does with little (if any) subtlety.”

“Forget the movie, this is actually so much better.”

“This is a unique and unforgettable theatrical experience.”