Theo Bosanquet

“Like the dockyards it celebrates, The Last Ship may not be the most efficient of operations, but there's no doubting the heart behind it.”

“So what results is a kind of hybrid jukebox show, one that at points almost feels like a 90s nostalgia fest, but makes an awkward vehicle for a bleak story of broken characters seeking highs against a backdrop of urban decline.”

“It all makes for a smart piece of summer programming, a fun Parisian romp with an intriguing note of melancholy.”

“The combination is dynamite, and makes for an evening fit to honour the memory of two trailblazing women.”

“But they’re fighting an uphill battle with material that feels more of a disappointing coda than a fond farewell.”

“The production, co-directed by Aneesha Srinivasan and Royal Court artistic director David Byrne, struggles to keep up the early momentum and by the – predictably violent – climax, my emotional investment had waned.”

“Even if at points he’s guilty of wearing his learning a little too heavily, and the running time of nearly three hours feels indulgent, Stoppard nevertheless drops pearl after pearl of linguistic brilliance throughout.”

“There is much to enjoy, particularly for Le Carré aficionados, and it's a noble effort to show that his densely detailed novels are stageable.”

“This heartfelt drama is best for children ages 12 and above, as it mentions themes of suicide and drug use.”

“The Producers has come back to the West End just at the right time, offering a giant slab of feel-good escapism and genuine hilarity when such things feel in short supply.”

“This scene is stunningly choreographed in silence, as the gathered townspeople express their horror at what has taken place as they’re one by one driven from the square, leaving just Sonya cradling the dead child (in puppet form).”

“It's wall-to-wall with tunes that will make you want to dust of your denims and, like Jemma, come to realise that for all its flaws, Live Aid is an event well worth celebrating.”

“Cox’s impassioned, emotionally wrought portrayal of fading genius that shines brightest.”

“But for all its admirable boldness, there is something incongruous about seeing this early 17th century drama entirely rewritten for the modern day.”

“Fall’s revival revels in its sheer entertainment factor, emphasised by Peter McKintosh’s sitcom-esque living room set, and in Outhwaite has a comic lead on stellar form.”

“But for all its wistful charm it’s hard to escape the feeling that this is also a cynical product.”

“It’s vividly brought to life by Fionna Hewitt-Twamley, in a virtuoso performance that has rightly won acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe and elsewhere.”

“Right now we could all use a big hug from Totoro, and this is about as close as you can get.”