Email: ReviewsgateReviews@gmail.com
Reviews
Leaves of Glass by Philip Ridley. Park 90, 19 Jan to 10 Feb 2024. 5****: William Russell.
“That ‘other country’ that is the past devastatingly exposed.”
Photo credit: Mark Senior.
Cowbois by Charlie Josephine. The Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, London SW1 to 10 February 2024. 3***: William Russell.
“A right carry on set in the wild west with lots to say about gender.”
Photo Credit: Ali Wright.
Don’t Destroy Me by Michael Hastings. The Arcola Theatre, 24 Ashwin Street, London E8 to 03 February 2024. 3***: William Russell.
“Half forgotten Michael Hasting’s first play written when he was 18 is resurrected.”
Photo Credit Philip Gammon
Jenùfa by Leoš Janácek, London Symphony Orchestra, Barbican Hall, London EC2. 5*****: Clare Colvin.
“Powerfully vivid performance of Janácek’s most moving opera.”
Photo Credit: Barbican.
The Good John Proctor by Talena Monahon. Jermyn Street Theatre, 16b Jermyn Street, London SW1 to 27 January 2024. 4****: William Russell.
“A disturbing, perceptive look at the girls who dreamt up the witches of Salem.”
Photo credit : Jack Sain.
Waiting for Hate Mail by Mark Akrill. Seven Dials Playhouse, Tower Street, London to 20 January 2024. 3***: William Russell.
“A tale of love and hate mail and betrayal dazzlingly told.”
Photo Credit : Steve Gregson.
1979 by Michael Healey. The Finborough Theatre, 118 Finborough Road, London SW10 to 27 January 2024. 2**: William Russell.
“Turgid drama about Canadian politics.”
Photo Credit: Simon Annand.
This Much I know by Jonathan Spector. Hampstead Downstairs, Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage, London to 27 January 2024. 4****: William Russell.
“Bewildering but intriguing and well performed last play of the year.”
Photo Credit:The Other Richard.
The Motive and The Cue by Jack Thorne, The Noel Coward Theatre, St Martin’s Lane, London to 23 March 2024. 4****: William Russell.
“Mark Gatiss and Johnny Flynn magnificent account of how Richard Burton’s Hamlet reached the stage.”
Production Photo: Mark Douet.
Your’re a Good Man,Charlie Brown. Book, Music & Lyrics by Clark Gesner. Upstairs at the Gatehouse, Highgate Village, London to 14 January 2024. 3***: William Russell.
“Snoopy steals the show.”
Photo Credit : Simon Jackson.
Rock ‘N’ Roll by Tom Stoppard. Hampstead Theatre, Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage, London NW3. 3***: William Russell.
“Strongly cast revival of a play which for all its interest time has maybe not been kind to.”
Photo Credit: Manuel Harlan.
Dick Whittington By Alan McHugh. Additional material by Paul Merton. Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond, TW9 1QJ to 07 January 2024. 4****: William Russell.
“Paul Merton is a magnificent dame in a first rate pantomime.”
Photo Credit: Craig Sugden.
Oh No It Isn’t by Luke Adamson. The Brockley Jack Studio Theatre, 410 Brockley Road, London SE4 to 06 January 2024. 4****: William Russell.
“A splendid Christmas show – Oh, yes it is.”
Photo Credit:Davor @ The Ocular Creative.
The Songs of Solomon by Salomone Rossi - Vache Baroque, St John’s Smith Square, London SW1. 4****: Clare Colvin.
“Choreography that flowed through the course of the evening.”
Photo Credit: The Photography Shed.
High Society – Music & Lyrics by Cole Porter. Book by Arthur Kopit. The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye, Reading RG4 to 20 January 2024. 3***: William Russell.
“Musical fare for Christmas more Turkey than Plum Pudding.”
Photo Credit : Andreas Lambos.
Aberdeen by Cassie Workman. Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London W1D to 16 December 2023. 4****: William Russell.
“A spellbinding homage to Kurt Cobain.”
Photo Credit: Jake Bush.
Pacific Overtures. Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Book by John Weidman. The Menier Chocolate Factory, 53 Southwark Street, London SE1 to 24 February 2024. 4****: William Russell.
“A superb revival of a difficult Sondheim musical - not to be missed.”
Photo Credit: Manuel Harlan.
Infinite Life by Annie Baker. The Dorfman, the National Theatre, South Bank, London SE1 to 13 January 2024. 3***: William Russell.
“Funny, sad, interesting piece about living with pain and seeking cures in dubious places.”
Photo credit: Marc Brenner.
£1 Thursdays by Ket Rose-Martin, the Finborough Theatre, 118 Finborough Road, London SW18 to 23 December 2023. 4****: William Russell.
“Perceptive, funny play about two young girls growing up in Bradford and facing up to what lies in store. A real pre-Christmas treat.”
Photo Credit: Alex Brenner.
Sleeping Beauty takes a Prick by Jon Bradfield &Martin Harper. Songs by Jon Bradfield. Charing Cross Theatre, Villiers Street, London WC2 to 13 January 2024. 4****: William Russell.
“For those who like adult pantomimes – if not, stay home.”
Photo Credit: Oli Sones.