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Reviews
The Wizard of Oz, Birmingham Hippodrome, 12 June 2024, ‘till 16 June 2024 then on tour until 11 August 2024, 5✩✩✩✩✩. Review: David Gray & Paul Gray.
“An energetic and current realisation of this classic story.”
Barber & Rachmaninoff, CBSO, Symphony Hall Birmingham, 13 June 2024, 4✩✩✩✩. Review: David Gray & Paul Gray.
“Emotional the technical fireworks in an impressive performance of Barber’s Cello masterwork.”
Vespers of the Blessed Earth, CBSO, Symphony Hall, Birmingham. 5✩✩✩✩✩ Review: David Gray & Paul Gray.
“A profound and thoughtful new work followed by a revelatory reading of an established masterpiece.”
Budda of Suburbia: Adapted by Hanif Kureishi and Emma Rice, from the novel by Hanif Kureishi, RSC, The Swan, Stratford Upon Avon. 5✩✩✩✩✩ Review : Roderick Dungate.
“Marvellous adaptation of a superb novel.”
Photo Credit: Steve Tanner.
Cirque – the Greatest Show. The Curve, 60 Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 To 02 June 2024 prior to a national tour. 4✩✩✩✩ Review: William Russell.
“Circus acts and musical theatre irresistibly combined.”
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham, 31 May 2024. 4✩✩✩✩ Review: William Ruff.
“Discovering Glazunov: music that delights the ear and touches the heart.”
Photo Credit: BBC. Image of Alexander Glazunov.
Centre Stage: Kegelstadt Trio, CBSO Centre, Birmingham. 30 May 2024. Review 4✩✩✩✩: David Gray
“A Fascinating and revelatory exploration of less well know works for an unusual combination of instruments.”
Old World Symphony, CBSO, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, 29 May 2024. 4✩✩✩✩ Review: David Gray & Paul Gray.
“Virtuosic violin and stirring symphonic playing.”
English: Sanaz ToossiRSC. The Other Place, Stratford Upon Avon, until 01 June. 5✩✩✩✩✩ Review: Roderick Dungate.
“Multi-Layered Exploration of Identity.”
Photo Credit: Richard Davenport
To Move in Time by Tim Etchells The Door, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2EP 23 May 2024. 4✩✩✩✩ Review: Joanna Jarvis
“A speculative and reflective journey.”
Photo Credit: Hugo Glendinning.
Czech National Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, 21 May 2024. 4✩✩✩✩ Review: David Gray & Paul Gray.
“After a lack-lustre start, this concert picked up pace and energy.”
The Hallé, Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham, 17 May 2024. 5✩✩✩✩✩ Review: William Ruff.
“Two musical knights in a concert to treasure.”
Photo Credit: Sim Canetty-Clarke.
New World Symphony, CBSO, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, 15 May 2024. 4✩✩✩✩ Review: David Gray & Paul Gray.
“A longing for home meets the wonder of a new world” @ Lucy Walker, CBSO Programme Notes
Withnail & I, The Rep, Birmingham, 14 May, on ’till 25 May 2024. Running time 2hrs 15 mins with interval. 3✩✩✩ Review: David Gray
“Film to stage adaptation that loses much in translation.”
Photo Credit: Manuel Harlan.
Sister Act – A Divine Musical Comedy, Birmingham Hippodrome, 13 May ‘till 18 May 2024, then touring. 4✩✩✩✩ Review: David Gray & Paul Gray.
“A heart-warming and polished iteration of this solid, well put together show.”
Love’s Labours Lost: William ShakespeareRSC@ RST, Stratford Upon AvonRuns: 3h One interval, till 18 May. 4✩✩✩✩ Review: Roderick Dungate. AD Performance, 11 May 2024.
“A Love’s Labours Lost that fits our age.”
Photo Credit: Johan Persson
Death in Venice, Benjamin Britten/Myfanwy Piper, WNO, Birmingham Hippodrome, 11 May 2024. 5✩✩✩✩✩ David Gray & Paul Gray
“A triumphant production of Britten’s late masterpiece.”
Photo Credit: Johan-Persson
Cosi Fan Tutte – Mozart/Da Ponte, WNO, Birmingham Hippodrome, 10 May 2024: For the musical performance.5✩✩✩✩✩ for the production itself – 1✩ Review: David Gray.
“Beautiful singing and impressive acting marred by a seriously naff production.”
Image courtesy of WNO
Guarneri Trio of Prague, Lakeside Arts, Nottingham, 02 May 2024.5✩✩✩✩✩ Review: William Ruff.
“Old friends return to Nottingham’s Lakeside.”
Philharmonia Orchestra, Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham, 01 May 2024. 5✩✩✩✩✩ Review: William Ruff
“An evening of muscular musicality from the Philharmonia.”