by Amy Toledano
Taking a fanciful journey through the life of the often forgotten museum cloakroom attendant, this one-woman show gives us a behind the scenes look at how we can turn the mundane into something really special.
review
Othello, Shakespeare’s Globe
By Laura Kressly
Who knew one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies could be funny? Director and composer Claire van Kampen has tapped into a rare rhythm that sees Iago as a weaselly, clownish man lacking power and finesse, yet still manages to twist Othello into knots. Played by Mark Rylance, one of the finest actors of his generation, his performance is the strongest feature of this production.
Home I’m Darling, National Theatre
by Laura Kressly
Judy loves the 1950s. Nay, she’s obsessed with the era. Frustrated and tired by the demands of modern life, she and her husband Johnny have kitted out their home with authentic fixtures and fittings, and have dedicated themselves to maintaining a ’50s lifestyle. Are they happy living like they did in the good ole’ days, though?
Bury the Hatchet, Hope Theatre
by Amy Toledano
Despite the incredibly hot conditions at The Hope Theatre during the heatwave, the cast of Bury The Hatchet manage to create a highly energised and engaging piece recounting and investigating the story of supposed axe murderer Lizzie Borden.
The Little Mermaid, Underbelly Southbank
by guest critic Rebecca JS Nice
Just before the skies break and the rains come, lethargic families are lulled and tempered by six mermaids swimming through the heavy air. I applaud the cast who carry a full length narrative piece with live song, and music to the pinnacle of the tent in the heatwave.
Bluebird, The Space
by guest critic Gregory Forrest
“God it’s hot.”
“Did you know it’s the hottest summer we’ve had in fourteen years?”
“It’s too hot.”
Pretty much every line from Bluebird speaks true, but my God do these words glitter. Like beads of sweat.
The Laundry, Drayton Arms Theatre
by guest critic Amy Toledano
The Laundry is a lovely collaboration of writing by 15 Degrees Theatre that explores womanhood across many generations and across many cultures. Travelling across Europe from Russia, the play begins with two sisters and ends in three stories that will have you wanting to ring your mum the minute it ends.
Pity, Royal Court Theatre
by guest critic Amy Toledano
Walking into the Royal Court to see Rory Mullarkey’s new show Pity, one is welcomed by a full brass band, a working ice-cream stand and a heck of a lot of colour. The energy in the room is buzzing but has a slight edge. From the first moment it is evident that this show is going to be a new theatre experience for me.
Invisible Light, Tristan Bates Theatre
by associate editor Joanna Trainor
“In a world where the truth is hard to come by, raising your voice and removing the mask can be the boldest act of them all.”
The above premise for Invisible Light sounds a little sanctimonious, but it’s not actually an hour of people patting themselves on the back for being so right-on. It’s really seven short stories that explore identity and what that means in 2018, and all but one* of them are a little bit tongue-in-cheek, or play with the idea in some way.
Allelujah!, Bridge Theatre
by guest critic Gregory Forrest
A new Alan Bennett play is an event. And hospitals – the epicentres of birth and death – are eventful places. Allelujah! is a match made in heaven then.
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