Latest Reviews

Dead good, but not quite a masterpiece ★★★★☆

As an outstanding benchmark for what theatre is capable of in adapting from another medium this would take some beating. ★★★★☆

Gifford’s is unashamedly escapist, and a delight for all ages. Catch it if you can ★★★★★ 

Touches on what many millennials and Gen Z’s are feeling right now – that they don’t even know if a future is possible ★★★☆☆

It is the darkness of author Patrick Hamilton’s inner life that suffuses this re-telling by Matthew Bourne. ★★★★☆

Taken altogether, this revival of Moira Buffini’s play is a witty and sprightly dance through a period of near history. ★★★★☆

“Just you and the big blue.” ★★★★☆

This is a moving, heartfelt story, an intimate piece of theatre with quick fire dialogue and intense personal conflict ★★★☆☆

Without catching a breath, Tones: A Hip-Hop Opera brings a heartfelt exploration of the black experience centre stage. ★★★☆☆

Shelley’s tragedy reanimated with wit, charm, and cardboard. ★★★★☆

Unfortunately there is too limp a trajectory towards its genuinely sad conclusion. ★★☆☆☆

An admirable display of stamina and versatility. ★★★☆☆

This production is not just powerful and terrifying, it offers us a Titus Andronicus which touches on the roots of the violence it presents. ★★★★☆ 

The car is undoubtedly the star, floating and flying in spectacular fashion. ★★★☆☆

This was a rich cake that just failed to rise in the baking. ★★☆☆☆

Sliding, gliding, and searching for something to believe in. ★★★☆☆

Physical theatre at its best. ★★★★☆

The dynamic retelling of this trailblazing classic makes it a show not to be missed. ★★★★☆

The production is full of invention, but that comes ultimately at the price of any finesse ★★★☆☆

Strong leads elevate a classic American tale. ★★★★☆

The triumphant return of a very funny and boisterously choreographed musical homage. ★★★★☆

Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi, playing the role of Tina Turner, has enough energy to light up the entire South West. ★★★★★

This is a must-see show, for Audrey Brisson is quite brilliant ★★★★☆

A good production to give audiences a look at a play that had some measure of success in the West End and is a welcome fit for the Alma. ★★★☆☆

Picasso: Le Monstre Sacré is a well performed one-man show – but therein lies a problem. ★★★☆☆

A simple, poignant tale, beautifully told. ★★★★☆

Simply revel in the beauty of the vocal lines and sumptuous interweaving of voices ★★★★☆

The show is well put together and entertains, but the sum is no greater than the parts, despite some outstanding performances. ★★★☆☆

Although choreographed by Sir David Bintley more than 15 years ago, this version shouts freshness and joy at every turn. ★★★★☆

To see the show is truly to step into another realm in an exuberant gallimaufry of sound and colour. ★★★★★

A candid and provocative exploration of both the strength and vulnerability within teenage sexuality, Playfight packs a punch. ★★★★☆

A confessional kaleidoscope of grief, queerness, and growing pains. ★★★★☆

An excellent, pacey and very witty performance.

Brash, colourful and extremely loud, this was a Joseph that was not shy about grabbing attention. ★★★☆☆

An immersive, vibrant and modern vision of Shakespeare’s classic. ★★★★☆

Christie aficionados will have no complaints about a quality production. ★★★☆☆

Seduction, sexual manipulation and some very dangerous liaisons ★★★☆☆

CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY “The world is changed by the women you push too far”. ★★★★☆

Daniel Evans gives an impressive performance as Edward, petulant, tyrannical and uncertain ★★★★☆

Theatre magic has arrived on this Oxford stage ★★★★★

A superbly crafted and often deliciously naughty example of storytelling at its very best. ★★★★☆

“It’s about a shark” …. ★★★★☆

An engaging introduction to tales that have remained relevant for over 2400 years.

A play of two halves ★★★☆☆

Boys From the Black Stuff will retain its relevance as long as there is inequality in the world. ★★★★☆

Shakespeare At The Tobacco Factory is back and looking as healthy as ever. ★★★★☆

A play which tackles an important issue in an original and courageous fashion. ★★★☆☆

Here is a production as much to be watched as to be listened to … ★★★★☆

Treads the delicate path between comedy and leaden proselytizing to deliver a thought provoking comedy. ★★★★☆

A haunting, arresting and contemporary take on Wilde’s timeless morality tale ★★★★★