Latest Reviews

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 ★★★★★

An utterly compelling piece of theatre blessed with fine performances from its quartet of actors. ★★★★★

A diverting jeu d’esprit as well as a slightly eccentric addition to the realms of Bondiana ★★★☆☆

What fun to roll up all our prejudices about toffs into one relentlessly obnoxious bounder ★★★☆☆

Bartlett’s clever writing seems to have one direction of travel, but always tangentially paints the spiritual loss on the part of the bullies. ★★★★☆

A Broadway phenomenon delivered with precision, passion, and plenty of polish. ★★★★☆

Some shows are more equal than others ★★★☆☆

As Shylock, Tracy-Ann Oberman delivers a performance of power and subtlety. ★★★★☆

It’s a valiant attempt at Shakespeare’s “rudest and silliest of plays” and a true ode to the message of inclusivity that forms part of Bristol’s DNA. ★★★☆☆

In one sense the whole play is a master-class in misdirection and manipulation, and yet one in which we eagerly participate. ★★★★☆

A fun flight packed with comic characters. ★★★★☆

This A Man For All Seasons acts as a timely reminder, if one is needed, of the importance of morality in political life. ★★★★☆

Still sassy, sexy and stylish at fifty ★★★★★

An outstanding performance of scintillating song, dance and expressive theatre. ★★★★★

This is definitely a show for today, with a laudably rich diversity, the right to be different, the overall message captured in the song I Want It That Way. ★★★★☆

This is a cleverly performed piece of misdirection which raises a grim smile at the end of some very funny monologue. ★★★★☆

Performed with palpable emotion, expression and boundless energy by a young and talented troupe. ★★★★☆

StageTalk’s 2024 Highlights

Devotees of the Wodehouse oeuvre will find much to enjoy in this technically adroit and very skilfully performed show. ★★★★☆

Jon Monie has once again grasped the Christmas panto template to conjure another a first-class traditional show. ★★★★☆

The production sparkles with inventive nuggets whilst showing us a strange and unfamiliar Illyria. ★★★★☆

A bold and beautiful reimagining that balances spectacle, humour, and a heartfelt message for all ages. ★★★★☆

Little Red & Other Winter Tales is a masterclass in family theatre. ★★★★★

Only the grumpiest of traditionalists could fail to be nudged into the Christmas spirit by this relentlessly entertaining seasonal offering. ★★★★★

Brian Conley is the star of the show, establishing an instant rapport with the audience in seemingly effortless fashion. ★★★☆☆

Festive, frivolous and formulaic fun for all the family ★★★☆☆

A charming festive retelling of a lesser-known Holmes tale ★★★★☆