“. . . Against the current hysterical political debate about immigration, Saikat’s piece serves as a heart-felt reminder that we need to ask ourselves what it means to be ‘made in Britain’. By revealing his life’s journey so intimately, he leaves us asking ourselves questions of our own. . . Directed by Sally Cookson, Strictly Balti is further proof that the Travelling Light Theatre Company can deliver potent new voices. Recommended.
Read MoreI once heard that reviews at the Wardrobe could only ever attract a maximum of three stars. Well, here are four for a change! Caitlin Ince is a very engaging actress with huge potential to make a name for herself. She also has some great ideas, and this production should be offered a run. Tobacco Factory, Everyman Theatre, Theatre Royal, what are you waiting for? The Wardrobe has acted as star-maker, seize the moment to add to the trajectory.
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“. . .the confined space within the darkened Studio Theatre lent the proceedings a perfect intimacy in which to witness the two ‘losers’ in this piece. . . an extraordinary and unlikely double-act not unlike Laurel and Hardy which I strongly recommend you savour. . . I loved [Mark] Hyde’s Morganhall. He looked and sounded perfect for the role, both in his outbursts of self-deluded oratory and in his crumpled admissions of shortcomings. . . Michael Hasted has injected this 1950s revival with great pace and movement on a small rostrum stage. Definitely worth a ringside seat . . .”
Read More“. . . Tony Robinson is always very watchable, and convinces as the loathsome dressing-gowned commode-sitting Malade imaginaire. Misogynistic, self-obsessed, easily duped, Argan is not an easy figure to find sympathy for. Like his scheming wife Beline, elegantly played by Imogen Stubbs, at times one wished the old bugger would just get on and pop his clogs. The script rarely let Robinson off his leash, often leaving the funnier moments to the excellent Tracie Bennett as his long-suffering maid-come-carer Toinette. . . “
Read More“…what elevates the piece is the sheer force of performance. Hicks, Dexter and Clothier take the space by the scruff of the neck and command you damn well follow them into their hell! And Clothier’s suave depiction of shady cousin Kurt coolly adds deceit and roguery to the mix…Watching the balance of power shift between the three characters over the course of the twelve rounds is compelling viewing”
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