Gecko’s INSTITUTE at the Bristol Old Vic

Gecko’s INSTITUTE at the Bristol Old Vic

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“. . . Institute is no walk in the park. The enhanced sound of the dancers’ breath and breathing told us a lot of what we needed to know about their state of mind, and sometimes the physical effort of their work. There were brilliantly executed passages – at one point all four men linked arms and twisted, pivoted and tangled together as a pulsing human amoeba. . . Gecko to its great credit and courage seeks to break down the parameters of conventional dance. Institute is more evidence of this bold theatrical initiative.”

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AN ELEPHANT IN THE GARDEN at the Tobacco Factory, Bristol

AN ELEPHANT IN THE GARDEN at the Tobacco Factory, Bristol

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” . . . Reade winnows out the emotional and narrative core of Morpurgo’s original allowing the audience to be drawn in to the story. In Alison Reid he has the perfect combination of experience and talent to bring the enterprise to life. Like a ball of knots waiting to be unpicked in order to reveal some inner goodness she goes about her task with an eager effulgence. . . . This is masterful storytelling by all concerned and a gem of a standout performance of the Brewery’s year.”

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THE ELEPHANT MAN in The Studio, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

THE ELEPHANT MAN in The Studio, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

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” . . . Merrick, as sympathetically played by Daniel Chrisostomou, is naked. His deformities are outlined with a wire frame which not only describes his grotesque shape but also acts as a cage in which he is trapped. The loose folds of repulsive skin which were also part of his disfigurement are represented by swathes of chainmail draped from the wire. The effect is brilliant and works perfectly.”

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RSC’s HENRY IV Part 1 at the Theatre Royal, Bath

RSC’s HENRY IV Part 1 at the Theatre Royal, Bath

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“Wearing a red cushion for a crown and looking not unlike a character out of Captain Pugwash, Antony Sher as Falstaff sits atop a wooden chair as makeshift throne. . . Gregory Doran’s sparkling direction is both inspired and thrilling. This is the RSC at its most dazzling. The speed and range of the proceedings are breathtaking . . . That [Falstaff] is an out and out rogue is never in doubt, yet it is he who delivers a withering account of the real meaning of honour. From deep within his corruption comes uncomfortable truth. Magnificent.”

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MY PERFECT MIND in The Door at Birmingham Rep

MY PERFECT MIND in The Door at Birmingham Rep

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” Drawn from King Lear and his own autobiography, it explores Edward Petherbridge’s life before, and after, the stroke he suffered in 2007 that meant he had to withdraw from playing the iconic Lear . . . The surreal action, with its underlying truth, makes for a compelling performance . . . My Perfect Mind is a gracefully honest, whimsical portrayal of a difficult time in Petherbridge’s life. It is a piece of devised theatre – clever and courageous theatre which sheds light on his recovery from a potentially life destroying condition.. . .”

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DANGEROUS CORNER on tour

DANGEROUS CORNER on tour

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“. . . This production stays true to the 1930’s setting, which seems essential to the events that the play describes. Gary McCann’s realistic Art Deco set and costumes give the required opulent feel to the world the characters inhabit. Michael Attenborough’s subtle direction ensures that the pace is sharp which is vital in a production of this type. . . You’ll see better plays Dangerous Corner but this production is refreshing and well performed – and in thrillers isn’t it more satisfying if you don’t already know the plot after all?”

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