Violent and vulgar, amongst the villainy male testosterone pervades keeping the audience on the edge of their seat waiting for the next damaging interlude to be played out. Within this ruinous setting Shakespeare’s play is surprisingly not devoured by the extreme physicality, grit and gore, its central themes and tensions come through, and instead it thrives for a modern audience.
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“. . . To the final, wrenching, reversal of the roles of father/daughter and the ultimately unbearable last plea in the arms of his nurse this is a magnificent performance (I weep now at its recall). If Mr. Cranham wants to play Lear this is his calling card . . . The Ustinov continues to produce theatre, which by any standard is of the highest order and in this gem of a play has dealt a full hand of relevant, entertaining and moving. “
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“. . . 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.
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” . . . Amaka Okafor is dynamic and effective as the titular character, full of vim and vigour. She is adept at transforming teenage bravado into tenderness, particularly as the show progresses and she settles into the role. It is a mercurial performance, one in which she does wonderful things with material that perhaps isn’t as strong as she is. . . Bird is a story worth telling, and worth watching. Lomas and Okafor are both ones to watch.”
Read More“. . .Writers Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran managed to link a plethora of unconnected, 60s pop hits, throwing in a good dose of laugh-out-loud one liners, many of which were brilliantly delivered by Sheridan Lloyd as Andy. David Luke as Ray is a perfect match for Anna Campkin . . . Without question the star of the show is Louise Olley, also returning to her part as Sue. She oozes stage presence from ever pore and gives an utterly truthful and engaging performance throughout. She delivers her songs with effortless precision and musically enchants like a siren of the sea. This lady is a star!”
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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