SHERLOCK HOLMES at the Old Joint Stock, Birmingham

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“. . .The real delight in this production is the audience interaction and the improvisation, although it is easy to see that without a willing audience to participate in this enforced interaction his show could be somewhat of a complete flop. The script does lose some momentum towards the later part of the evening but the improvisation and comedy is sharp and keeps us chuckling throughout the performance. . . This is something you won’t see the likes of everyday, not for those who don’t enjoy a little audience interaction, but rip-roaring fun if you. . . “

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Mark Thomas CUCKOOED at the North Wall, Oxford

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“. . . Cuckooed opens with Mark Thomas saying, “I’m a very good liar, but everything I’m telling you today is the truth.” He then plays with us a bit, adding “apart from a bit you’ll hear later involving the number 12.” Issues of trust are at the crux of this show – trust is the basis for relationships, for politics, for civilisation itself. . . Thomas is a brilliant performer – he’s quick, he’s witty, he’s angry. Sometimes his brain, and mouth, seems to work so fast that it’s hard to keep up, but it’s exhilarating trying to.”

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THE DOCK BRIEF at the Everyman Studio, Cheltenham

THE DOCK BRIEF at the Everyman Studio, Cheltenham

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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 . . .”

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The Paper Birds present BLIND at the North Wall, Oxford

The Paper Birds present BLIND at the North Wall, Oxford

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” . . . this show really opened my eyes (despite the blindfold) to an area that I simply knew nothing about, and Grace Savage is a great ambassador. The final musical number that we hear, incorporating everything that we have heard throughout the play, feels electric, plus any piece of grown up theatre that gets an audience where the vast majority are under 25 years old is something to get really excited about.”

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OF MICE AND MEN at Birmingham Rep

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“. . . Benjamin Dilloway is a marvel as Lennie. He masterfully finds the tenderness and vulnerability in the complex character and gives a flawless performance throughout. Michael Legge is a dynamic George, although perhaps a little more vocal variety might have added the icing to this performance . . . A strong and moving production, a classic well loved tale played beautifully.”

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LOTTY’S WAR at the Everyman Cheltenham

LOTTY’S WAR at the Everyman Cheltenham

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“. . . Guernsey in WWII – Lotty’s boisterous chasing game with her childhood friend Ben is rudely interrupted by the Battle of Britain raging above Lotty’s modest cottage. From then on the mood turns somber with the arrival of the German occupiers, in her case a German General who commandeers her house, forcing her into the role of housekeeper. . . All in all, a striking and tense play depicting the dangers for any young woman who had the misfortune of falling in love with the occupying enemy. “

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