” . . . 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.
Read More“. . .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. . . “
Read More“. . . 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.”
Read More
“. . .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