DRACULA at Bristol Old Vic

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“. . . Jonathan Goddard’s interpretation of the title role is entirely free of cliché. No swirling cape, no Christopher Lee, no Hammer horror. Instead, in a performance that skillfully conveys both muscularity and vulnerability, he portrays a creature trapped and tortured by the very powers that make him so dangerous. . . Dracula is dance theatre at its very best, full of memorable images. The first night played to a packed house, and I suspect that tickets for the few remaining days will be scarce, but do get to see it if you can.

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MY PERFECT MIND at the Tobacco Factory, Bristol

MY PERFECT MIND at the Tobacco Factory, Bristol

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“. . . It is, in short, ‘life into art’ in the very best sense. That is to say, something quite new and uplifting and indeed universal comes out of a personal tragedy. To pull of such a feat needs more than serendipity of course and the cast of Edward Petherbridge and Paul Hunter are well matched by director and co-deviser, Kathryn Hunter whilst drawing freely on Shakespeare’s Lear and Petherbridge’s autobiography which both serve as the spine of the play. . .”

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TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD at Malvern Festival Theatre

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD at Malvern Festival Theatre

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“This Regent’s Park Theatre production of To Kill A Mocking Bird is phenomenal! Every single thing about it is exceptional. It is the most wonderful piece of theatre I have ever had the pleasure to review. . . Christopher Sergel’s stage adaptation is enthralling and Timothy Sheader’s enchanting direction brings Harper Lee’s classic novel to life, delivering a masterclass in the captivating art of storytelling. . .”

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SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER at the Oxford Playhouse

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“…Hilarity ensues as identities are mistaken, the audience is let in on secrets which the players don’t know, and Kate Hardcastle stoops to conquer the man she wishes to marry….Mr Hardcastle, played by Howard Chadwick, is a blustering squire who wishes nothing so much as his daughter’s happiness in love. There is something of the pantomime dame in Gilly Tompkins as Mrs Hardcastle, who seems to have no real aims in life beyond being wealthy and fashionable, and controlling her wayward son…”

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George Orwell’s 1984 at the Everyman Cheltenham

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“…This production is gruesome, truly frightening and above all disturbing stuff and not for the feint hearted. But the second half is also brilliant, thought-provoking theatre. Visually it is jaw-droppingly good with Chloe Lamford’s visuals capturing the essence of the piece and Natasha Chivers’ atmospheric lighting adding light and shade….Tim Dutton was excellent as the suave, be-suited and chilling O’Brien.”

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The Importance of Being Earnest at Bath Theatre Royal

The Importance of Being Earnest at Bath Theatre Royal

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There is a certain frolicsomeness of intelligence and sensibility we have come to enjoy and expect in Irish born playwrights (Congreve, Sheridan, Shaw, and of course Wilde to name but four). What to the English pre-television mass audience had been a bitter pill of intellectualist theatre, in Irish hands had become sugared with a delight in language, prose at that, which still has the power to charm.

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