York Theatre Royal continues its most interesting and divisive season yet with this raucous radical farce that brings Dario Fo’s intense and absurd political comedy to meet The League of Gentlemen via the Jarrow March. Continue reading
“Don’t worry, it’ll have a happy ending!” was the whispered assurance of a front row parent to their child mid-way through tutti frutti’s latest production, The Snow Queen. And it does. But not in the way you might expect. Continue reading
Blitz sirens and torches usher the buzzing anticipation surrounding J. B. Priestley’s widely-studied classic thriller into focus on a small boy searching for a hiding place. From playing friends, or coming bombs, he tugs at soupy red velvet curtains and sneaks between the folds. Continue reading
Bare winter branches stand guard in front of a huge mirrored prism cutting into centre-stage with a bold but cold-shoulder presence as large as the auditorium, echoing Mr Craven’s hunched back; the manifestation of his burden of grief. A protective freeze stills the house like Maleficent’s forest of thorns, and young life is encroaching, demanding growth and freedom. A vintage sheen of rust and silver make the space sparkle before lanterns thaw the world to an Indian summer, where Mary’s (Ella Dunlop) universe is all colour, music and dancing. At least, it would be, if only she were allowed even to be seen at her parents’ lavish parties. Continue reading
Rachel Wagstaff’s adaptation of Sebastian Falks’ classic tale of tumultuous First World War romance bleeds fragility, from Victoria Spearing’s beautifully crafted landfall set to the unfaltering generosity of Tim Treloar’s Jack Firebrace. Continue reading
York Theatre Royal’s proscenium arch becomes a cross-section of TV chef Caroline’s (the West End’s Janie Dee) show-home kitchen: a faux-Swedish minimalist Pinterest fantasy of muted teal glossy tiles and pine with a modest botanic garnish and a family dinner table modest enough to tell an on-screen story that will resonate with the wider audience. But it doesn’t take long to make a mess on these counters. Continue reading
Jonathan Lewis’s new modern domestic drama poses the question, “Where would you draw the line?”, putting patriarch Mark (Lewis himself) in temptation’s path when it comes to a critical moment in his son Tom’s (Matt Whitchurch) education. This middle-class show-home family of established and prospective politicians debates and philosophises like lawyers sparring before court; the smug elite flexing their wits for pleasure as well as for business – indeed, there is little distinction between the two and it is clear which is their priority. Continue reading
Director Kevin Shaw pools the resources of Oldham Coliseum Theatre, Hull Truck Theatre and New Vic Theatre to produce this new adaptation of Whisky Galore, written by Philip Goulding, set in a nineteen-fifties Cooperative Hall. Inspired by the all-female touring theatre troupe the Osiris Players, this light-hearted show pays homage to a domino-set of communities in its conception, honouring the simple pleasures in life. Continue reading
York Theatre Royal and Theatre by the Lake present Hymn to Love, a loving ode to Edith Piaf’s life and later years framed as the rehearsal for her final concert. Songs are interspersed with fond and poignant memories retold by Piaf (Elizabeth Mansfield) to her pianist (Patrick Bridgman); “silent only in word”. Continue reading
Poppy Burton-Morgan’s new musical version of this popular Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale brings a haunting undercurrent to meet an uplifting overall message. Riverdale meets Alice In Wonderland in the soul-stirring music by Matt Devereaux and stunning design by William Reynolds. Vibrant neon purples and reds provide a vivacious backdrop for Loren Elstein’s more domestic costumes that evoke 1950s synchronised swimmers, complete with floral caps. Continue reading