West End Theatre News and Reviews

Review: A PACIFIST'S GUIDE TO THE WAR ON CANCER at the National Theatre

By Phil Willmott Friday, October 21 2016, 14:42

A Pacifist's Guide to the War on Cancer Cancer is a very emotive subject. It touches most of our lives in a deeply traumatising way. It certainly has touched mine so how you react to this musical will probably be informed by how raw you’re feeling. It could be that the cathartic experience of watching a show, any show about cancer, no matter how crudely assembled, will be enough to move you and allow you to over look its considerable flaws. I wasn’t moved, I grew increasingly alienated by its attempts to make excuses for its short comings and to justify itself whilst bullying me to tears and daring me not to be moved.

18 Oct

Reviews

Review: PRIMAL MATTER at Old Truman Brewery

By Kit Benjamin Tuesday, October 18 2016, 07:44

Primal Matter Greek choreographer Dimitris Papaioannou is best known internationally as the creator of the opening and closing ceremonies for the Athens Olympics of 2004. Now, London dance festival Dance Umbrella presents a revival of his piece for two male performers, Primal Matter, originally conceived and performed in 2012 and, apparently, constantly developed since then.

17 Oct

Reviews

Review: THE TEMPEST Birmingham Royal Ballet at Sadlers Wells Theatre

By Phil Willmott Monday, October 17 2016, 14:02

The Tempest Birmingham Royal Ballet There’s so much to enjoy in Birmingham Royal Ballet’s version of Shakespeare’s THE TEMPEST, choreographed by their Artistic Director, David Bintley, with a new score by Sally Beamish.

The ballet, as you would expect, simplifies the original plot but the ex Duke of Milan, Pospero and his eligible daughter, Miranda are still shipwrecked on an island following a coup back home in which his brother has seized power.

15 Oct

Reviews

Review: THE DRESSER, Duke of York's Theatre

By Stuart King Saturday, October 15 2016, 11:17

The Dresser Back in 1983 I had the extraordinary privilege of witnessing Albert Finney and Tom Courtenay deliver two of the most theatrically ebullient performances about the grandeur and grimness of a life in luvvydom, ever committed to celluloid. This was Peter Yates film version of The Dresser which relied upon Ronald Harwood’s exceptional scripting of his original play to generate considerable critical success, including 5 Academy Award nominations.