In the book ‘Between the World and Me’, author Ta-Nehisi Coates’ brilliant and blistering examination of American race relations, he states that the ongoing condition for African-American men and women in the United States is one where they are constantly at threat of “Losing their body”. This disturbing phrase kept coming to mind last night while I was watching the National Theatre’s excellent new production of August Wilson’s first hit play MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM. In a month where African-American actors are protesting the Academy Awards for lack of representation it is dispiriting to find that a play written in 1982, examining the exploitation of artists in the 1920’s, is sadly still relevant today.
Reviews
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05 Feb
Reviews 
Review: MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM at the National Theatre
By Davor Golub Friday, February 5 2016, 12:29
05 Feb
Reviews 
Review: YEN at the Royal Court Upstairs
By Sarah Mercer Friday, February 5 2016, 12:09
Yen, currently playing at the Royal Court following its critically acclaimed run at the Manchester Royal Exchange, is a beautiful play. It tells the story of sixteen year old Hench (Alex Austin) and his thirteen year old brother Bobby (Jake Davies). With neither of their fathers in the picture, and visits by their troubled mother (Sian Brecky) infrequent, the boys are isolated and effectively feral, existing on an emotional diet of Call of Duty and internet porn. Into this bleak picture comes Jenny (Annes Elwy) who illuminates the boys’ life for a short while, with the fragile hope that she brings with her.
02 Feb
Reviews 
Review: ESCAPED ALONE at the Royal Court
By Phil Sealey Tuesday, February 2 2016, 11:12
Caryl Churchill’s new play Escaped Alone begins in the most ordinary way - Mrs Jarrett, a nosey neighbour peers through a garden gate and sees three retired women she has seen before sitting on a sunny day, enjoying some tea. They invite her in. They chit-chat. But this is a Caryl Churchill play, it’s never going to be that simple.
02 Feb
Reviews 
Review: THE RESTORATION OF NELL GWYN at Park Theatre
By Nastazja Domaradzka Tuesday, February 2 2016, 10:06
Nell Gwynn, the famous mistress of King Charles II has recently become a favourite historical figure.
Jessica Swale’s highly acclaimed play “Nell Gwyn” is now being transferred from the Globe to the West End, whilst at Park Theatre “The Restoration of Nell Gwyn”,written by Steve Trafford, presents a more authentic image of “pretty, witty Nell”.
Surrounded by doctors, illegitimate children and various lords,Charles II is dying. Meanwhile Nell (Elizabeth Mansfield) is driving herself mad in her Pall Mall residence, anxiously awaiting any news regarding her lover’s health.
27 Jan
Reviews
Review: The Pianist of Willesden Lane at the St James Theatre
By Davor Golub Wednesday, January 27 2016, 15:35
Should you find yourself suffering from the post-Christmas January blahs I would like to suggest that you quickly get yourself to the St. James theatre to see the soul stirring ‘The Pianist of Willesden Lane’. I can assure you that this unique combination of play and classical piano concert performed with love and humanity by the talented concert pianist Mona Golabek is just the type of theatrical experience you need at this dark time of year.
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