Category Theatre Reviews

Don Warrington (Willy) and Maureen Beattie (Linda) in DEATH OF A SALESMAN. Photo Credit: Johan Persson

Sarah Frankcom’s production of DEATH OF A SALESMAN is a multi-layered and fascinating reframing of an American classic

Following his critically acclaimed performance in KING LEAR, Don Warrington makes a welcome return to the Royal Exchange to take on Arthur Miller’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play DEATH OF A SALESMAN.

Set in late 1940s America, DEATH OF A SALESMAN follows Willy Loman (Warringto...

Played fast and loose, THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES may not convince loyal Sherlock Holmes fans but you can’t fault it for entertainment

It’s been over 130 years since Sherlock Holmes first appeared in A STUDY IN SCARLET but the fictional private detective remains as popular as ever, as demonstrated by the packed auditorium for Northern Rep’s fast-paced version of THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES.

Based loosely on classic mystery by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES sees t...

Simbi Akande in PUTTING IT TOGETHER. Photo Credit: Phil Tragen

Showcasing some of his most popular shows, PUTTING IT TOGETHER is a wonderful collection of the best of Stephen Sondheim’s works

Whether this is your first introduction to the music of Stephen Sondheim, or you’re a seasoned fan of his works, PUTTING IT TOGETHER is a wonderful example of the best of Sondheim’s works.

PUTTING IT TOGETHER showcases some of his most popular shows, such as SWEENEY TODD, INTO THE WOODS, and COMPANY, ...

The cast of LET IT BE UK Tour. Photo Credit: Anthony Robling

LET IT BE charts The Beatles’ meteoric rise from their humble beginnings to the heights of Beatlemania

Billed as “The Beatles reunion you never got to see”, LET IT BE is a nostalgic romp through The Beatles’ discography.

This is not your typical jukebox musical...

Funny and thought-provoking, Alexi Kaye Campbell’s THE PRIDE examines the changing attitudes to sexuality and the fear of being unloved

When Alexi Kaye Campbell’s play THE PRIDE first opened at the Royal Court Theatre in 2008, it won a handful of awards, including an Olivier. 10 years on, the play has lost none of its power as Green Carnation Company demonstrate in their latest revival.

Alternating between 1958 and 2008, THE PRIDE explores the seismic changes in attitudes to sexuality that have...

In a spirited musical tribute, Vika Bull celebrates the life and legacy of the rhythm and blues singer Etta James in AT LAST – THE ETTA JAMES STORY

Residing outside the typical jazz image, Etta James’ gritty-voiced renditions are credited with helping bridge the gap between blues music and rock and roll. Her raw energy and feisty attitude were reflected in the soulful collection of classics she left behind, carrying a distinctly deep voice that harboured lovesick songs.

AT LAST – THE ETTA JAM...

The cast of MURDER, SHE DIDN’T WRITE. Photo Credit: Jamie Corbin

MURDER, SHE DIDN’T WRITE is a pacy, funny, unpredictable hour of murderous fun

There’s always a risk with improv shows, especially ones that rely on audience suggestions, that you could end up with a hit or miss show...

CLOD ENSEMBLE: PLACEBO. Photo Credit: Camilla Greenwell

Infectious movement becomes the medicine in this catchy dance experiment – or is it just another placebo?

The placebo effect is defined as being the positive outcome of using a fake drug or treatment, which has no actual beneficial properties other than the patient’s own beliefs that it does.

In a clever and somewhat manipulative way, director Suzy Willson recreates this process by using interdisciplinary dance performances on the stage t...

The cast of MACBETH UK and Ireland tour. Photo Credit: BrinkhoffMogenburg

Rufus Norris’ post-apocalyptic MACBETH is visually striking but doesn’t quite translate as well as hoped

When Rufus Norris’ MACBETH opened at the National Theatre back in March 2018, it was met with mixed reviews from the critics. Despite playing to sell-out crowds at the Olivier Theatre, the production earned a miserly one-star review from WhatsOnStage and just two stars from The Guardian and The Telegraph...

MACBETH at National Theatre, London. Photo: Brinkhoff and Moegenburg

Director Rufus Norris talks about taking his epic and visually daring production of MACBETH out on tour

Following its sell-out run at London’s National Theatre in March, Rufus Norris takes his epic and visually daring production of MACBETH out on UK tour, opening at Salford’s The Lowry this week.

Set in a barbaric world afflicted by a bloody civil war, Norris’ production of MACBETH sees Shakespeare’s complex characters pro...