If you read my five top musicals review recently, you'll know that I am just a little bit fond of the theatre. You'll also know I live in London. London Theatre is, as a result, the topic which I most regularly inflict on my less than enthusiastic friends. Hopefully I can put it to use for a change. So, you are either visiting London or you live in the area and you fancy a bit of a taste of the West End. So where dooyoo (ha-har) start? ********* When to go ********* If you are in reasonably easy reach of London, or are taking time off to come and visit the city, you would be very well advised to avoid the weekends. I've found ...  Read the complete review

Happy New Year one and all. Feels a little strange saying that in February but I've not visited here for so long. Began to miss the place and thought - well, it can't hurt to start writing again - can it?! So here I am - once more. I am writing this review because firstly, obviously I want too and secondly, out of an experience in the West End that has annoyed me. ***THE ANNOYING EXPERIENCE*** I consider myself to be a seasoned theatre-goer. I love it. The rush to get to theatre and the expectation of what lies ahead as you sit in your seat awaiting curtain up and the transportation into another world. I was delighted ...  Read the complete review

Brian Friel's new work, Afterplay, is set a decade or so after the conclusion of two of Russian dramatist Chekhov's masterpieces, Uncle Vanya and Three Sisters. At the Gielgud Theatre, it is superbly acted by John Hurt and Penelope Wilton. Sonya, neice of titular Uncle Vanya, is sorting through bank paperwork in a run-down café in Moscow. She is joined by the shabby-looking Andrey, brother of the Three Sisters, for a full and frank sharing of their personal lives, and a very hearty shring of a bottle of vodka. We learn that both characters have been abandoned since the end of Chekhov's plays - Vanya has died, leaving Sonya a lonely and ...  Read the complete review

Contrary to current cries of 'elitist!', theatre has been a popular form of entertainment throughout history, often being the preserve of what historians would call 'the lower orders', rather than nobility; a prime example would be the world in which Shakespeare worked. Before I move onto today's theatre here's my guide to theatrical popularity: Start at the Theatre of Dionysus (the people). Move onto the Medieval Mystery plays (often free) Take the fork past the reatest playwright ever to have lived, William Shakespeare ('pop' culture) Stop briefly at the Victorian Music Hall (began in pubs) ...  Read the complete review

It's January. A terrible time of the year for most people. Banks accounts have been depleted. Summer holidays seem like an age away. All people seem to talk about are their credit card bills and the fact that they have eaten too much. Well this opinion has no tips on how to lose weight or make a fast buck. I'm writing it to dispel some of the myths about theatre in London. So...let the show begin. THEATRE'S NOT FOR ME, THOUGH ============================= Now, those of you who have read my opinions before know that I'm mad on theatre. But this was not always the case. I discovered the smell of grease paint when I went to college and ...  Read the complete review