Found in translation: Crystal Bennes on the bizarre pleasures of Pu Songling’s classical Chinese fables, adapted for the stage by Grid Iron.
National
5 December 2019
Reviews • Bristol • National
Review: Drac and Jill at The Wardrobe Theatre, Bristol
21st November - 19th January
By Lilith Wozniak
Bloody festive: Lilith Wozniak reviews a pop-culture mash-up Christmas show with flying vampires, strap-ons and Bon Jovi sing-a-longs.
3 December 2019
Reviews • Manchester
Review: Plant Fetish at HOME, Manchester
27-30 November
By James Varney
Real plastic trees: James Varney writes on Chanje Kunda’s conversational, autobiographical show about trying to move past trauma.
29 November 2019
Reviews • Glasgow • National
Review: Magic Theatre – [scenes from the unconscious] at CCA, Glasgow
21-22 November
By Andrew Edwards
Andrew Edwards writes on the “exhilaration and fear-induced defecation” of Jian Yi’s ambitious, visually rich multimedia fusion of Butoh and live art.
28 November 2019
Reviews • National • York
Review: Hello and Goodbye at York Theatre Royal
14-30 November
By Louise Jones
Shaft of light: Louise Jones writes on the ‘futile, gripping’ intensity of Athol Fugard’s seldom-produced two-hander.
28 November 2019
Reviews • Cardiff • National
Review: Mission Control at Principality Stadium, Cardiff
22-24 November
By Lilith Wozniak
A faltering take-off: Lilith Wozniak reviews a haltingly staged sci-fi promenade show from National Theatre of Wales and Hijinx Theatre.
26 November 2019
Reviews • National • Salford
Review: Still I Rise at The Lowry, Salford
19 November, then touring
By Aniqah Choudhri
Who’s in the picture: Aniqah Choudhri writes on a dance adaptation of Maya Angelou’s poem which glosses over the issue of race.
22 November 2019
Reviews • National • Newcastle
Review: Ticker at Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle
19-23 November
By Tracey Sinclair
Same old story: Tracey Sinclair writes on an ‘impressively slick’ solo show which falls into the trap of giving oxygen to its narrator’s toxic outlook.
17 November 2019
Reviews • National • Newcastle
Review: One Under at Live Theatre
12-13 November, then touring
By Tracey Sinclair
Unravelling grief: Tracey Sinclair reviews a touring production from Graeae of Winsome Pinnock’s play unspooling a tragic event.
16 November 2019
Reviews • National
Review: I wanna be yours, Paines Plough
16 October - 18 January
By Hannah Greenstreet
Love me tender: Hannah Greenstreet writes on Zia Ahmed’s poetic new play, which explores the intersections of love and politics.
6 November 2019
Reviews • Bath • National
Review: The Little Prince at The Edge, Bath
1 November, then touring
By Lilith Wozniak
Cartoon magic: Lilith Wozniak reviews Protein Dance’s ‘playful and joyous’ adaptation of the much-loved book.
31 October 2019
Reviews • National • Newcastle
Review: Alex and Eliza at Northern Stage
29th October, then touring
By Tracey Sinclair
Life story: Tracey Sinclair writes on Umar Butt’s charming, personal show about his grandmother’s life, set during the Partition of India.
31 October 2019
Reviews • Manchester • National
Review: Light Falls at Royal Exchange Manchester
24 October - 16 November
By James Varney
A storm about to break: James Varney on the intricate relationships in Simon Stephens’ melancholic drama, which marks the end of Sarah Frankcom’s tenure at the Royal Exchange.
28 October 2019
Reviews • Glasgow • National
Review: The Monstrous Heart at Traverse, Edinburgh
22 October - 2 November
By Christine Irvine
Family monsters: Christine Irvine reviews Oliver Emmanuel’s dark, tormented play about an estranged mother and daughter.
27 October 2019
Reviews • Cardiff • National
Review: Hedda Gabler at Sherman Theatre, Cardiff
18 October - 2 November
By Sally Hales
Surgical precision: Sally Hales writes on Hedda’s struggle ‘to be seen on her own terms’ in Chelsea Walker’s crystal-clear production.