Liars, cheats and scoundrels: John Murphy on escaping into the familiar world of the classic New York musical.
John Murphy
Articles by John Murphy
9 December 2019
Reviews • National • Sheffield
Review: The Elves and the Shoemakers at Sheffield Theatres
5 December - 4 January
By John Murphy
‘Gasps and coos’: John Murphy writes on the careful craft and gentleness of a Grimm’s Tale for young children.
20 October 2019
Reviews • Leeds • National
Review: There Are No Beginnings at Leeds Playhouse
16 October - 2 November
By John Murphy
A shadow over town: John Murphy reviews Charley Miles’ feminist-lensed play about the fear bred by the Yorkshire Ripper murders.
11 May 2019
Reviews • Doncaster • National
Review: The Man Without a Past at CAST, Doncaster
8 May, then touring
By John Murphy
Odd occurrences: John Murphy reviews a surreal, funny adaptation of Finnish director Aki Kaurismäki’s 2002 film.
1 February 2019
Reviews • National • Sheffield
Review: The Department of Distractions at Sheffield Crucible
25 January - 2 February
By John Murphy
…sorry, where were we? John Murphy reviews Third Angel’s detective story about distraction and misdirection.
19 December 2018
Reviews • National • Sheffield
Review: Kiss Me, Kate at Sheffield Crucible
7 December - 12 January
By John Murphy
Raising the roof: John Murphy reviews Sheffield Crucible’s slick and spectacular production of the Cole Porter classic.
21 November 2018
Reviews • National • Sheffield
Review: Windows of Displacement at Sheffield Crucible
By John Murphy
“Be a mother to another”: John Murphy writes on Akeim Toussaint Buck’s engaging and accessible solo dance piece on the diasporic experience.
14 June 2018
Reviews • Sheffield
Review: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest at Crucible, Sheffield
8 - 23 June 2018
By John Murphy
Pertinent and unsettling: John Murphy reviews a stage adaptation of Ken Kesey’s novel.
16 December 2017
Reviews • National • Reviews • Sheffield
Review: The Wizard of Oz at the Sheffield Crucible
December 8 - January 20
By John Murphy
We’re not in Sheffield anymore: Robert Hastie’s first Christmas musical in Sheffield whisks audiences off to Oz.
26 September 2017
Reviews • National • Reviews • Sheffield
Review: Desire Under The Elms at the Crucible, Sheffield
September 21 - October 14
By John Murphy
“It’s impossible not to be drawn into the atmosphere”: John Murphy reviews Sam Yates’ revival of Eugene O’Neill’s classic tragedy at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre.
5 July 2017
Reviews • National • Reviews • Sheffield
Review: Tribes at the Sheffield Crucible Studio
June 27 - July 22
By John Murphy
Communication breakdown: John Murphy reviews Sheffield Crucible’s revival of Nina Raine’s Olivier-nominated 2010 play.
25 May 2017
Reviews • National • Reviews • Sheffield
Review: Julius Caesar at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield
May 17 - June 10
By John Murphy
The best sort of Shakespeare production: Robert Hastie’s debut production as artistic director of Sheffield Theatres gives off all the right signals, says an excited John Murphy.
20 March 2017
Reviews • Sheffield
Review: Dr Frankenstein at the Crucible, Sheffield
Crucible Theatre ⋄ 15 - 25 March 2017
By John Murphy
Sumptuous and suitably gothic: John Murphy reviews Selma Dimitrijevic’s adaptation of Mary Shelley.
15 February 2017
Reviews • Sheffield
Review: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at the Crucible, Sheffield
Crucible Theatre ⋄ 9 - 25 February 2017
By John Murphy
With a swagger as irresistible as its titular hero: John Murphy reviews the new musical inspired by the television programme Drag Queen At 16.
30 January 2017
Reviews • Sheffield
Review: After Miss Julie at Moor Theatre Delicatessen
Moor Theatre Delicatessen ⋄ 25 - 26 January 2017
By John Murphy
A powerful study of class politics that remains as relevant as ever: John Murphy reviews Day One Theatre’s production of Patrick Marber’s reimagining of Strindberg.