1. The Red Lion, National Theatre, London

“Both the playwright and director Ian Rickson elevate the small to the big. This is semi pro amateur football here, but we feel like we are watching mad prophets, creatures of the mythical,  doomed men prepared to die for what they believe in, Wagnerian heroes.” 

Scars of masculinity. Photo: Helen Maybanks.

2. Violence and Son, Royal Court, London

“In the confined circular space of Cai Dyfan’s set, ominously reminiscent of the boxing ring, father and son square up.”

Christopher Brett Bailey will be performing This is How We Die as part of this year’s Mayfest.

3. This is How We Die, Battersea Arts Centre, London

“Again and again the violence inherent in everyday language tears into the physical world, as brains are smashed against the windscreen of high speed trains, heads are ripped off bodies and the human form twisted, toyed with and debased as easily as breathing a word.”

Deeply uncomfortable Photo: Iona Firouzabadi

4. Image of An Unknown Woman, Gate Theatre, London

“This is not a pleasant play – loud noises, intense lights, huge tone shifts ensure that – but, when the affairs of other countries in some senses have never seemed closer and in others never seemed more alien, it’s a profoundly important one, and one that confronts our world right now.”

Teddy boy. Photo: Darren Bell.

5. Teddy, Southwark Playhouse, London

“In a brilliant performance, Jennifer Kirby shines with anger and a volatile energy that’s as likely to be run off in stray blows as childish cartwheels.”