Bard in the Botanics' production of "Emma," directed by Gordon Barr and adapted by Jennifer Dick, offers a lively outdoor rendition filled with humor and charm. The cast, led by Esme Bayley, engages the audience with vibrant performances, despite some pacing issues. Overall, it presents a delightful exploration of romantic misunderstandings amidst a comedic backdrop, suitable for summer enjoyment.
'The Kibble Palace often houses the less family-friendly part of The BITB season. Caged inside its wrought iron, The Duchess of Malfi feels tightly enclosed and charged with menace.' says Dominic Corr ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - The Duchess of Malfi. Runs at The Kibble Palace, Glasgow, until August 1st
Bard in the Botanics’ production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, directed by Jennifer Dick, captivates with accessible storytelling set in the Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Highlighted by strong performances, particularly from Rebecca Robin and Lawrence Boothman, the production balances humor and emotional depth, successfully celebrating Shakespeare's timeless themes amidst a vibrant community atmosphere.
Gordon Barr’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello at the Kibble Palace offers a gripping modern critique of institutional tribalism set in a military context. The minimalist staging, coupled with outstanding performances, notably from Adam Donaldson as Iago and Manasa Tagica as Othello, emphasizes the chilling dynamics of manipulation and trust, resonating with contemporary themes.
Written By Karis Kelly Adapted by Katie Posner Traverse Theatre ★★★★ What’s for lunch? Well, nothing better than a warm bowl of generational trauma. Bitter, but addictive. Winner of the 2022 Women’s Prize for Playwriting, Karis Kelly’s Consumed, now playing at the Traverse Theatre, is a pitch-black comedy that brings four generations of women together … Continue reading Review: Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025 – Consumed, Traverse Theatre
Written by James Graham Directed by Andrew Panton The Festival Theatre ★★★★ Make It Happen, debuting at the Edinburgh International Festival, is a searing, frequently exhilarating piece of ensemble drama that balances razor-edged satire with surreal intensity. Directed with flair and no shortage of ambition by Andrew Panton, it dares to grapple with avarice, self-mythologising, … Continue reading Review: Edinburgh International Festival 2025 – Make It Happen, Festival Theatre
Review by Marina Funcasta Tickets available here ★★★★ Dovecot’s latest exhibition, presenting itself as “magical” and “playful”, promises a vibrant overview of 60 years of IKEA’s textile design. These terms specifically stood out to me for their enigmatic quality, appealing to the sort of whimsy found in a toy shop at Christmas. And yet, organising … Continue reading Have A Gander at IKEA: Magical Patterns – Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh
Written By Christopher Marlowe Adapted by Jennifer Dick Tickets from £19.00 ★★★★ A stroll through purgatory, with the oblivion of damnation awaiting beyond the wrought iron of the Kibble Palace, is not what one would typically expect on a rather toasty, near-hellish, sunny day in Glasgow’s Botanical Gardens. Yet nestled among the lush greenery, this … Continue reading Review: Doctor Faustus – Bard in the Botanics, Glasgow
Written by William Shakespeare Freely adapted from “The Merry Wives of Windsor” by Gordon Barr Directed by Gordon Barr Tickets from £19.00 ★★★★ There's nothing that a good roll n’ sausage, chamomile tea, or solid sesh’ down at the pub won’t solve. And for those difficult days which need something a little extra, well, there’s … Continue reading Review: The Merry Wives of Wishaw – Bard in the Botanics, Glasgow
Written and Directed by Jennifer Dick Adapted from the novel by Charlotte Bronte Tickets from £19.00 ★★★★ Shifting from the 'grim (up) north' to the bristle and howl of the Scottish Highlands (via the Glasgow botanic gardens), Jennifer Dick’s new version of Bronte’s genre-defining and eyebrow-raising novel firmly roots itself in the grit and gravel … Continue reading Review: Jane Eyre, An Autobiography – Bard in the Botanics, Glasgow
