"Balisong," written by Jennifer Adam and directed by Steve Small, explores youth knife crime through the story of Findlay Richards, conveyed by his friends. The play's strong performances and minimalist design effectively highlight its important message about recognizing and preventing knife crime, making it a vital contemporary piece for young audiences.
In Roxana Silbert's revival of Samuel Beckett's Happy Days at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Winnie, played by Siobhan Redmond, embodies resilience amidst existential decay. The production transforms bleak themes into an intimate exploration of survival. Redmond's masterful performance shines in a captivating setting, reaffirming the enduring spirit of humanity.
Bedlam Theatre's revival of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, directed by Hunter King, received high praise for its campy flair and strong musical performances. The cast, particularly Lil Hodge as Dr. Frank 'N' Furter and Charlotte Senior as Janet, delivered captivating portrayals. The production thrived on energy, audience interaction, and vibrant visuals, honoring Tim Curry's legacy.
SIX The Musical, created by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, reimagines the stories of Henry VIII's wives through a dynamic pop concert format. Blending humor, empowerment, and diverse musical styles, it encourages audience engagement while highlighting historical injustices. The production, praised for its visuals and performances, offers a fresh feminist perspective on Tudor history.
The revival of Annie at The Edinburgh Playhouse exudes infectious energy, superb performances, and iconic songs, leaving audiences uplifted. This production captures the timeless charm of the beloved musical brilliantly.
When adapting a well known and beloved piece of media for the stage there will always be noise coming from the masses. Whether that be audiences that are disappointed that the show was too similar to the film, or that is strayed too far away from its source, adaptations will inevitably be held to higher standards (especially if they’re based on the only horror film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards.) The Silence of the Lambs tries desperately to reach those high standards and nearly does before an unfortunate dip in the second half of the show.
Matthew Zajac’s autobiographical play, The Tailor of Inverness, explores his father's harrowing journey during World War II. Despite an uneven structure and reliance on geographic data, the production offers poignant reflections on migration and identity, highlighted by Zajac's engaging performance and an evocative live score. A must-see for all audiences.
High Society at The Edinburgh Playhouse is a delightful golden-age musical, featuring sharp wit, humor, and impressive performances. Set in a Long Island mansion, the story intertwines romance and comedic chaos with a brilliant score. While some musical moments lacked clarity, the production captivates audiences with its charm and energy.
Tony Roper's revitalized play "The Steamie" at The Dundee Rep captures the essence of 1950s Glasgow, showcasing four working-class women navigating laundry and life during Hogmanay. With a mix of humor and poignant moments, it explores themes of female solidarity, community, and resilience. This enduring Scottish classic remains relevant and captivating.
High Society at The King's Theatre is a vibrant production celebrating Cole Porter’s music and old-fashioned glamour. It features strong performances, notably from Helen George as Tracy Lord, and impressive visuals. While the book occasionally falters in dramatic tension, the show delivers an entertaining evening of sophistication, charm, and musicality.
