Peter Quilter's musical "Allegra," directed by Stephen Mear and starring Dame Maureen Lipman, blends comedy and drama to explore mental health themes through a protagonist whose eccentricity disrupts her village. Despite its uneven tone and reliance on sentimentality, the production resonates with heartfelt messages about the acceptance of unconventional minds.
Illyria Theatre's adaptation of "The Three Musketeers" at Edinburgh Castle received a five-star review for its captivating performances and innovative staging. The cast excelled in multiple roles, with standout performances from Alex Layfield as D'Artagnan and Christopher Laishley as Athos. The production blended slapstick and drama, creating an engaging theatrical experience.
Windblown wins Best Production The 2026 Critics’ Awards for Theatre in Scotland offered a vivid snapshot of a national theatre scene in remarkable health, celebrating a year in which Scottish stages delivered work of striking breadth, ambition and emotional force. Presented by Gavin Mitchell at Glasgow’s newly refurbished Citizens Theatre, the awards recognised no fewer … Continue reading Have a Gander at The Critics Awards for Theatre in Scotland Winners 2026
Candle House Collective's play "Claws" offers a unique interactive experience where the audience engages via phone with an actor portraying a customer service representative. The narrative revolves around a deception involving a monster in a closet. While innovative and entertaining, the overall tension lacks seriousness, suggesting room for improvement in storytelling.
"Shall Roger Casement Hang?" at Hill Street Theatre, directed by Hannah Bradley Croall, examines power and personal mythology through an intense dialogue between Sir Roger Casement and Captain Hall. The production balances dense political themes with intimate performances, showcasing the complexities of loyalty and identity. A notable debut for Union Theatre Company, it enriches Edinburgh's arts scene.
Big Live’s adaptation of Dracula, directed and choreographed by Joel Burke, is a visually captivating but flawed ballet. The production highlights the relationship between Dracula, Mina, and Jonathan Harker, but suffers from pre-recorded music and inconsistent lighting. Abbey Hansen's performance as Mina stands out, yet the adaptation's limited focus leaves much to be desired.
"Stories for Boys," directed by Hope Wishart and written by Kieron Barry, captivates with its unpredictable narrative and surreal elements. The play explores love and mortality through whimsical characters, Asso and Basso, amidst absurd skits by a chorus. Its unique design enhances its dreamlike quality, blending comedy and tragedy seamlessly.
Revolution Days, directed by Shilpa T-Hyland and written by Mariem Omari, explores the humanitarian impacts of war through the eyes of aid worker Samira. The production captures the complexities of conflict, blending personal experiences with dark humor, while emphasizing the importance of bearing witness to human stories amid chaos.
Laurie Kemmett's review of Miss Saigon at the King's Theatre highlights the production's power and emotional depth. While acknowledging the show's controversies, Kemmett praises the outstanding performances and breathtaking set design. The narrative transcends a simple love story, exploring themes of motherhood, resilience, and the bond between the audience and theatre.
D.C. Jackson's "My Romantic History," directed by Johnny McKnight at the Tron Theatre, humorously dissects modern relationships through the dual perspectives of Tom and Amy. While the first half presents sharp observations and engaging performances, the second falls into repetitive self-analysis. Overall, it's a witty exploration of disconnection in romance.
