Richard MacLean Smith's "Unexplained: Live" showcases his storytelling skills from the Unexplained podcast. While engaging and enhanced by live music, the performance feels more like a podcast episode than a theatrical experience, sometimes resembling a lecture. Although good, it may better suit the podcast format.
Steve Burns: Alive is an emotional one-man show that blends comedy and tragedy, reflecting on the complexities of his life as a children's TV host. With a mix of heartfelt stories and humor, Burns reconnects with grown-up fans, addressing mental health and the importance of support, leaving an inspirational message.
Arcana, a one-woman production by Fay Guiffo at Assembly Roxy, blends Afrofuturism and classical music, telling the story of a musician in a censorious empire. While the narrative's non-linear structure may obscure its conflict, Guiffo's powerful performance and stunning visuals create a compelling exploration of identity and liberation.
"Moving On: A New Musical" by Happy Sad Productions captivates with its clever writing and humorous ghostly narrative. Following three siblings handling a deceased woman's move, the show blends traditional musical elements with engaging characters and catchy songs. Its success at the Fringe highlights the potential of local independent theatre.
Hudson Hughes’ comedic show "At Your Service" blends humor with supernatural elements following Reverend Derek Gritt’s chaotic funeral oversight. Despite Gritt's lack of heroism, audience engagement thrives through clever technical effects and seamless flow. Hughes' commitment to absurdity ensures a captivating performance, earning a five-star review for its entertainingly bizarre nature.
In "Mrs Armitage on Wheels," director Samantha Lane presents a vibrant musical adaptation of Quentin Blake's work. The story follows an eccentric tinkerer and her dog on a whimsical adventure filled with community spirit and inventive gadgets. With lively performances and a captivating set, it enchants audiences, celebrating creativity and the joy of helping others.
Flabbergast Theatre’s staging of Samuel Beckett's classic delivers a physical interpretation of "Endgame." Henry Maynard’s powerful performance as Hamm and Simon Gleave’s dynamic Clov bring humor to the existential despair. The production, though demanding and lengthy, showcases remarkable performances that challenge and reward attentive audiences. It’s a bold revival of a masterpiece.
The Sacred Heart University Repertory Theatre Company's musical parody of Schitt’s Creek charms fans with a lively depiction of the Peony family’s quest for gay icon status at a Canadian parade. With strong performances, spot-on costumes, and engaging choreography, this fun-filled hour offers joy and nostalgia for devoted enthusiasts.
this new script, written and directed by James Harvey with Bella Burgess as co-director, is effortlessly farcical, needing just a little more direction to give the story greater purpose without sacrificing its considerable comic chaos.
Sarah Hester Ross captivates audiences at The Den with her explosive performance blending vintage glam and fierce comedy. With an impressive vocal range and provocative humor, she addresses themes of misogyny and female empowerment. Ross's show, "Serving C*nt," delivers a dynamic mix of hilarity and heartfelt commentary, earning rave reviews.
