______ 30 July 2026 ______ 3*** ______ Alan Ayckbourn has always striven to be inventive, not just in his writing, but in his use of staging and theatrical devices within his storylines. His 1994 play, ‘Communicating Doors’ is an example of this, where a time-travelling plot helps three women conquer adversity and reverse their own […]
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______ 27 July 2026 ______ 5***** ______ In 2025 the production of ‘Murder in the Dark’ rather highlighted the dearth of good ghost-themed plays. That was a very modern play and though ‘The Haunting’ only premiered in 2010, the basis of the play are stories by Charles Dickens. The great writer loved the spooky and
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______ 24 July 2026 ______ 4**** ______ When the title of a play is also the name of a character who you never meet in person, it can be so interesting to build of picture of them in your minds’ eye, created by what the other characters say about them. Think ‘Rebecca’ by Daphne du
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______ 20 July 2026 ______ 5***** ______ Neil Simon’s writing is epitomised by witty repartee, by illustrations of relationships and, often, by nostalgia. He mixes comedy and heartache and the ups and downs of life with pure farce. His 1968 play ‘Plaza Suite’ is the writer showcasing all these facets when he was very much
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______ 14 July 2026 ______ 5***** ______ So, after 8 years of regular reviewing at the Theatre Royal Plymouth, I am taking a step back (for now) to concentrate on other theatrical projects. So, for my final visit I decided The Car Man was the ideal choice. Having had the honour of seeing a number
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______ 13 July 2026 ______ 4**** ______ The much loved TV situation comedy of the mid-1970s, ‘The Good Life’ pushed its four main stars into the public eye well and truly. With the very recent passing of Penelope Keith, the series has been back in the conscience of the nation. John Esmonde and Bob Larbey’s
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______ 7 July 2026 ______ 3*** ______ The life and works of Daphne du Maurier have always held a fascination. As seen in Rosie Race’s new play, it has been the case since she first burst into the literary world and continues to this day. ’Daphne’ is subtitled ‘The Secret Lives of Daphne du Maurier’
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______ 6 July 2026 ______ 3 ½*** ______ Regular readers of these reviews may recall that, though acknowledging his continuing popularity, Francis Durbridge is not my favourite dramatists. However, it is important for a reviewer to keep an open mind. ‘Sweet Revenge’ was last seen in the 2015 season and it is pleasing to report
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