Cormac Richards

22 July 2023 5*****  

17 July 2023 4**** The second of Alan Ayckbourn’s ‘Damsels in Distress’ trilogy is a play where nothing is quite what it seems. Called upon to tend to a smart apartment, out of work actor Rosie Seymore finds herself propositioned by a handsome neighbour who seems convinced she is the owner of the property; something

10 July 2023 3*** First performed in 2001, Alan Ayckbourn’s trilogy, ‘Damsels in Distress’ was specifically written with repertory theatre in mind. Three plays, one set and seven varying characters in each, providing actors with a range of roles to play. The concept is an excellent one and is, therefore, a perfect choice for the

3 July 2023 4**** Written in 1960, Marc Camoletti’s play ‘Boeing-Boeing’ became an enormous hit when it premiered on the London stage in 1962, running for seven years. It is the epitome of the farce genre. The simple plot contains elements which some might find offensive these days; Bernard has three fiancées – all work

26 June 2023 3*** Firstly, it is time to celebrate. The Sidmouth Summer Play Festival is back for 2023 at the splendid Manor Pavilion Theatre. This unique and wonderful institution is, once again, providing a feast of entertaining theatrical delights over the next three months. 12 different plays over 12 weeks is no small feat

20 June 2023 4**** Human migration is a subject which is barely out of the news. Displaced people, the result of war, oppression or natural disasters is a modern tragedy with many of those seeking sanctuary and a new life never making it to a place of salvation. Treacherous journeys are undertaken and once at

12 JUNE 2023 5***** Two men walk on to the stage and to the emotional strains of Nina Simone singing ‘Ne Me Quitte Pas’, they take the audience on a journey through the ups and downs of their relationship in dance and drama and silence. It is, to put it simply, one of the most

8 JUNE 2023 2** The original 2013 London production of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, based on Roald Dahl’s most famous book for children, offered up spectacular sets, great special effects, a group of young actors as the Golden Ticket Winners, quirky and fun Oompa Loompas and a Willy Wonka with huge charisma. This new

24 April 2023 4**** Two middle-aged men meet up via the gay dating app, Grindr, and realise they are old school friends who shared a deep love of the Swedish pop group Abba. They decide to form a tribute band with them playing the women and two females playing the men. Such is the outline