Theatre Reviews

13 December 2022 2** Greek stories and myths are a ripe orchard to pick from when reaching out for plots, characters, themes and historical analogies and in THE DISSENT, writer, Libby Boyd does just that. Presented by Themis Theatre as part of Theatre Royal Plymouth’s LAB programme – a tremendous opportunity for young theatre-makers to […]

5 December 2022 3*** The phenomenal success of the 1992 film Sister Act spawned a swift sequel (and another is on the way, or so I read recently) and it was only a matter of time before a stage musical would emerge – it’s the thing to do! This was realised in 2006 with the

15 November 2022 5***** Matthew Bourne is a theatrical alchemist bar none. The skills of creator, director and choreographer are offered up in all their glory in this wonderfully entertaining version of the ballet set to Tchaikovsky’s music. Subtitled ‘A Gothic Romance’, Bourne takes the original fairy story and adds his own spin on the

3 November 2022 5***** It is almost unheard of for me to review the same production of a show within only a few months – this is an exception – albeit the location is a different one. Carl Grose has found a very happy place at Theatre Royal Plymouth, especially in The Drum auditorium and

26 October 2022 5***** Unusually for one of my reviews, I will start by talking about myself. As a child I was, generally, regarded as quiet and shy. My slightly older sister had taken up ballet lessons when young and decided that she would like to bring ballet into our home – but with my

18 October 2022 5***** It seems almost inconceivable that it has taken 46 years to bring the musical ‘Bugsy Malone’ on a UK stage tour; but the 1976 film has defeated producers for that length of time. A long-time staple of schools and am dram companies, this wonderful vehicle for young people has found a

5 October 2022 5***** One of the true pleasures of reviewing theatre productions is getting to know the work of particular companies and that of Birmingham Royal Ballet has never failed to impress me. Their twice-yearly visits to Theatre Royal Plymouth are lauded by the audiences who await their arrival with bated breath. ‘Coppélia’ is

20 September 2022 3*** To popular music devotees, the very name Carole King sparks delight and admiration; her list of song hits is long and impressive and in her collaboration with Gerry Goffin achieved great fame and a place in history. Her name is much less widely known than her songs, which are still regularly

12 September 2022 2** Nikolai Gogol’s 1836 comedy, THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR, tells of a small town’s politicians trying to cover up their corrupt practices as they realise they are being investigated by an inspector who is arriving incognito. Bribery and mistaken identity play a major part as the officials dig themselves into a deeper hole

5 September 2022 4**** Next year, Arnold Ridley’s play ‘THE GHOST TRAIN’ will reach it’s centenary; there is no argument, it can rightfully be regarded as a classic of the British Theatre. There is no other play I can think of which so brilliantly combines a whole raft of theatrical genres; romance, mystery, thriller, drama,