Critics' Pick: Aliya Al-Hassan's Best Theatre of 2023
The pure joy of theatre is its ability to constantly renew and surprise. For me, 2023 saw a plethora of excellent musicals. Notoriously hard to get right, this year seemed to feature both clever revivals and future successes, many of which remained in my thoughts long after I left the theatre.
Review: THAT FACE, Orange Tree Theatre
It is hard to believe that Polly Stenham was not even 20 when she wrote this This Face; a dark and unnerving examination of parent-child relationships where teenagers try to parent immature and utterly self-indulgent parents. After debuting at the Royal Court in 2007, the play went on to win three major awards and is now belatedly revived in an excoriating version, directed by Josh Seymour.
Photos: Inside Rehearsal For THAT FACE at the Orange Tree Theatre
Orange Tree Theatre presents the first major London revival of Polly Stenham’s That Face. Josh Seymour directs the previously announced Niamh Cusack alongside Kasper Hilton-Hille, Dominic Mafham, Sarita Gabony and Bridgerton’s Ruby Stokes in this powerful and darkly comic exploration of what happens when children become parents to their parents. Go inside rehearsal in new photos!
Lucas Hnath, Trevor Nunn, Noel Coward, and More Set For The Orange Tree Theatre's Upcoming Season
The Orange Tree (OT) has announced its first full year of programming under new Artistic Director Tom Littler. It features world and European premieres by Zoe Cooper and Lucas Hnath; revivals from Mustapha Matura, Noël Coward and Oliver Goldsmith; directors including Trevor Nunn and Matthew Dunster; and Niamh Cusack headlining the first major London revival of Polly Stenham's breakout hit That Face.
Review: HAMLET, Streaming, Recorded at Bristol Old Vic
John Haidar’s production of Hamlet ... is a briskly modern piece which fizzes with primal urges, adding a new lens to a a familiar text. Very accessible to those new to the play, and a thoughtful treatment for those who know the plot well, this Hamlet is a 'palpable hit'.
Tour Announced For The Premiere of WODEHOUSE IN WONDERLAND
Cahoots Theatre Company Ltd in association with Jamie Clark Theatre presents the UK premiere of William Humble's play Wodehouse in Wonderland, starring Robert Daws and directed by Robin Herford, on a UK Tour which opens at Malvern Theatres on 26 January 2023.
VIDEO: Watch the All New Trailer For HAMLET at Bristol Old Vic
The first trailer has been released for Bristol Old Vic's Autumn headline production Hamlet. Starring Billy Howle and bringing together the hottest young talent and theatrical heavyweights, this visceral new production runs from 13 Oct - 12 Nov. Check out the video here!
Tom Chaplin Releases New Album 'Midpoint'
Produced by Ethan Johns (Paul McCartney, Tom Jones, Laura Marling), MIDPOINT includes such emotionally charged new songs as the reflective title track, “Midpoint,” joined by an official music video – directed by award-winning filmmaker Lucy Bridger and starring renowned Irish actress Niamh Cusack – streaming now at YouTube.
Sheffield Theatres Announces The Newly Named Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse
Robert Hastie, Artistic Director of Sheffield Theatres, has announced that the venue previously known as the Studio theatre will now be named the Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse in honour of the hugely influential theatre designer that had an essential role in the creation of the Crucible complex.
Tom Chaplin Releases New Single 'Gravitational'
‘Gravitational’ follows the album’s title track, a song which sees Tom’s voice soar, painting a picture of a man who is both bemused and confused with thoughts of his midlife. These feelings are beautifully captured in an evocative film starring Niamh Cusack, directed by Lucy Bridger. Watch the new music video now!
Tom Chaplin Announces New Solo Album 'Midpoint'
Produced by Ethan Johns, this emotionally charged collection features thirteen brand new songs. On the title track, Tom’s voice soars, painting a picture of a man who is both bemused and confused with thoughts of his midlife. These feelings are beautifully captured in an evocative film starring Niamh Cusack, directed by Lucy Bridger.
LUCY PARHAM'S CELEBRITY CHRISTMAS GALA Announced
Pianist Lucy Parham is joined on stage by celebrities, including Ed Balls, Alistair McGowan, Cathy Newman, Dame Harriet Walter and Katie Derham, in a performance of piano music, narration and festive surprises.
BWW Review: THE SEVEN POMEGRANATE SEEDS, Rose Theatre
There’s a huge amount going on in a short time in Colin Teevan’s The Seven Pomegranate Seeds, now showing at the Rose Theatre. Seven stories about maternal pain and loss from the women in the plays of Euripides are transported from classic mythology to modern-day scenarios. Despite this intriguing concept, the resulting production feel rushed and fails to live up to its potential.