The Tempest - Kings Cross Theatre

By far the most ‘interesting’ interpretation of The Tempest I have ever seen. So much so that I probably wouldn’t have recognised it but for the name of the characters and some of the dialogue.  Set in a female prison, the action starts as the prisoners are paraded through the bar area prior to the audience being ushered to their seats by security guards. Steel pans, rapping, modern dress and an entire female cast removes the Shakespearean feel. Harriet Walker gives an energised performance as Prospero while Jade Anouka gives a brilliantly vibrant performance as a rapping, boom box carrying, Ariel. The plays lasts an hour and forty minutes with no interval and I’d dare say that even non Shakespeare fans will find enough to keep them entertained for the duration. 

The Tempest can be seen @ the Kings Cross Theatre until 15th December 

Showboat - New London Theatre

Showboat, a musical written in 1927, tells the heartwarming story of a young woman named Magnolia, her father who owns The Cotton Blossom show boat and a young actor / gambler called Gaylord. Magnolia and Gaylord fall in love, overcoming several challenges, to a backdrop of heartfelt songs and upbeat dances. Director, Daniel Evans, does a magnificent job of transforming this 90 year old script into a show that engages and moves a modern day audience. With a sterling performances from the cast, who weave their way around sections of the audience, it seems a shame that the show (initially scheduled to run til January) will be closing early.

Showboat can be seen @ New London Theatre until 27th August

The End of Longing - Playhouse Theatre

I was never into the series, Friends, but was curious to see how TV actor, Matthew Perry, would make his stage transition. Jack is an alcoholic. Stephanie is a prostitute. A neurotic Stevie is thirty-seven and wants a baby and Joseph, in his own words, is stupid. The four characters open the play by telling us everything about themselves so there’s little left in way of suspense; except to see whether the obvious ensuing relationships will work. The action unfolds predominately in bedrooms and bars in the first half and a hospital in the second. While the story, in itself, is good natured the execution leaves a lot to be desired. Brace yourself for several foul-mouthed tirades, unimaginative dialogue and the odd comedic moment. But if you like happy ever after endings, you won’t be disappointed.

The End of Longing can be seen @ The Playhouse Theatre until 14th May 

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time - Gielgud Theatre

I hadn’t read the book, so although I knew the story line, I didn’t have much in way of expectations. Christopher is a teenager with Asperger’s Syndrome. The play is depicted by the teacher, at his special needs schools, reading out the story he has written about his attempt to solve the murder of their neighbour’s dog. His investigation leads him on a physical and emotional quest in which he uncovers truths about those around him, including his parents.

The stage, set out as a black grid, is versatile and transforms from projecting his mathematic formulae to a house, to a train. Sion Daniel Young does a great job with the character of Christopher (I was reminded of him as Albert in War Horse).  His touching, often poignant, performance makes difficult viewing at times; like when he recoils from human touch.  Comedic moments help to lighten the otherwise heavy matter, much need in a piece of this nature, and what audience doesn’t go gaga over a live dog on stage.

Stick behind at the end and Christopher reappears after the curtain call to explain a complicated mathematical equation used during the play.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time can be seen @ Gielgud Theatre until 17th Dec

Close To you - Criterion Theatre

I left this production thinking ‘wow, is there any song that Bacharach didn’t have a hand in?’  Around thirty of his songs (including Walk on By, Magic Moments, I’ll never Fall In Love Again, What’s New Pussycat) are reworked against a backdrop of suspended guitars, old lamps and sofas, giving it the feel of something out of the 70’s. A few audience members are given their five minutes of fame as they sit on the sofas on stage throughout the show. Some seated around me found it difficult to watch in silence so there was the occasional outburst of singing.
There’s no doubt that the seven strong cast are highly talented singers and musicians but with no dialog and no real ‘performance’ as such, it did beg the question as to whether this is actual ‘theatre’. There’s the odd interjection of drama; a cast member reads and then tears up an old letter but just how it fits in with the song is unclear.  

Though lacking drama on stage, I did experience a theatre first. Three minutes into the second half the house lights came up and a member of crew appeared on stage to say we had to evacuate the building. Information was very slow in coming forward. Apparently a fire alarm had been activated so we waited idly outside for about twenty minutes, next to the fire truck, before being allowed back in for the continuation. By this time almost a quarter of the audience had left but the show continued on with just as much energy as the first half.

CloseTo You can be seen @ Criterion Theatre until 10^th January

Sinatra - London Palladium

Frank Sinatra is resurrected on screen as the story of his life and music is told through photos and sound clips. Accompanied by a spectacular 24 piece live orchestra he belts out several of his well-loved classics; although I was personally disappointed that my wait for That’s Life was in vain. Amongst the high tech video projection, live dancers parade the stage in clumsily choreographed movements which start very slow in the first half and liven up after intermission. The most enjoyable part of the evening for me was when his daughter, Nancy, appeared in the flesh to commend the show and share honestly how difficult it had been for her to watch. If you’re a fan of his music, then I’m sure you would have thoroughly enjoyed this magnificent tribute for his centenary. 

This show @ London Palladium has now ended  

Bend It Like Beckham - Phoenix Theatre

Thankfully, you don’t have to be a football fan or even remotely interested in the game to appreciate this production. Neither do you have to have seen the film. Jess, a Beckham-crazy young, female footballer from an Indian family faces many protests from her family as she attempts to excel in the game. She becomes embroiled in a love rival between her friend and team mate Jules, over Joe, their football coach. And all this amidst the frenzied preparations for her older sister’s wedding. It’s a happy, feel good show with some clever songs and plenty of vibrant colours. Okay a football suspended on a string is a little tacky, but how else can you successfully kick a ball on stage and angle it correctly?

Bend It Like Beckham can be seen @ Phoenix Theatre until 24th October