War Horse - New London Theatre

It goes without saying that the major attraction of War Horse is its life-sized creation of the horses Joey and Tophorn. Just watching how these huge puppets are maneuvered so gracefully and skillfully throughout the scenes is astonishing. The transformation of little Joey from a small horse into a full grown adult is breath-taking. And all this before you add the stellar performance of the cast.  The drama, the passion and the tension are all perfectly encapsulated in the music and James Backway does an excellent job of portraying the heartfelt emotion of Albert Narracot for his horse. This is definitely one to see again.

War Horse can be seen @ The New London Theatre until March 2016

The Mousetrap - St Martin's Theatre

Running for more than 60 years, this Agatha Christie’s who-done-it is the longest running play in history and it’s easy to see why.  The plot is simple, yet brilliantly executed. Eight members of cast snowed in in a guesthouse on a cold winter’s night with no way of contacting the outside world due to a downed telephone line and with a murderer amongst them. Christopher Wren (no, not the architect) was my favourite character; his crazy, energetic presence is annoying, in a good way. Unlike the irritation felt towards the miserable Mrs Boyle and my quiet glee over her demise. Before intermission I had correctly deciphered who done it and eagerly awaited the second half to see my decipherment proved correct.

The Mousetrap can be seen @ St Martin's Theatre 

The Nether - Duke of York

After falling asleep on my first attempt to see this play (through tiredness not boredom) I was compelled to see it again as I was curious as to how it would end. The Nether is a virtual world where actions, including crimes, have no consequences. But in the created ‘Hideaway’, Morris (a female detective) suspects all manner of unlawful and perverted acts are occurring. But with users citing that no harm can come of living out fantasies in a virtual reality, is there any case to answer? 

Memphis The Musical - Shaftesbury Theatre

Memphis was everything I expected and more! Beverley Knight leads a cast of the most amazing vocals I ever heard in a West End show. Set in 1950’s Memphis, Felicia (Knight) is a black singer spotted by white DJ Huey (Killian Donnelly) who’s looking to shake up the music currently being played on local radio stations. While helping Felicia to her first recording and to fame, the pair fall in love but black and white relationships aren’t the norm and they are met with hostility. They also face disapproval from those opposing the effect that 'black' music is having on the youth as they join in the provocative dancing. Knight’s acting abilities in no way match her vocal prowess but it doesn’t detract from the fast paced, exciting performance.

I was seated in the very front row and we were all on our feet singing and dancing by the end of the show, feeling sorry for those behind us who couldn’t quite ‘release’ themselves as they would have liked.

Memphis can be seen @ Shaftesbury Theatre until 31st October 

Taken At Midnight - Theatre Royal Haymarket

Based on a true story, Mark Hayhurst’s play tells of Hans Litten (played by MartinHutson) a German lawyer who forces Adolf Hitler to give evidence during a court case.  The story centers around his mother, Irmgard (Penelope Wilton) who puts herself at risk to confront his captors.

The set is minimal and the bleak, bare walls of the concentration camp are seen throughout adding to the desperate feel of the piece. I went expecting to see / hear more of the trail but this was kept to the bare minimum at the end of the piece and hence, for me, it was disappointing.

Sunny Afternoon - Harold Pinter

I think I may be showing my age here but I had never heard of The Kinks, a band formed by Muswell Hill brothers Ray and Dave Davies in the 60’s, until this show. John Dagleish plays Ray, the quieter of the two who’s concerned with composing lyrics. In contrast his younger brother who lives up to the title ‘Dave the Rave’ is portrayed by George Maguire as a girl loving party animal. My heart leapt as I watched him swinging from the chandelier!

There is a striking contrast between the suited business men who hold the purse stings and the youngsters who just want to make music. Brace yourself for the roaring music which blasts from the wall to wall speakers forming part of the set. When they burst into You Really Got Me, I found myself thinking ‘ah, they’re the ones who sing this’. And whether or not you’re familiar with their music, you’ll find yourself up on your feet and jigging away towards the end. In my case there really was no choice as one actor literally pulled me to my feet!

Sunny Afternoon can be seen @ Harold Pinter Theatre until 23rd May