Lyn Gardner: Is honesty always the best policy? | Opinion, Picks | The Stage
We’ve all been there. A friend has written, or directed, or has a role in a new production. You’ve been to see it and now you wish you hadn’t. It … Continue reading
A critic’s life for me: Susannah Clapp on 20 years in the stalls | Stage | The Guardian
It’s 20 years since Susannah Clapp filed her first theatre review for the Observer. She reflects on two decades of drama Source: A critic’s life for me: Susannah Clapp on … Continue reading
Archive Theatre Review • THE HISTORY OF THE TROUBLES (accordin’ to My Da) • Tricycle Theatre • 2003 #Repost
First posted here on 26-04-13 Sometimes new plays have a knack of coming along at just the right time. This new play from Belfast is a real shot in the … Continue reading
Archive Book Review • ONE NIGHT STANDS pub. Nick Hern Books • Michael Billington • 2008
There are two great pleasures to be had from reading Michael Billington’s first collection of theatre criticism, One Night Stands 1971-1991. The first, assuming you are old enough to have … Continue reading
Why theatre criticism is actually impossible – WhatsOnStage.com
Here’s the thing about theatre criticism: it’s impossible. Whenever I’m teaching criticism, that’s what I tell my students. It’s impossible. A review can never say all it wants to say, … Continue reading
Did You Hear…? • A BILIOUS ATTACK • 2007
Did you hear about Nicholas Hytner’s ‘cri de bile’, as Nicholas de Jongh put it, against our national critics of the male variety? Although I have some sympathy with Hytner’s … Continue reading
Archive Theatre Review • DOUBT: A PARABLE • Tricycle Theatre • 2007
Certainty can be a dangerous thing. Think of all those people you know who have never had any doubt they are right. And then think of the damage they can do. Mind … Continue reading
Archive Theatre Review • TINTIN • Playhouse Theatre • 2007
The Playhouse Theatre is the venue for the brief return of the intrepid boy reporter and his dog Snowy in this lauded production, directed by Rufus Norris and adapted by David Greig … Continue reading
Archive Theatre Review • DAYS OF SIGNIFICANCE • Tricycle Theatre • 2008
Iraq is fast becoming a tool of preference for writers who cannot resist joining the crowds to sound off their support or condemnation of the war. With the five-year anniversary … Continue reading
Archive Theatre Review • CORIOLANUS • RSC @ The Old Vic • 2003
Japan in the early twentieth century — a turbulent place of military incursions and unstable social order. A state of transition exists as the power is shifted from the ruling élite to … Continue reading
Archive Theatre Review • THE HISTORY OF THE TROUBLES (accordin’ to My Da) • Tricycle Theatre • 2003
Sometimes new plays have a knack of coming along at just the right time. This new play from Belfast is a real shot in the arm for the peace process. … Continue reading
Archive Theatre Review • HITCHCOCK BLONDE • Lyric Theatre • 2003
Terry Johnson has had phenomenal success dealing with some of the great icons of the twentieth century. From putting Marilyn Monroe and Albert Einstein in a room together to dissecting … Continue reading
Archive Theatre Review • BRAND • RSC • Theatre Royal Haymarket • 2003
Ralph Fiennes does a great line in tortured souls: pondering the pointlessness of existence as Ivanov at The Almeida a couple of years ago, his brow equally furrowed as the ruthless concentration … Continue reading
Theatre Review • ROAD • Swan Theatre, Worcester • tour • 2002
Welcome to the launch of Rogues & Vagabonds on WordPress. I am gradually transferring the articles published on my theatre site, regularly updated between 2002 and 2008, for anyone with … Continue reading
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