Welcome to ReviewsGate!

Posted by : TimothyRamsden on Sunday, December 08, 2013 - 02:56 PM

Leicester.

CHICAGO
book by Fred Ebb and John Kander lyrics by Fred Ebb music by John Kander. Based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins.

Curve Rutland Street Cultural Quarter LE1 1SB To 18 January 2014.
Mon-Fri 7.30pm Sat 8pm Mat Wed 2.15pm Sat 4pm.
Audio-described 17 Dec (+ Touch Tour 6pm), 4 Jan 4pm (+Touch Tour2.30pm).
BSL Signed 13 Dec.
Captioned 9 Jan.
Runs 2hr 35min One interval.

TICKETS: 0116 242 3595.
www.curveonline.co.uk
Review: Timothy Ramsden 7 December.

Plenty of razzle, plenty of dazzle in it’s-all-show show.

Posted by : TimothyRamsden on Sunday, December 08, 2013 - 02:37 PM

London.

LET THE RIGHT ONE IN
adapted by Jack Thorne from the novel and film by John Ajvide Linqvist.

Royal Court (Jerwood Theatre Downstairs) Sloane Square SW1W 8AS To 21 December 2013.
Mon-Sat 7.30pm; Mat Thu & Sat 2.30pm.
Audio described 21 Dec 21 2.30pm.
Captioned 17 Dec.
Runs: 1hr 35min No interval.

TICKETS 020 7565 5000.
www.royalcourttheatre.co.uk (many performances sold out).
Review: Carole Woddis 5 December.

Blood, love and wonder.

Posted by : TimothyRamsden on Sunday, December 08, 2013 - 02:13 PM

Northampton.

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS
by Kenneth Grahame adapted by Patrick Sandford.

Royal & Derngate (Royal auditorium) Guildhall Street NN1 To 5 January 2014.
10.30am 10-13 Dec.
1.15pm 14, 15, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28-31 Dec, 4, 5 Jan.
2.15pm 10-13, 17-19, 23, 27, 2, 3 Jan.
5.15pm 14, 15, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28-31 Dec, 4, 5 Jan.
7.15pm 17-19, 23, 27 Dec, 2, 3 Jan.
Audio-described 18 Dec 7.15pm, 19 Dec 2.15pm.
BSL Signed 2 Jan 2.15pm.
Captioned 17 Dec 7.15pm.
Runs 2hr 5min One interval.

TICKETS: 01604 624811.
www.royalandderngate.co.uk
Review: Timothy Ramsden 5 December.

Elements of Christmas fun, elements of theatrical lyricism, crowned by a splendid Mole.

Posted by : TimothyRamsden on Thursday, December 05, 2013 - 01:01 PM

London.

LIZZIE SIDDAL
by Jeremy Green.

Arcola Theatre (Arcola 1) 24 Ashwin Street E8 3DL To 21 December 2013.
Mon-Sat 7.30pm Mat Sat 2.30pm.
Runs 2hr 20min One interval.

TICKETS: 020 7503 1646.
www.arcolatheatre.com
Review: Timothy Ramsden 4 December.

A fine lifelike portrait of a woman among the artists.

Posted by : TimothyRamsden on Thursday, December 05, 2013 - 12:37 PM

London.

SEUSSICAL (theatre for young audiences version)
book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty based on the works of Dr Seuss lyrics by Lynn Ahrens music by Stephen Flaherty.

Arts Theatre 6-7 Great Newport Street WC2H 7JB To 5 January 2014.
11.30am 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 27, 28 Dec, 2, 4 Jan.
1.30pm 5-8, 11-15, 18-22, 26, 29, 30 Dec, 2-5 Jan.
3.30pm 8, 15, 22, 29 Dec, 5 Jan.
6pm 9, 16, 23, 30 Dec.
Runs 1hr 15min No interval.

TICKETS: 020 7836 8463.
www.artstheatrewestend.co.uk
Review: Timothy Ramsden 2 December.

Bright, breezy and loud in colours and sound.

Posted by : RodDungate on Thursday, December 05, 2013 - 11:48 AM

Excursions/A Wooden Tree/Jenn and Spencer/Festival Dance

Sadler’s Wells Theatre
Rosebery Avenue,
London EC1R 4TN

7.30pm (Timothy can’t find any other times online for Mark Morris today Sunday)

Runs: 1hr 45 mins with interval : to 01 12 13

TICKETS 0844 412 4300
Mon–Sat, 10am-8pm
On-line: www.sadlerswells.com;

Review: by Carole Woddis of performance seen Nov 30, 2013

Delights, maturing nicely

Posted by : RodDungate on Thursday, December 05, 2013 - 11:37 AM

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: Charles Dickens, Adapted, Bryony Lavery; music and lyrics Jason Carr
Birmingham Rep Theatre
Runs: 2 hrs, one interval, till 04 01 14

Review: Alexander Ray Edser, 03 12 13

A great joy of an adaptation

Posted by : Jen_Mitchell on Thursday, December 05, 2013 - 01:34 AM

Nottingham.

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
by Kenneth Alan Taylor.

Nottingham Playhouse Wellington Circus NG1 5AF To 18 January 2014.

2.30pm 5, 9-14, 16-21, 23, 24, 27, 28, 30, 31 Dec, 2-4, 7-9. 11, 12, 15. 16, 18 Jan.
7.30pm 5-7, 9-14, 16. 18-21, 23, 24, 27, 28, 30 Dec-4 Jan, 7-11, 14-18 Jan.
Audio-described 11 Dec 2.30pm, 12 Dec 7.30pm, 13 Dec 2.30pm, 18 Dec 7.30pm, 15 Jan 2.30pm, 16 Jan 7.30pm.
BSL Signed 9 Dec 2.30pm, 10 Dec 7.30pm, 12 Dec 7.30pm.
Captioned 8 Jan 2.30pm, 9 Jan 7.30pm.
Runs 2hr 45min One interval.

TICKETS: 0115 9419419.
www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
Review: Jen Mitchell 30 November.

Kenneth Alan Taylor’s Playhouse panto is another festive treat.

Posted by : TimothyRamsden on Wednesday, December 04, 2013 - 11:40 AM

London.

CANDIDE
adapted from Voltaire by Hugh Wheeler lyrics by Richard Wilbur additional lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, John Latouche, Lillian Hellman, Dorothy Parker, Leonard Bernstein music by Leonard Bernstein.

Menier Chocolate Factory 53 Southwark Street SE1 1RU To 22 February 2014.
Tue-Sat 8pm Mat Sat, Sun, 31 Dec & 2 Jan 3.30pm no performance 24-26 Dec, 2 Jan no evening performance 31 Dec.
Runs 2hr 50min One interval.

TICKETS: 020 7478 1713.
www.menierchocolatefactory.com
Review: Timothy Ramsden 3 December.

Strong cast serve-up distinctive score and lyrics with verve.

Posted by : TimothyRamsden on Monday, December 02, 2013 - 12:23 PM

London.

TROUT STANLEY
by Claudia Dey.

Southwark Playhouse (The Little) 77-85 Newington Causeway SR1 6BD To 7 December 2013.
Mon-Sat 7.30pm Mat Sat 3pm.
Runs 1hr 50min No interval.

TICKETS: 030 7407 0234.
www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk
Review: Timothy Ramsden 29 November.

A manual of playwriting techniques but little life.

Posted by : TimothyRamsden on Monday, December 02, 2013 - 12:01 PM

London.

THE WHITE CARNATION
by R C Sherriff.

Finborough Theatre above The Finborough Wine Café 118 Finborough Road SW10 9ED To 21 December 2013.
Tue-Sat 7.30pm Mat Sat, Sun 3pm.
Runs 2hr 20min One interval.

TICKETS: 0844 847 1652 (24hr no booking fee).
www.finboroughtheatre.co.uk
Review: Timothy Ramsden 1 December.

Another all-cylinders-firing Finborough revival.

Posted by : TimothyRamsden on Monday, December 02, 2013 - 10:12 AM

London/Tour>

DINOSAUR ZOO
by Erth Visual & Physical Inc.

Phoenix Theatre Charing Cross Road WC2H 0JP To 12 January.
10.30am 3-7, 10-15, 17-24, 27-31 Dec, 2-5, 8-12 January.
12.30pm 15, 22, 29 Dec, 2, 5, 12 Jan.
2pm 13, 18, 20, 24 Dec.
TICKETS: 0844 871 7629
www.atgtickets.com/shows/dinosaur-zoo/phoenix-theatre
thenTour to 24 April 2014.

Runs 55min No interval.
Review: Timothy Ramsden 1 December.

Awesome Aussie antiques road-show.

Posted by : RodDungate on Sunday, December 01, 2013 - 08:40 PM

SALAD DAYS: Julian Slade, Dorothy Reynolds
Tete a Tete Recording
Mountview Records
Information: www.tete-a-tete.org.uk

Review: Alexander Ray Edser, 01 12 13

Looking back or forwards, it’s good to feel good

Posted by : TimothyRamsden on Sunday, December 01, 2013 - 01:23 AM

London.

DEATH SHIP 666
by Michael Patrick Clarkson, Gemma Hurley, Paul Clarkson.

Jermyn Street Theatre 16b Jermyn Street SW1Y 6SJ To 15 December 2013.
Tue–Sat 7.15pm Mat Sat & Sun 3.15pm.
Runs 1hr 10min No interval.

TICKETS: 0207 287 2875.
info@jermynstreettheatre.co,uk
Review: William Russell 30 November.

Titanic Two.

Posted by : TimothyRamsden on Sunday, December 01, 2013 - 01:06 AM

London.

HALBWELT KULTUR
by Finn D’Albert.

Jermyn Street Theatre 16b Jermyn Street SW1Y 6SJ To 15 December 2013.
Tue-Sat 9pm Mat Sat & Sun 5pm.
Runs 1hr 15 min No interval.

TICKETS: 0207 287 2875,
info@jermynstreettheatre.co.uk
Review: William Russell 30 November,

Ladies in Lavender in need of diction.

Posted by : RodDungate on Friday, November 29, 2013 - 09:31 PM

London.

gastronauts
by April de Angelis and Nessah Muthy created with Wils Wilson.

Royal Court Theatre (Jerwood Theatre Upstairs) Sloane Square SW1W 8AS To 21 December 2013.
Mon-Sat 7pm; Mat Thu & Sat 1.30pm.
BSL Signed 19 December 7pm.
Runs 1hr 35min No interval.

TICKETS 020 7565 5000 all performances sold out.
www.royalcourttheatre.co.uk
Review:Carole Woddis 27 November.

Ingenious and provoking.

Posted by : TimothyRamsden on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 - 09:47 PM

Bath/London/Coventry.

DON GIL OF THE GREEN BREECHES
by Tirso de Molina translation by Sean O’Brien from literal translation by Simon Breden.

Ustinov Studio Theatre Royal Sawclose BA1 1ET In rep to 20 December 2013.
11am 14 Dec.
2.30pm 28 Nov.
7.45pm 27, 30 Nov, 2, 3, 6, 13, 19, 20 Dec.
TICKETS: 01225 448844.
www.theatreroyal.org.uk/ustinov

then Arcola Theatre 24 Ashwin Street Dalston E8 3DL In rep 9 January-15 March.
7.30pm 9, 13-18 Jan, 3-8, 24 Feb-1 March.
2.30pm 18 Jan, 8 Feb, 1, 15 March.
TICKETS: 020 7503 1646.
www.arcolatheatre.com

then Belgrade Theatre (B2) Belgrade Square CV1 1GS In rep 27 March-19 April 2014.
7.30pm 27, 29 March, 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 15 April.
2.15pm 16, 19 April.
TICKETS: 024 7655 3055.
www.belgrade.co.uk

Runs 2hr 10min One interval.
Review: Timothy Ramsden 21 November.

A production that needs room to grow, of a play with a conclusion surprisingly modern in tone.

Posted by : TimothyRamsden on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 - 08:38 PM

London.

IN THE NEXT ROOM, OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY
by Sarah Ruhl.

St James Theatre 12 Palace Street SW1E 5JA To 4 January 2014.
Mon-Sat 7.45pm except 31 Dec 5pm, 3 Jan Mat Tue & Sat 3.45pm; 2pm 31 Dec, 3 Jan; 4pm 23, 27, 30 Dec.
no performance 9, 24, 25 Dec, 1 Jan.
Runs: 2hr 30min One interval.

TICKETS: 0844 264 2140.
www.stjamestheatre.co.uk
Review: Carole Woddis 26 November.

Comedy of sexual electricity with a strong charge.

Posted by : TimothyRamsden on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 - 08:13 PM

Bath/London/Coventry.

PUNISHMENT WITHOUT REVENGE
by Lope de Vega translated by Meredith Oakes from a literal translation by Sarah Maitland..

Ustinov Studio Theatre Royal Sawclose BA1 1ET In rep to 21 December.
2.30pm 30 Nov, 5, 21 Dec.
3.30pm 14 Dec.
Post-show Discussion 5 Dec 7.45pm.
7.45pm 26 Nov, 5, 7, 10, 12, 17, 18 Dec.
TICKETS: 01225 448844.
www.theatreroyal.org.uk/ustinov

then Arcola Theatre 24 Ashwin Street Dalston E8 3DL In rep 10 January-15 March.
7.30pm 10, 20-25 Jan, 10-15 Feb, 3-8 March.
2.30pm 25 Jan, 15 Feb, 8, 15 March.

then Belgrade Theatre (B2) Theatre Square CV1 1GS In rep 28 March-19 April 2014.
7.30pm 28 March, 4, 8, 9, 14, 19 April 2014.
2.15pm 29 March, 2, 12 April.

Runs 2hr 30min One interval.
Review: Timothy Ramsden 21 November.

Dramatic truth and tension in a discovery of the theatrical year..

Posted by : RodDungate on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 - 06:05 PM

GO BACK FOR MURDER: Agatha Christie
Bill Kenwright Tour
Runs: 2h, one interval, to 30 11 13
Information: http://www.kenwright.com/index.php?id=1304

Review: Alexander Ray Edser, 25 11 13, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

A period piece that still pleases.

Posted by : TimothyRamsden on Monday, November 25, 2013 - 07:26 PM

Bath/London/Coventry.

A LADY OF LITTLE SENSE
by Lope de Vega translated by David Johnston.

Ustinov Studio Theatre Royal Sawclose BA1 1ET In rep to 21 December 2013.
2.30pm 7, 11, 19 Dec.
7.45pm 25, 28, 29 Nov, 4, 11, 16, 21 Dec.
8pm 14 Dec.
Post-show Discussion 28 Nov.
TICKETS: 01225 448844.
www.theatreroyal.org.uk/ustinov

then Arcola Theatre 24 Ashwin Street Dalston E8 3DL IUn rep 11 January-14 March 2014.
7.30pm 11, 27 Jan-1 Feb, 17-22 Feb, 10-14 March.
2.30pm 1, 22 Feb.
TICKETS: 020 7503 1646.
www.arcolatheatre.com

then Belgrade Theatre (B2) Belgrade Square CV1 1GS In rep 26 March-17 April 2014.
7.30pm 26, 31 March, 1, 10, 12, 16, 17 Apr.
2.15pm 5, 9 Apr.
TICKETS: 024 7655 3055
www.belgrade.co.uk

Runs 2hr 15min One interval.
Review: Timothy Ramsden 21 November.

Domestic laughs and thoughtfulness from Spain’s Golden age.

Posted by : al_geary on Monday, November 25, 2013 - 04:29 PM

Mansfield/Touring.

BETRAYAL
by Harold Pinter.

London Classic Theatre Tour to 30 November2013.
www.londonclassictheatre.co.uk.
Runs: 1hr 45min One interval.
Review: Alan Geary 22 November at Palace Theatre Mansfield .

Reasonable production of a not especially good play.

Posted by : RodDungate on Monday, November 25, 2013 - 04:00 PM

THE ELEMENTS OF ELOQUENCE: Mark Forsyth
Icon Books
www.iconbooks.net
Published: November 2013

Hardback: 978 1848 316218 (RP 12.99)
eBook: 978 1848 316225 (RP 7.99)

Review: 25 11 13, Alexander Ray Edser

Better than a box of chocolates

Posted by : al_geary on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 - 06:51 PM

Nottingham/Touring.

THE COMPLEAT FEMALE STAGE BEAUTY: Jeffrey Hatcher.
Lakeside Arts Centre: Tkts 0115 846 7777 www.lakesidearts.org.uk
Touring Info from Mappa Mundi/Torch Theatre/Theatr Mwldan: 2h 20m: one interval.
Review: Alan Geary: 18th November 2013 at Lakeside Arts Centre.


The company’s best production for at least three years.

Posted by : TimothyRamsden on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 - 04:01 PM

Tour.

TUBE
by Tim Webb.

Oily Cart Tour to 25 October 2013.
Runs 45min No interval.
Review: Timothy Ramsden 20 September at Stratford Circus.

Sensory delights from tubular bells to tubular smells.

Posted by : TimothyRamsden on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 - 08:48 AM

London.

ANDROMACHE
by Jean Racine translated by Samuel Solomon.

Pentameters Theatre 28 Heath Street/Oriol Place Hampstead NW3 6TE To 1 December 2013.
Tue-Sat 8pm Sun 5pm.
Runs 2hr 5min One interval.

TICKETS: 020 7435 3648.
Review: Timothy Ramsden 17 November.

Poetry, passion and politics rekindled.

Posted by : TimothyRamsden on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 - 12:41 AM

London.

OUR AJAX
by Timberlake Wertenbaker.

Southwark Playhouse (The Large) 77-86 Newington Causeway SE1 6BD To 30 November 2013.
Mon-Sat 8pm Mat Sat 3.30pm.
Runs 1hr 40min No interval.

TICKETS: 020 7407 0234.
www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk
Review: Timothy Ramsden 9 November.

Modern trauma and ancient tragedy fail to fuse..

Posted by : TimothyRamsden on Sunday, November 17, 2013 - 02:12 PM

London

MUCKY KID
by Sam Potter.

Theatre 503 above The Latchmere Pub 503 Battersea Park Road SW11 3BW To 7 December 2013.
Tue-Sat 7.45pm Sun 5pm
Runs 1hr 10min No interval.

Tickets: 0207 978 7040.
www.theatre503.com
Review: William Russell 16 November.

Irreparably damaged goods? Or natural born killer?

Posted by : TimothyRamsden on Sunday, November 17, 2013 - 01:33 PM

Mold.

SEASON’S GREETINGS
by Alan Ayckbourn.

Clwyd Theatr Cymru (Anthony Hopkins Theatre) CH7 1YA To 2 November 2013.
Runs 2hr 30min One interval.
Review: Timothy Ramsden 2 November.

Somewhat muffled Greetings, at its best showing real human concerns amid the comedy.

Posted by : TimothyRamsden on Sunday, November 17, 2013 - 12:08 PM

Tour.

CYMBELINE
by William Shakespeare.

Phizzical in association with Belgrade Theatre Coventry Tour to 5 December 2013.
Runs 2hr 30min One interval.
Review: Timothy Ramsden 16 November at Curve (Studio) Leicester.

Shakespeare transposed looks good.