UK Regional Theater Reviews: Best Shows & Critic Recommendations Page 29

BWW Review: HEARTBREAK HOUSE, Union Theatre
by Gary Naylor - January 12, 2018

George Bernard Shaw's Chekhovian black comedy has plenty of political heft, but lacks the dramatic clarity required to engage from first to last....

BWW Review: EUGENE ONEGIN, Arcola Theatre
by Gary Naylor - December 20, 2017

OperaUpClose condense and update Tchaikovsky's classic tragedy for a new space and a new culture, but never lose sight of its deep set Russian roots....

2017 Year in Review: Gary Naylor's Best of Theatre
by Gary Naylor - December 20, 2017

Gary Naylor looks back on 101 shows reviewed in 2017 and picks the best of the best....

BWW Review: RENT PARTY, Crucible Studio, Sheffield
by Ruth Deller - December 17, 2017

Five talented performers share stories and songs in this contemporary British tribute to the tradition of the 'rent party'....

BWW Review: THE WIZARD OF OZ, Crucible, Sheffield
by Ruth Deller - December 14, 2017

Charming, affectionate and exuberant - this latest version of the Wizard of Oz is a magical crowd-pleaser....

BWW Review: DICK WHITTINGTON, Manchester Opera House
by Abigail Donoghue - December 14, 2017

Traditionally, Dick Whittington tells the tale of a man who travels to London to find his fortune. And with infamous showman John Barrowman playing the staring role, Dick Whittington, and a charming Seventies duo, The Krankies, this production has the foundations to be a fantastic show. But despite ...

BWW Review: THE TWILIGHT ZONE, Almeida Theatre
by Gary Naylor - December 13, 2017

The Twilight Zone takes us into the world of early 60s cult science fiction TV in a bold and innovative adaptation that never quite transcends its structural weaknesses....

BWW Review: BEAUTIFUL - THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, Edinburgh Playhouse
by Gregor Dickson - December 02, 2017

Embarking on its first UK tour, 'Beautiful' examines Carole King's remarkable transformation from schoolgirl to superstar, her relationship with husband and song-writing partner Gerry Goffin, and their close friendship and playful rivalry with fellow song-writing duo Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann....

BWW Review: LEGALLY BLONDE, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
by Gregor Dickson - December 01, 2017

The stage adaptation of the hit 2001 comedy film 'Legally Blonde' embarks on a second UK tour and doesn't disappoint, with excellent lead performances from Lucie Jones, Rita Simons and Bill Ward....

BWW Review: SLEEPING BEAUTY: THE ROCK 'N' ROLL PANTO, Theatr Clwyd
by Abigail Donoghue - November 30, 2017

It's that time of year again... panto season. Oh no it isn't. Oh yes it is. Sleeping Beauty at Theatr Clwyd begins with the cast in the audience dressed as fairies, with bubbles blowing everywhere, much to the delight of the audience....

BWW Review: KING TUT A PYRAMID PANTOMIME, King's Head Theatre
by Gary Naylor - November 29, 2017

The Charles Court Opera Company's eleventh panto continues their tradition of bold re-interpretations and bad jokes....

BWW Review: PRIVATES ON PARADE, Union Theatre
by Gary Naylor - November 26, 2017

Privates on Parade is often amusing, but time has not treated its approach to issues kindly, even for those unoffended by the casual racism and misogyny typical of its era....

BWW Review: UNCLE VANYA, Manchester HOME
by Abigail Donoghue - November 23, 2017

Uncle Vanya at its simplest is a bleak take on the human condition. At its most complex, it's a harrowing look into the never-ending cycle of humanity and how easy it is to be consumed by your own mind....

BWW Review: ORDINARY DAYS, Drayton Arms Theatre
by Gary Naylor - November 23, 2017

Ordinary Days captures the ups and downs of romance in a big city with fine singing and warm, winning performances....

BWW Review: THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA, Cervantes Theatre
by Gary Naylor - November 19, 2017

This is a great, complex, problematic, Shakespearean, mythic, disturbing, provocative play....

BWW Review: THE DARK ROOM, Theatre503
by Gary Naylor - November 16, 2017

The Dark Room raises important issues but its lack of nuance and relentless emotional pain delivered at top volume and top speed, detract from its dramatic potential....

BWW Review: THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, Brockley Jack Studio Theatre
by Gary Naylor - November 17, 2017

As it settles into its run, expect this production of 'Earnest' to bring out comedy that goes against the grain of the times, but is no less funny for that....

BWW Review: MACBETH, Bussey Building
by Gary Naylor - November 10, 2017

A pared back but wholly successful production that places the storytelling and poetry at the centre of the storm of hubristic violence....

BWW Review: MOTHER COURAGE AND HER CHILDREN, Southwark Playhouse
by Gary Naylor - November 07, 2017

Mother Courage and her Children grows with relevance as Josie Lawrence turns in a once in a lifetime performance as a woman whose eye for business blinds her to what really matters....

BWW Review: IMAGINE THIS, Union Theatre
by Gary Naylor - November 02, 2017

Imagine This is considered and serious in its examination of life in the Warsaw Ghetto, but is ultimately let down by a plodding book and samey songs....

BWW Review: INSIGNIFICANCE, Arcola Theatre
by Gary Naylor - October 24, 2017

A timely revival for Terry Johnson's play that delivers on its themes, but falls short on its drama....

BWW Review: UNCLE VANYA, Crucible Studio, Sheffield
by Ruth Deller - October 23, 2017

Chekhov's classic is given a fresh update in this beautifully staged and passionately acted production....

BWW Review: CRAZY FOR YOU, Bristol Hippodrome
by Tim Wright - October 11, 2017

There's always a place for upbeat escapism in musical theatre. When times are tough, a few numbers that wriggle their way into your consciousness is a welcome thing....

BWW Review: THE TIN DRUM, Everyman Theatre, Liverpool
by Abigail Donoghue - October 07, 2017

Disjointed. Chaotic. Haunting. The Tin Drum is a chilling tale that resonates in so many eras of society. Based on the 1959 novel Die Blechtrommel by G nter Grass, Kneehigh's production tells the story of Oskar, a boy born into the world already weary with the state of humanity. We see everything th...

BWW Review: FLASHDANCE THE MUSICAL, New Wimbledon Theatre
by Gary Naylor - October 04, 2017

Flashdance The Musical may lack narrative drive, but it more than makes up for it with iconic songs and energetic performances full of star power....