People's Theatre, Newcastle. In his programme notes, director Tony Childs writes: “It's easy to see how Much Ado About Nothing is one of Shakespeare's best loved comedies”, and The People's production of it is everything a Shakespeare comedy should be: clever, witty, stylish, and very funny. The pace never lets up for a moment. The … Continue reading Much Ado About Nothing – 5 stars

Live Theatre, Newcastle. John Challis's poetic play about a chance meeting on a railway concourse between a call centre worker and a would-be poet is the first of three Bitesize plays produced by Queen's Hall Arts playing at Live Theatre. The production is a perfect blend of poetry and theatre, with the writing succeeding in … Continue reading The Next Train To Depart – 4 stars

People's Theatre, Newcastle. This classic 1892 farce by Brandon Thomas broke all records when it was first produced, running in London for four years (1,466 performances) and making a star of its original 'Charley's Aunt', comic actor W.S. Penley. It has been revived and revisited ever since, by both amateur and professional companies around the … Continue reading Charley’s Aunt – 3 stars

People's Theatre, Newcastle. I'm often very wary of plays from the 60's - particularly ones which, at the time, were lauded for being ground breaking and daring but, with the passage of time, now run the risk of just appearing dated, tame and dreary. But in today's climate where the BBC are under constant criticism … Continue reading The Killing of Sister George – 4 stars

People's Theatre, Newcastle. The People's respectful recreation of this classic BBC sit-com gets it right on pretty much every level. From the first moment there's a palpable buzz of anticipation from the audience, as an air-raid siren reverberates around the theatre, Captain Mainwaring and his men march through the auditorium, and the unmistakable voice of … Continue reading Dad’s Army – 4 stars