People's Theatre, Newcastle. This play, by resident writer Alison Carr, is a response to the RSC's 'Open Stages' project, which invited non-professional companies to stage a play around Shakespeare in a 'different' way. It looks at the story of the lovers from A Midsummer Night's Dream - particularly Helena. The play - a promenade performance … Continue reading Quick Bright Things – 3 stars

Nice Swan Theatre Company, Newcastle. After working on many productions as assistant director, Jane Hutchinson gets to take the reins with this classic Arthur Miller play, and puts a Nice Swan stamp on it from the very beginning. An eerie opening gives way to a captivating contemporary dance sequence, showing the witches cavorting in the … Continue reading The Crucible – 3 stars

Nice Swan Theatre Company, Newcastle. After three successful years producing some challenging musicals, Nice Swan now turn their attention to a double bill of straight plays, the first of which is this one. Director Lewis Pilton tackles the play with an assured confidence. His ideas are clear and well executed, and his staging is simple … Continue reading A Streetcar Named Desire – 3 stars

The People's Theatre, Newcastle. I went with some trepidation to the People's Studio space on opening night. Pinter's work can, in the wrong hands, go disastrously wrong, and even in skilled hands can be tough to sit through. I needn't have worried. Director Mary MacDonald and the cast have put together a programme of one-act … Continue reading Harold Pinter: short plays – 5 stars

Above The Stag Theatre, London. It's testament to the exuberant fun and sheer spectacle - not to mention the first class performances - of this production, that I didn't look down at my little pad once to make a note during the 90-minute running time. Fresh from a hugely successful run at this year's Edinburgh … Continue reading My Big Gay Italian Wedding – 5 stars