Category Archives: Theatre

Pinter Shorts, Trafalgar Studios

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Harold Pinter is a legend of the theatre and his plays live on just as vibrantly even now he is gone. It is never a struggle to find brilliant, talented actors to tackle this playwright’s nuanced and thought-provoking pieces, exemplified in the cast of Traf Takeover: Pinter Shorts, which I was lucky enough to see in its limited run at the end of June.

This sparkling 45-minute production showcased two of Pinter’s shorter plays: Family Voices and Victoria Station. Both illustrate a mix of poignantly sad and hysterically funny anecdotes.

All involved in the production should be congratulated… making such concise scripts so scintillating is impressive work and I was astounded by the punchy performance, despite the one week rehearsal time. There is an amazingly young artistic team: Edward Stambollouian is one to watch in the directing realm and Emily Vaughan-Barratt shows great promise as a leading London theatre producer. The cast is stellar: Andrew Scott, Alun Armstrong and Joanna Lumley, a team of true professionals so comfortable on stage I felt I could watch them all night.

The 10pm late-night showing was a hoot, it felt like a very exciting club, but left you at the end of the night with so much more – it is a concept that is sure to catch on.

More information here.

Once, Phoenix Theatre

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Once is a different kind of musical, a tender and believable love story, with a heartbreaking and surprising conclusion. For those recently out of a relationship I wouldn’t recommend buying a ticket, unless you have your mummy nearby to give you a big hug afterwards.

This new show, based on the Academy award-winning film, was a hit on Broadway, but sadly hasn’t received as electric response here in the UK… overshadowed by jollier bestsellers – Mormon and Matilda seem to be stealing all the keen audiences. However I think, as a less dramatic but enjoyable alternative, Once is a good choice. A select team of talented musicians play and sing their way through the score and all of the characters are patiently on stage for the majority of the show.

A heartbroken Irish musician is adopted by a bored but inquisitive Czech girl who makes it her mission to broadcast his music-making to the world. They subsequently fall in love, but less conventionally don’t kiss or act on their new found fondness for each other as they are both loyal to previous lovers. It is frustrating and strange to watch as an onlooker. The music is light, folky and filled with melancholy… quite repetitive at times but pleasant nonetheless. I was very impressed with the 5 star acting, dancing, singing and playing that the strong cast exhibit, especially the lead roles, who seemed genuinely quite upset themselves by the final heart-wrenching moments of the musical.

Once is a heartfelt and honest piece of theatre, simple yet effective. I must admit my attention did occasionally wander, especially as I couldn’t help but fidget in the stuffy theatre, but on the whole it is a lovely piece with a message that will stay with you long after you have left the theatre.

ps. The luxury ice-creams (especially Eton Mess flavour) are well worth forking out for in the interval.

More information and book online here.

Future Cinema, Saturday Night Fever, Troxy

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I was utterly amazed when I experienced Secret Cinema for the first time a few years ago. This immersive cinematic experience caught on fast and soon everyone wanted a ticket to a Secret Cinema event. Soon after, Future Cinema arrived, a less exclusive idea that allowed the revolutionary concept to reach bigger crowds. The product was, sadly, diluted and consequently the thrill lessened. Tickets were more readily available, and very few were as desperate to go.

Casablanca was my first Future Cinema experience and more recently I went to the Saturday Night Fever production. As a big John Travolta fan, this film has always been on my favourites list, and I even have a scruffy vintage film poster in my room. Unfortunately though, the character led storyline does not lend itself to the Future Cinema format and the experience was less convincing. The flashing multi-coloured dance floor was fun and there was a bit of good dancing but that was all.

Less time, money and creativity has gone into the Saturday Night Fever showing, the entrance was less dramatic, the hall was barely decorated and the characters/actors seemed lost amongst the audience. All in all I found the concept, for the first time, mediocre. Drinks were overpriced and it was confusing having stalls selling clothes and jewellery at the back of the venue. In fact the only good thing about the evening was the classic disco film, which I would have rather watched from the comfort of my own home.

More information on Future Cinema here.