Theatre – Page 3 of 4

Bowie From Your Bottom: Midsummer at The Globe

3Aug

By George SomersNo Comments

Culture & Literature, Theatre & Performance

Bowie From Your Bottom: Midsummer at The Globe

Concealed in the midst of artistic director Emma Rice’s traditionally authentic season of Bard-based foolery, nestled within the open air glory of Sam Wannamaker’s theatrical baby, the controversial wackiness of the Kneehigh Theatre Group's updated, revamped and revitalised 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream' is a spectacle to behold. Colliding the wandering woodland players with the splendour of Ziggy Stardust, while regenerating the romantic comedy of the Demetrius-Helena spats via the hilarity of an on-off gay couple, Rice is utterly immersed in her element, with sold-out performances splitting Shakespeare purists and newly indoctrinated Bard followers into Marmite-like love or hate camps. This eccentric production has been both adored and loathed alike by critics. With self-deprecating Nick...

#KeepTheSecrets: Harry Potter Play Reviewed

7Jul

By Beth CarrNo Comments

Culture & Literature, Theatre & Performance

#KeepTheSecrets: Harry Potter Play Reviewed

Beth Carr reviews the highly anticipated Harry Potter and the Cursed Child ahead of its official opening in late July Walking up to the Palace Theatre, it is clear that this is the only place in the West End to host Harry Potter's eighth story. Visually spectacular, the Victorian red brick frontage is reminiscent of Hogwarts and the interior is equally magical, benefiting from a refurbishment especially for J. K. Rowling's newest creation. The theatre was surrounded by eager fans and as doors opened the queue was already winding around the entire building. A warm welcome awaits spectators from security and staff, and after parting ways with an unfortunate packet of BBQ Beef Hula Hoops (no food is allowed into the theatre but you can take in water bottles) we were soon seated, ready to enj...

Savoy Kicks Off Half-Centenary with ‘Pirates Of Penzance’

21Mar

By George SomersNo Comments

Culture & Literature, Music, Theatre & Performance

Savoy Kicks Off Half-Centenary with ‘Pirates Of Penzance’

"Everyone we capture says he's an orphan. The last three ships we took proved to be manned entirely by orphans, and so we had to let them go. One would think that Great Britain's mercantile navy was recruited solely from her orphan asylums — which we know is not the case." With Holloway’s oldest society celebrating its golden anniversary, it seems fitting for Savoy to open 2016 with one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s best-known operettas: ‘Pirates of Penzance’. Brilliantly witty, self-mockingly fickle and proposing possibly the most ingenious ‘Get Out Of Jail Free’ card in theatrical history (when in doubt, declare your adoration of Queen Vic), ‘Pirates’ has everything we’ve come to expect from a comic Savoy production: superb vocals, charming silliness and Will Davidson’s amusing variety of...

The Christian Union present the Mark Drama

8Feb

By Beth CarrNo Comments

Sports & Socs

The Christian Union present the Mark Drama

"It's about 80% shouting and 20% crying" was one reaction to the Mark Drama, a 90 minute exploration of the gospel of Mark by the Christian Union. Perhaps this is an exaggeration, but this comment expresses how immersive the experience is. The show is in-the-round, with three aisles and action going on all around the audience, as well as in the centre of the circle. You are truly part of the performance and it's hard not to join in at points. The cast interact with you and address you, as if you were truly there. And so it is that you experience what the book of Mark has to say. Being run by the Christian Union it is about Jesus, but not aggressively so. Not every character believes what he has to say, and even those that do show their doubts and changes in opinion. The acting is ...

The National presents Shakespeare’s “As You Like It”

8Jan

By Jordan ThorneNo Comments

Culture & Literature, Theatre & Performance

The National presents Shakespeare’s “As You Like It”

When the National takes on a Shakespeare play, we all expect great things, and this season’s production of the comedy, "As You Like It", with Polly Findlay at the helm, lives up to the high standards the company have set themselves. (more…)

Something Wicked This Way Comes: ‘Faustaff’ Premieres at The Cockpit

25Nov

By George SomersNo Comments

Culture & Literature, Theatre & Performance

Something Wicked This Way Comes: ‘Faustaff’ Premieres at The Cockpit

“Say it like you did in the asylum” – “You’re going to kill your wife, and then you’re going to kill yourself”. Written by Holloway alumni Diego Sosa, ‘Faustaff: or the Mockery of the Soul’ commenced its limited three-week run on the London stage on the 18th, bringing its demonic, experimental vibe to the theatre of the capital. Merging the raw physicality of brutal murder scenes with the psychological mind-meddling trickery of a playful demon - played by ‘Doctors’ Eddie Chamberlin - ‘Faustaff’ will leave you pondering on the story long after you’ve left The Cockpit. The stage, much like the cluttered laboratory of a crazed scientist, is a place to experiment, crashing ideas together, ramming thoughts into test tubes and observing what happens. ‘Faustaff’ poses some brain-bogglin...

“Memphis”, Last triumph at The Shaftesbury Theatre

22Nov

By George SomersNo Comments

Culture & Literature, Theatre & Performance

“Memphis”, Last triumph at The Shaftesbury Theatre

Unfortunately, The Shaftsbury Theatre hasn’t had the most illustrious success in the century it’s been performed in. Hidden at the dark, neglected end of London’s most infamous avenue, the auditorium’s only real minor claims to fame include "Hairspray" and "Rock of Ages". Luckily, Tony award-winning, Broadway sensation "Memphis" strode confidently into the theatre during February of last year. Cast with singer-songwriter Beverley Knight, and up-and-coming West End star Killian Donnelly, "Memphis" opened to a mixture of hype and awestruck surprise, gaining an unexpected level of box office success. No-one anticipated how such a previously unknown show could’ve achieved such immense popularity in only one year. Bagging two "Oliviers" Awards and a "What’sOnStage" Award, the rock "n" roll m...

Holloway Alumni Collaborate to Create London Stage Show

14Nov

By George SomersNo Comments

Culture & Literature, Theatre & Performance

Holloway Alumni Collaborate to Create London Stage Show

‘Virginia Woolf once said that the world of her times was not ready for a female Faustus. Now, according to the author, the modern world is…’ Playing at The Cockpit Theatre, Marylebone from November 18th, the artistic lovechild of former Royal Holloway students Diego Sosa and Frank Kaye ‘Faustaff: or the Mockery of the Soul’ is making its London theatre debut. Following a successful run on the Mexican stage with English director Kaye at the helm, the demonic psychological spectacle is trying its hand at wowing the audience of the capital, ‘Faustaff’ commencing its three-week run later this month with Rodrigo Johnson instructing the cast on this side of the Atlantic. A tale of hubristic pride, a fame-hungry protagonist and the dangers of not being careful what you wish for, ‘Faustaff’...

The Student Workshop Presents: ‘Di and Viv and Rose’.

21Oct

By George SomersNo Comments

Culture & Literature, Theatre & Performance

The Student Workshop Presents: ‘Di and Viv and Rose’.

‘A big and warm-hearted piece about female friendship’. This is how The Evening Standard describes Amelia Bullmore’s laugh out loud West End comedy 'Di and Viv and Rose', which completely captivated the London theatre scene earlier this year over a sadly limited five-month stint. Now, Holloway are trying their hand at bringing the easefully witty piece to life, with Lizzy Fretwell taking the directorial helm as part of The Student Workshop’s first term season. From Wednesday 28th to Friday 30th October, the script critics praised as ‘unforcedly funny’ (The Times) is being rejuvenated by RHUL’s dramatic talent, taking over Rehearsal Studio 1 in the Caryl Churchill Theatre for three nights only. First meeting in their university halls, gutsy Di, corset-loathing feminist Viv and eccentric ...

7Jun

By No Comments

News

Alumni Win Big in Award Season

Royal Holloway alumni have been sweeping up the awards during this year’s award season. Georgina Campbell was awarded a BAFTA for best actress on Sunday 10th of May for her role in BBC 3 hard Hitting Drama ‘Murdered By My Boyfriend’, a series based on a true story of domestic abuse. Georgina beat off competition from established actresses Sheridan Smith, Sarah Lancashire and Keeley Hawes who were all nominated for the Leading Actress award. Georgina developed her acting career while studying BA Film Studies at Royal Holloway from 2011-2014, since leaving she has appeared in many well-known dramas including 'Holby City', 'Casualty', 'Doctors' and the ITV drama 'The Ice Cream Girls'. Likewise in early April, Mark strong won the Olivier for the best Actor award for his role in ‘A View fro...