Drama – Page 3 of 3 – The Orbital

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...

24Nov

By Beth CarrNo Comments

Culture & Literature, Theatre & Performance

Di and Viv and Rose

Beth Carr reviews The Student Workshop's first production of the term. Upon reading the synopsis for Di and Viv and Rose, it became impossible to resist buying a ticket and heading to see it. Following three girls from the beginning of their friendship at university into adulthood and the changes it brings, the Student Workshop's rehearsal room production brought the story to life intimately. With only 35 seats at each performance, the audience is sucked into the drama and humour of the lives of the three characters, and it is hard to imagine the play being performed in any other way. Putting three unknown first years in the spotlight was a risk that paid off and each reflected the different personalities of the characters with ease. To the women watching, as well as I hope the men, ...

“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 ...