Royal Exchange theatre, Manchester This version of Mike Leigh’s classic brings out the boozy claustrophobia, while Kym Marsh as Beverly and Tupele Dorgu as Susan brilliantly draw out the sadness of suburban dreams Continue reading...
Barbican, London Jessie Buckley, Olly Alexander and Will Young read from the artist and film-maker’s diaries, capturing a life of defiance, joy and vitality Continue reading...
Underbelly Boulevard, London Eschewing the customary conjuror’s hype, Frayne’s new show follows traumatic illness and delivers high excitement in an unusually low key Continue reading...
Hudson Theatre, New York The cult favorite musical about a doomed couple gets a mostly impressive new staging, lifted by two magnetic performances Continue reading...
New Diorama, London Writer-director Alan Fielden and his talented performers explore people smuggling, ancient imperialism and the sound of globalisation Continue reading...
New Vic, Newcastle-under-Lyme Grounding fantasy in emotional reality, director Theresa Heskins and her joyous 14-strong ensemble make the David Niven-starring film fly on stage Continue reading...
Tron theatre, Glasgow Martin O’Connor’s witty and provocative show casts the 18th-century equivalent of the Hitler Diaries in a fresh light Continue reading...
Almeida, London; Theatre Royal, Bath A bold revival of Ionesco’s play about the dangers of conformity rings all too true. And Hitchcock’s murderously droll back catalogue is turned into a stylish, suspense-free song and dance Continue...
Wilton’s Music Hall, London Every character is distinct in this bewitching solo performance by Mark Lockyer, a masterclass in pacing and emotional clarity Continue reading...
New Vic, Newcastle-under-Lyme Ambitious adaptation of Powell and Pressburger’s romantic fantasy is intelligently rendered, with well-chosen music added to the period mix Continue reading...
Winter Garden Theatre, New York The actor-director brings his 2005 drama to the stage, now playing the lead role, but while it’s timely and nicely staged, it feels stiff Continue reading...
Theatre Royal Windsor While it might have been revealing to 1970s audiences, this domestic drama featuring cliche characters and a wavering tone fails to pack the same punch Continue reading...
Peacock theatre, London Gleefully exploding traditional funeral rites, Thisispopbaby deploy styles from stepdance to pole dance to upend expectations of Irish culture Continue reading...
Hayes theatre, Sydney; Riverside theatres, Parramatta The supporting cast shine in this boutique production, which leans into spectacle at the expense of real bite Get our weekend culture and lifestyle email Continue reading...
Almeida, London Despite some delightful clowning, Omar Elerian’s version of this timely tale of conformity has too many ideas and lacks focus Continue reading...
Unicorn theatre, London Rejected by adults, the far-from-home heroine is embraced by cheering children in Debbie Hannan’s comical show Continue reading...
Toby Jones plays the spaniel-eyed schoolmaster setting Harry Lawtey’s needy young pupil on course for haughty international stardom Continue reading...