Redcliffe is a new musical by Jordan Luke Gage who is responsible for writing the book, music and lyrics and playing the lead role in the show. Inspired by two men who lived in Redcliffe in the 1700s, this is a story of community, family, fear, and forbidden love. The theatre space was set with seats on 3 sides, a wooden stage with a water along the end of it and a striking wooden fitting above the perimeter of the stage (Andrew Exeter). I found my eyes were drawn to this f

Our House is a musical, written by Tim Firth, with music and lyrics by Madness. This production is by Cross Keys Productions, a University of Oxford theatre company. I was interested to see it at Oxford Playhouse, and went along to review on opening night. The show opens with a medley of Madness music. This was a good chance to hear the band playing without distraction, and the musicians were superb. It was also good to see the musicians onstage when the curtain rose. I per

I was invited to review William Street at the Burton Taylor Studio by The Fifth Act Company, a student founded theatre company. The performance I saw of William Street was the first of the run. It was interesting to walk into the studio space and see a different layout to those for recent shows I’ve seen in this venue, one that worked particularly well for this show. The set consisted of a family’s living space which instantly transported us to the 1970s with furniture and

When I saw the information about Perfect Show for Rachel on a poster at the theatre, it was apparent that this was a show that would be unique. A collaboration between Zoo Co and Improbable, I was keen to review it, and who better to go with me than my friend Rachel. At the beginning, Flo O’Mahony, Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Zoo Co, but more importantly, Rachel’s little sister, takes to the stage for her allotted 5 minutes to introduce the concept. She is going rel