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Happy 85th, Sir Alan

John Chapman Apr 12, 2024

Alan Ayckbourn

Four years ago this production was supposed to happen – the pandemic happened instead. On the occasion of Alan Ayckbourn’s 85th birthday, however, I thought it was high time that I reshared my thoughts about why working on this theatre giant’s plays is always a delight

http://2ndfrombottom.wordpress.com/?p=20851

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Mind Mangler (Theatre Review)

John Chapman Apr 8, 2024

ComedyCultural reviewsReviewTheatreTheatre reviewHenry LewisJonathan SayerMind ManglerMischief TheatrePenn & TellerTom Wainwright

Gloriously funny and inventive pastiche of a modern magic act.

http://2ndfrombottom.wordpress.com/?p=20838

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Jekyll & Hyde (Theatre Review)

John Chapman Mar 29, 2024

#online reviewCultural reviewsDigital theatreOnline reviewReviewTheatreTheatre review#onlinetheatre#theatreonlineForbes MassonGary McNairJekyll & HydeMax JonesMichael FentimanOnline theatreOriginal TheatreRichard hammartonRichard HowellRobert Louis StevensonThe Strange Case Of Dr Jekyll And Mr HydeTheatre online

There have been countless versions of this tale; this one man show is among the best

http://2ndfrombottom.wordpress.com/?p=20808

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The Greatest Play Of All Time (Theatre Review)

John Chapman Mar 22, 2024

Cultural reviewsCallum SharpLorne MacnaughtonMartin CoatesOld Red LionRobin HughesThe Greatest Play Of All Time

While it may not quite do what it says on the tin, the contents are huge fun

http://2ndfrombottom.wordpress.com/?p=20779

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March theatre reviews

John Chapman Mar 21, 2024

#online reviewCultural reviewsDigital theatreMusicalOnline reviewReviewTheatreTheatre review#onlinetheatre#theatreonlineBenedict LombeBush TheatreDriftwoodGillian Lynne TheatreHarold Pinter TheatreHide And SeekJez ButterworthMarry Me A LittleNational TheatreOnline theatrePark TheatrePentabusRichard HawleySam MendesShiftersStage Door TheatreStanding At The Sky's EdgeStephen SondheimThe Hills Of CaliforniaTheatre onlineThickSkinTim Foley

March has been particularly fruitful so far

http://2ndfrombottom.wordpress.com/?p=20765

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Driftwood (Theatre Review)

John Chapman Mar 17, 2024

#online reviewCultural reviewsDigital theatreOnline reviewReviewTheatreTheatre review#onlinetheatre#theatreonlineCharly DurnfordDriftwoodElle WhiteJames WestphalJerome YatesLulu TamNeil BettlesOnline theatrePentabusSarah ReadmanTheatre onlineThickSkinTim Foley

Pentabus/ThickSkin release last year's touring production as a live capture and it's a fine and resonating piece of work

http://2ndfrombottom.wordpress.com/?p=20743

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Hide And Seek (Theatre Review)

John Chapman Mar 15, 2024

Cultural reviewsReviewTheatreTheatre reviewCarlotta BrentanHide And SeekLoris ScarpaNico cetruloPark TheatreTobia RossiVaults Festival

This is a play which reminds us what the cancellation of Vaults Festival really means

http://2ndfrombottom.wordpress.com/?p=20731

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Shifters (Theatre Review)

John Chapman Mar 14, 2024

Cultural reviewsReviewTheatreTheatre reviewBenedict LombeBush TheatreHeather AgyepongNeil AustinShiftersTosin ColeXana

Much to admire but little to love

http://2ndfrombottom.wordpress.com/?p=20722

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The Hills Of California (Theatre Review)

John Chapman Mar 10, 2024

Cultural reviewsReviewTheatreTheatre reviewBryan DickHarold Pinter TheatreHelena WilsonJez ButterworthLara McDonnellLaura DonnellyLeanne BestOphelia LovibondSam MendesShaun DooleyThe Hills Of California

Third great production this week and another absolute treat

http://2ndfrombottom.wordpress.com/?p=20699

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Standing At the Sky’s Edge (Theatre Review)

John Chapman Mar 7, 2024

Cultural reviewsMusicalReviewTheatreTheatre reviewBen StonesChris BushGillian Lynne TheatreJoel Harper-JacksonLaura Pitt-FulfordLauryn ReddingLynne PageNational ThatreRachel WoodingRichard HawleyRobert HastieSamuel JordanSheffield TheatreStanding At The Sky's EdgeTom Deering

Exceptionally good - if this doesn't blow you away, then nothing will!

http://2ndfrombottom.wordpress.com/?p=20673

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