Abi at the Theatre

  When: 10th February 2024 (Matinee) Where: Harold Pinter Theatre, London Writer: Jez Butterworth Director: Sam Mendes (Spoilers ahead) The Hills of California follows 4 sisters, both in the present as their mother is dying, and in the past when they were in a singing quartet. Set in a Blackpool guest house, the play explores lost hopes and dreams, along with family tensions.  The first thing you notice when you walk into the auditorium is the set. Immediately the random assortment of things and chairs, a bar with a straw roof and a broken jukebox, transport us into this world of broken dreams. The atmosphere radiated by the set highlights the messiness, but hopefulness that the story portrays. Then there are the collection of staircases which lead to the rooms upstairs, and further into a dark abyss created at the very top of the proscenium. I thought this was brilliant, the images created by watching characters ascend into this abyss, or appear from it, were striking and ...

  When:  8th February 2024 Where: Dorfman Theatre, London Writer: Beth Steel  Director: Bijan Sheibani Till the stars come down, takes place on the day of Sylvia's wedding, what better setting for a family drama. Whilst perhaps not a largely original story, reminiscent of soap operas, Steels play feels fresh. It has both well written comedy and some fairly difficult subjects, which are well balanced to create contrast and cohesion. Steels understanding of character shines through, particularly in the opening scene, in which the use of overlapping speech, jumping between topics of conversation and everyday distractions create a sense of hyper-realism. The scene brilliantly sets the tone for the piece, and introduces us to the quirks and characteristics of many of the characters, without separating them or losing propulsion. It starts off at pace and never really loses that energy. This is a testament to her skill and ability as a writer.   The play was visually...

  When: 21st December 2023 (Matinee) Where: Adelphi Theatre, London Writer: Bob Gale Director: John Rando (Spoilers ahead) It's no shock to anyone that I do not like musicals, and yet somehow this show was the most fun I have had in the theatre in a long time.  When you first walk into the auditorium you are immediately immersed into the technological world of the show. Blue neon lights weave their way out of the stage across the walls and ceiling into the audience. As the show continues the technological mastery behind this show excels. One of the most interesting uses of technology is the use of screen projections across the front of the stage. Particularly during scenes when the characters time travel, and a sheer screen comes down across the stage, there are then projections on this screen that make it look as if the car is driving at 88mph. Its simple in its execution, yet, the idea to come up with this is brilliant. It's a great use of technology, that still feels theat...

  When: 7th December 2023 / 13th December 2023 (matinee) Where: Lyttleton Theatre, London Writer: Alice Birch (after Federico García Lorca) Director: Rebecca Frecknall (Spoilers ahead) I have always loved modern adaptations of classic texts, they manage to breath new life and excitement into texts that may otherwise have lost traction. This play is no different. Whilst from my understanding Birch hasn't changed the story, or the text that drastically, it is the way in which she layers scenes that it so fascinating.  The play takes place in Bernarda Alba's house, when the curtains open we see the three floors, each of their bedrooms and the main living and dining space on the ground floor. This set excites me so much, it creates brilliant images and details that could not have been explored in any other way. At points we are able to see characters private reactions to things, either after they have left the scene or during. There's a brilliant moment when during an argument...

  When: 25th November 2023 (Matinee) Where:  Harold Pinter Theatre, London Writer: Penelope Skinner Director: Ian Rickson (This review was written months later) When this play was announced I was excited, the story sounded promising. Yet, I think this was possibly one of the worst plays I have seen.  Firstly, I want to mention, that there must have been something in the script that tempted both Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James to do the play. What that is I'm not sure, but I do feel for them.  The writing for this play is poor, its main issue is a lack of human connection. They are both brilliant actors, and you can tell that they are trying really hard with the text they are given. Whilst there are a few moments where they shine, for the most part the speech is a slog that even the actors struggle to make believable or interesting.  There are a few moments that I remember clearly and not because they were good. Firstly, towards the beginning of the play Elai...