Squirrp’s Play Reviews provide concise, insightful takes on live performances, blending sharp analysis with personal reflections. Ideal for theatre enthusiasts seeking meaningful commentary.
Queer Wit and Romance: Gay Pride and No Prejudice Shines (Eventually)
Gay Pride and No Prejudice at the Union Theatre aims to mash up Austen’s wit with a Queer twist, and while it’s a fun idea, the execution wobbles a bit. There’s a lot…
Knife on the Table: A Bold and Timely Drama for 2024 at The Cockpit Theatre
Minimalist theatre often carries a quiet potency, and Knife on the Table at The Cockpit Theatre slices through convention with a sharp, engaging energy. Written by Jonathan Brown and directed by Marlie Haco, the…
The Flea: A Brilliantly Gripping Queer Tale of Victorian Scandal
Set during the Cleveland Street Scandal of 1889, The Flea at The Yard Theatre peels back the layers of Victorian society to reveal the hidden power dynamics at play. Written…
The Real Ones: Power, Fame, and Queer Identity Under Pressure
Stepping into the Bush Theatre for The Real Ones feels like entering a pressure cooker. Waleed Akhtar’s sharp, timely script raises the heat from the moment the lights go up. Set in the fraught world of…
Fame’s Final Curtain: The King of Hollywood at the White Bear
There’s something captivating about the mythology of Old Hollywood – the glamour, the grit, and the untold stories hiding behind the glitz. In The King of Hollywood, writer and director Paul…
Buyer and Cellar: Quirky Premise, Energetic Performance, but Thin Material
Jonathan Tolins’ Buyer and Cellar at the King’s Head Theatre brings an unusual premise to life – the fictional account of an out-of-work actor, Alex More, who is hired to work in Barbra Streisand’s…
The Mad Gay King: A Queer Fairytale That’s Unapologetically Bold
Walking into The Mad Gay King at the King’s Head Theatre, you immediately sense that this isn’t just another historical drama. No, this is a Queer retelling, a rich and thrilling dive…
Romeo + Juliet: A Fierce, Contemporary Retelling at Broadway’s Circle in the Square
Romeo + Juliet has always been a tale of reckless love and tragic consequences, but this 2024 production adds a bold, contemporary edge that breathes new life into Shakespeare’s classic. With…
Here in America: A Historical Debate That Struggles to Spark Emotion
Here in America aims to explore a critical moment in American theatre and politics, focusing on the ideological clash between playwright Arthur Miller and director Elia Kazan during the McCarthy-era witch…
Unspoken Memories: Queer Love and Lost Youth in Small Town Boys
Small Town Boys at Union Theatre is a trip down memory lane – literally. The play kicks off with a seemingly light-hearted encounter between Tom and Drew, two Queer men…
Retro Vibes, Real Drama: Abigail’s Party at Stratford East is a Satirical Masterpiece
Abigail’s Party at Stratford East brings Mike Leigh’s classic 70s satire roaring back to life with a pitch-perfect blend of comedy, tension, and retro charm. Directed by Nadia Fall, this…
The Reluctant Hero: Wiesenthal’s Journey from Survivor to Nazi Hunter – An Unforgettable Play
There’s something uniquely intimate about Wiesenthal at the King’s Head Theatre. Tom Dugan’s portrayal of Simon Wiesenthal, the man who dedicated his life to hunting down Nazi war criminals, is…
Northbound Boy: A Heartfelt Journey of Identity and Unexpected Connections
Northbound Boy is the kind of play that sneaks up on you. Written by James Hogan and directed by Alex Jackson, it tells a story that’s deceptively simple on the…
Slave Play: A Provocative Exploration with Mixed Results
Stepping into the Noël Coward Theatre for Slave Play, you’re immediately aware that this isn’t going to be a typical night at the theatre. With Jeremy O. Harris’s fearless writing…
Red Speedo: A Tantalising Swim Through Masculinity and Morality
Stepping into the Orange Tree Theatre for Red Speedo feels like wading into uncharted waters. With Lucas Hnath’s sharp writing and Chelsea Walker’s deft direction, the small, intimate space brings…