Lancaster ArtsVia video, sound design and a carriage that actually moves, Imitating the Dog's latest production is alluring but doesn't quite convinceChildren carry our hopes into the future…
At the former Central Saint Martins building in Charing Cross Road, producer Emily Dobbs is re-imagining the Theatreland experience and drawing upon the site's rich history of creativity"We …
Trafalgar Studios 2, LondonIt's the work of his grandson, but this adaptation of Oscar Wilde's great novella is miscast, plodding and dullWickedness has seldom been made to seem quite so dul…
Royal Albert Hall, LondonA liberty-taking acrobatic rendering of The Tempest is sexualised but emotionally empty, while demoting the circus to incidental thrillsIn Shakespeare's The Tempest …
Camden People's theatre, LondonThe cast pull on masks and call for a revolution in a series of uneven skits about right-to-buy and regeneration schemesIt would be nice to think that London's…
Having a child doesn't mean you have to stop going to the theatre " or stop making it. Babies can open up new possibilities in the arts"Children ruin culture," declared Stuart Heritage, with…
Southwark Playhouse, LondonRob Hayes's new play is an impressive " and nasty " portrait of masculinity hitting the toilet bowlWriter Rob Hayes likes to sum things up in a play's title, as he…
Watch out for Manchester's most exciting theatre-makers, Jack Thorne's The Solid Life of Sugar Water, the terrific Pink Mist and the Lyric's Evolution festivalIt's your last chance for Tippi…
Tate Modern, LondonFrom earthquakes to elephants, David Espinosa's charming tabletop epic, performed with little plastic models, shows what an an artist can do with unlimited creativityImagi…
Albery Theatre, LondonRating: **** More reviewsIs it better to love temperately or wildly, wisely or too well? The question is posed in Howard Davies's very funny, very deep and subtle re…
Pleasance, LondonThis comedy thriller's pleasingly surreal edge is dulled by underdeveloped characters and slack plottingComedy theatre has never gone away, but it appears to be enjoying a r…
Platform, LondonOckham's Razor push themselves to the limit in a terrific show that wields lethal-looking poles to blend circus acrobatics, playground games and trust exercisesBritish circus…
A black Hamlet and a black King Lear will appear on main stages this year, but new research reveals black and Asian actors are still limited to minor rolesWhen Paapa Essiedu " a much admired…
Village Memorial Hall, BetchworthThis stage version of the James Stewart film, now touring 45 rural communities, has a raggedy, unforced charmFrank Capra's 1946 movie about George Bailey, th…
New Diorama, LondonDespite Christopher York's intriguing approach to the would-be king, this show is scuppered by inconsistent acting and giggle-inducing sound effectsAt a time when cast siz…
The wonderful Third Angel consider the moment of birth in Sheffield, the Push festival begins at Home in Manchester and the London International Mime festival is full of promiseThere are lot…
Shaw theatre, LondonPlaying with poignancy, this hour of fun for the London International Mime festival takes every opportunity for slapstick while tickling notions of deathAn entire perform…
Arcola theatre, LondonThe portrayal of a gay Zimbabwean awaiting the outcome of his application is affecting and direct in Zodwa Nyoni's monologueWhat does it feel like to be seeking sanctua…
Theatre Royal Stratford East, London Robin ego-trips in front of a down-to-earth Maid Marion, while a deliciously evil King John is beset by a stupid sheriff in this outrageous, charming pan…
St James, London A dysfunctional-family drama, seen through the prism of Spielberg's monsterpiece, takes sentiment and silliness beyond spoofAfter the death of their palaeontologist mum, tee…
Polka, LondonThis retelling is neatly done, with wonderful set design and acute observations of a timid sister transformed by misfortuneBelle is not brave. She's afraid of spiders, even litt…
NTW has appointed the astute Thiarai to succeed John McGrath as artistic director. An era of engaged performers and audiences is sure to continueWe can be certain that Rufus Norris at the Na…
Among the plethora of dull productions this year to celebrate the quadricentenary of his death, there are exciting shows that break the mould To mark the 400th anniversary of his death, this…
Ellie Harrison is facing outrage over a project that will keep her inside the city's perimeter. But that's what arts funding is for " to take risksThe furore surrounding Ellie Harrison's lat…
The Lowry, SalfordPins and Needles, who admirably adapted Raymond Briggs, return with a musical revival of the 30s children's story that's lightweight but heartwarmingThere was a movie versi…