Mr Foote’s other leg

Superb performances by Simon Russell Beale (Samuel Foote) and Dervla Kirwan (Peg Woffington) but the play disappoints with its story telling.

Overall, an enjoyable production that is on its second run after transferring from the Hampstead Theatre. However, Ian Kelly’s adaption of his own book fails to suck the audience into the dramatic life of a man who lives in fame for being an actor and theatre manager in the 18^th century. It takes too long to fully understand where the story is heading and therefore make it difficult to create a connection with the characters.

The biographical play is based on the life of Mr Foote, who was an actor in Georgian times. He was also famous for having an accident on stage and having his leg amputated, which is graphically explained during the show and leaves the audience shuddering. The play is a tragedy but is told through comedy that creates constant laughter in the theatre. Simon Russell Beale’s performance as the female characters is hilarious and overshadows the tragedy.

Mr Foot’s other leg ran at the Royal Haymarket theatre until Jan. 2016

Harlequinade/ All on her own

The double bill by the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company is a brilliant addition to the West End and a great beginning of a year-long run of different shows directed by Sir Kenneth at the Garrick Theatre.

All on her Own is a monologue and opens the show. Zoë Wanamaker delivers a breath-taking performance as a widow who tries to talk to her Husband’s spirit while getting drunk on his whiskey. The audience follows her every word, as soon as she steps onto the stage.

The second play, Harlequinade, is a comedy about an aging actor Arthur Gosport, played by Kenneth Branagh. He is so absorbed in his own world that he doesn’t realise what’s happening around him in his Shakespeare production of Romeo and Juliet. This mistake leaves him, his wife and the stage manager who is played by Tom Bateman, in chaotic situations. Co-directed by Robert Ashford the production leaves everyone in stitches.

Harlequinade/All on her own ran at the Garrick Theatre until Jan. 2016

Sunny Afternoon

The show sweeps you off your feet and takes you to the exciting and musical time of the 1960s.

This wonderfully produced show by Edward Hall is told through the songs of the rock ‘n’ roll band ‘The Kinks’. The audience is taken on a turbulent ride as the group evolves into an iconic English band, that shortly after their success, experiences the dark side of fame. Oliver Hoare as Dave Davies, the girl crush of the band, steals the show with his jokes and charisma.  Danny Horne plays Ray Davies and convinces in portraying the character with the innocence of a young man and passion for his music and song writing.

The story moves smoothly from scene to scene while enchanting the audience through music and colourful costumes. By the interval everyone is either reliving their memories of the 60s or wishing they had lived to see ‘The Kinks’ in their prime. This hit musical is a must-see when visiting the West End, with its fun atmosphere, great music and overall entertaining performances.

Sunny Afternoon is running at the Harold Pinter Theatre with booking until May 2016