Oliver Ainley
Oliver Ainley is a critic with WhatsOnStage. This account has been auto-generated, and does not indicate that this person is an active member of Show-Score.com. That said, if you "follow" this member, you will automatically be updated whenever s/he writes a new review.
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It doesn't matter whether the group are on a night out in Vegas or getting their bikes fixed, you cant escape the feeling that most of this play is just rather lifeless. Full Review
As directors, Abigail Graham and Tash Hyman do not shy away from any challenging material. Their contemporary reimagining places these themes right in front of your eyes, barely allowing you to breathe – uncomfortable viewing ensues. Full Review
There are some redeeming individual performances from the cast, particularly stand-outs Kayleigh McKnight as Sindah and Emily Bautista as Ayla, but, honestly, they are left with far too much to do here. Full Review
Benedict Lombe's debut Lava covers a lot of ground, in both literal and metaphorical senses...It is a brisk and exciting play, with a firm sense of adventure throughout. Full Review
for a previous production Shedding a Skin is a rumination on kindness and healing but above all a celebration of life itself. This night belongs to Wilkin – what an utterly brilliant performance. Full Review
It says a great deal that the entire cast of Nickcolia King-N'da, Natalie Simpson and Toyin Omari-Kinch more than do justice to Fagon's writing. Full Review
This production feels close to being excellent but unfortunately is a little confused. Praise is due for a modern and dynamic interpretation but the execution does not match up to the brilliance of Shakespeare's antagonist.' Full Review
This feels like a production that has more to say on a sensitive topic but backs out at vital moments... The protective comic veil is never truly lifted and that ultimately limits this as a piece of drama.' Full Review
In reality, the plot feels very tenuous...Rather than being an active participant, you find yourself simply drifting through the experience and waiting patiently for the journey to reach its conclusion. Full Review
There may be the odd hiccup with jokes that don't quite hit the mark but to pick tiny holes feels almost shameful. This is an excellent production and a really fun night out for people of all ages. Full Review
Maddocks succeeds ... by weaving ... social consequences into the plot at every turn. A Place For We is ... less about solely damning gentrification and more concerned with conveying that change is an irrevocable part of life. Full Review
It is a pleasure to watch two different artists working with one another so seamlessly, the highlight of this touching play at the Almeida. Full Review
It's difficult not to think that the play has bitten off slightly more than it can chew, and might have been better served honing in on just two or three of these issues rather than trying to cover all bases. Full Review
One of the defining elements of post-pandemic society has been a dependence on technology, and Coxon's play is one that shines in this context rather than bending its form to be accommodated. Full Review
...this production of Dickens' Great Expectations resonates with a vibrancy and dynamism that could appear at odds with some perceptions of one of this country's most celebrated classical writers.' Full Review