reviews

AWARDS SHORTLIST: MONSTAS: Best Venue of 2024

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

It’s been quite the year, it’s almost Christmas and what would the festive season be without some recognition of the best of 2024? Over the next 3 months we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 17 categories for our Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2024.

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THEATRE REVIEW: Oedipus starring Mark Strong & Lesley Manville

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ***

WHEN?: Saturday 5 October, runs through 4 January 2025 RUNTIME: 120 minutes without interval

Robert Icke won the 2016 best director Olivier for Oresteia and perhaps in a nod to that there is a digital clock counting down above the stage until past secrets explode into the present.

  • Read on for reasons including how we were hoping for a more laser-like focus on the central story
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THEATRE REVIEW: Juno and the Paycock starring Mark Rylance at the Gielgud Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: *****

WHEN?: Tuesday 1 October, runs through 23 November 2024 RUNTIME: 150 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

Rylance is the titular peacock – pronounced ‘paycock’ in an Irish accent – who plays workshy father-of-2 ‘Captain’ Jack Boyle, a man never short of tall tales of adventure.

  • Read on for reasons including how this is the funniest comedy in London’s West End right now with a very memorable central performance
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THEATRE REVIEW: The Other Place after Antigone starring Emma D’Arcy at National Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ***

WHEN?: Friday 27 September, opens Tuesday 8 October and runs through 9 November 2024 RUNTIME: 90 minutes (no interval)

You may be most familiar with actor Emma D’Arcy from their role as Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen in HBO’s impressive House Of The Dragon but with this modern day re-imagining of a Greek tragedy they have made 2 of the most interesting theatrical choices of 2024 so far.

  • Read on for reasons including how this was flawed but features an intelligent performance from 1 of this country’s brightest up-and-coming stars
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THEATRE REVIEW: Look Back In Anger starring Billy Howle, Ellora Torchia & Morfydd Clark at Almeida Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN?: Wednesday 25 September 2024, runs through 23 November 2024 RUNTIME: 165 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

Middle class Alison irons while her educated husband Jimmy and their Welsh working class lodger Cliff read the Sunday papers as the weekend in their Midlands flat draws to a close.

  • Read on for reasons including how this remains a fascinating if difficult watch that is occasionally funny but will make you think about class and masculinity
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THEATRE REVIEW: The Hot Wing King starring Kadiff Kirwan at the Dorfman, National Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Aline Mahrud

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN?: Saturday 13 July 2024, opening 18 July and booking until 14 September 2024 RUNTIME: 170 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

Actress/screenwriter/director Katori Hall was inspired to write this comedy drama about black gay men for which she won a Pulitzer Prize because she wanted to reflect her brother’s life experiences.

  • Read on for reasons including how this a play that might present a challenge but is definitely worth consuming enthusiastically
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