Monday, December 4, 2023
The Hidden Review: Pandoro, mutuo e Maradona - Recensione Teatro
Thursday, August 17, 2023
The Hidden Review: Bonding - Theatre Review
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
The Hidden Review: After all these years - Theatre Review
All These Years is a play divided into three acts and tells the story of relationships between two couples, now residing in a seaside town, as they reminisce over their lives and friendships over the years.
Moreover, starring four seasoned actors, Jeffery Holland (best known from TV’s ‘Hi-De-Hi’), Judy Buxton, Carol Ball, and Graham Poutney (who also directs), all at the top of their games and very much at home on stage.
Throughout the play, the characters had known each other for quite some time and were all in show business at one point.
Act 1 reflects on the two male friends, Alfred and Charlie, in a local pub and shows a fantastic bond between them as they banter about their lives and the woes of getting older.
Then the following acts play out with the two women, taking place in one of their homes after a swift set change, culminating in Act 3 two years later.
Furthermore, the dialogue is witty and sparkles as the characters look back over their lives and wonder whether they took the right decisions and risks to get where they are now.
The writing is very clever as it never goes into pastiche which keeps high audience engagement and anticipates what will happen next as secrets and revelations reveal themselves while changing the dynamics of their friendships for good.
Jeffrey Holland is outstanding as Alfred, as he plays out with great comic timing the despair of memory loss, and by the third Act, suffers a stroke, a delicate and moving performance.
At the same time, Judy Buxton gives a stunning performance by having hilarious lines and plays the dramatic tension with great intelligence.
Carol Ball's performance is terrific, and her revelation is touching and sensitive.
Furthermore, Graham Poutney plays a significant role in acting and directing while playing the former ladies man with much humour.
Overall, this bittersweet comedy full of themes is about getting older, love, and regret as well as acknowledging that it's never too late to make changes.
Hidden Fire stars 8/10 ⭐️
Review written by Tino Orsini
© 2023 The Hidden Review
Saturday, July 22, 2023
The Hidden Review: Love is Blue - Theatre Review
Monday, July 17, 2023
The Hidden Review: So...you knew? - Theatre Review
"So...you knew?"
The THR watched at the Barons Court Theatre "So...you knew?" written by Bart Bartolini and directed by Maria Cristina Petitti. During a week of mixed weather, it was very apt to see a solo show dealing with the climate change crisis that was told in such a powerfully uplifting way.
The performer Bart Bartolini is terrific as he takes us on an energetic, funny and thought-provoking journey from the early eighties to the present day and beyond into the future, playing various characters with great confidence and charisma.
Primarily Willie, a former scientist who uncovers the truth about carbon dioxide emissions while working at Essen Mobil and balancing life with his wife and child.
Moreover, using a backdrop projector adds a very engaging multidimensional aspect to the show, whilst the lighting and overall design, at times overwhelming, keep the audience intrigued and mesmerised.
At the same time, the director Maria Cristina Petitti uses some interesting techniques and concepts that keep the momentum going throughout, like breaking the fourth wall and involving the audience in a quiz, and even Bartolini breaking out in dance, song or conversing in other languages.
However, this play is not only hugely entertaining and engaging, but it also educates and raises awareness of the global climate change crisis and is a stark reminder that we are all responsible for the future of our planet.
Overall, this show can go further afield and comes highly recommended to anyone interested in theatre performance with a strong message handled with lightness, humour and, therefore, a great deal of hope.
Hidden Fire stars 9/10 ⭐️
Review written by Tino Orsini
© 2023 The Hidden Review
Sunday, December 4, 2022
The Hidden Review: Bubu Killer King - Theatre Review
The Hidden Review: Barber Shop Chronicles - Theatre Review
The Hidden Review has watched Barber Shop Chronicles, written by Inua Ellams and performed at the Round House London, shown on National Theatre at Home. Inua Ellams is sharp, snappy and engaging as ever in his smash hit new play that throws us into barbershops across two continents. The vibrant environment of a barbershop is brought to life excellently by Ellams' and is used excellently to provoke questions, introduce themes and explore ideas, of language, cultural tension and boundaries.
This is a snapshot into an atmosphere distinct atmosphere, that holds a special place in the black men's culture, and everything that comes with it. Ellams' use of the Brechtian approach gives him the space to move quickly through the piece, employ comedic archetypes and stereotypes and get straight to the point. We follow experiences in barbershops that appear to be unconnected; however, Ellams subtle writing begins to weave this together to great effect. Jokes, family connections, and personal experience knit this collage of stories together into a well-rounded picture of a community.
Language in identity is central to this piece, and it is in Ellams' ability to ask questions without making it in your face, how does one oppress oneself when speaking the language of an oppressor, and how we escape that question. I occasionally struggled, watching this show online undermines a lot of the tensions and atmosphere, a shame, but this show is still definitely worth the watch.
The acting is excellent across the board, Fisayako (Samuel/Wallace/Timothy) stands out, toiling with tension and boiling over in the final act. The characterisation is a strong point of the show, slick multi-rolling and playful caricatures make for an engaging, fast-paced performance.
Hidden Fire stars 8/10 ⭐️
Official Trailer |