Arts REVIEW: Into the Woods This is a magical production of Stephen Sondheim’s musical set in a fairytale world in which we see familiar characters but in an unfamiliar light. Red Riding Hood is on the brink of discovering her sexuality – with a little help from a certain Mr Wolf; Jack betray’s the giant’s hospitality and late By Michael Hootman • 2 min read
Arts REVIEW: Princes & the Treasure The Princes and the Treasure is a modern take on a very old, well-loved story. Review by Syd Spencer Written by Jeffery. A. Miles and illustrated by J. L. Phillips, the book comes alive as soon as you open it. It tells a tale of bravery, quests, magic, witches and above all true love, but […] By Contributor • 2 min read
Arts REVIEW: The Pearl Fishers: ENO A mixed bag, some stunning set pieces then some irritating distractions, great voices, and a fabulously wired chorus who are kept oddly static. Like the Storm in this production, it washed over me, was enjoyable and nice to hear but didn’t leave me beached, panting at the over whelming thrill of the By Eric Page • 4 min read
Arts REVIEW: Adopting our 2 Dads Having two years ago purchased Panzini’s and Karmer’s previous book Some people have two Dads we, as a family, were keen to read their new book and excited to be asked to review it. Laid out in the same way as the previous books with the same simple, affective illustrations our 7 and 9 year […] By Contributor • 3 min read
Arts REVIEW: Away from Home An edgy, subversive award-winning one-man show – laced with sharp humour. With not one openly gay footballer in the UK professional game, Away From Home goes in for a hard tackle on football’s last taboo in a cool direct in your face way By Eric Page • 3 min read
Arts REVIEW: Cosi fan Tutte: ENO Full of flirtatious passion and with a real sense of revelation and surprise designer Tom Pye’s evocative and surreal British travelling circus interpretation of a Coney Island fairground was a feast for the eyes it also allowed this most silly of operas to detach itself from reality enough to relax By Eric Page • 4 min read
Arts REVIEW: African Dance Party This was a fun night out and everyone at this packed out night was up for it, engaging with the music and all seemed to be having a great time, everyone dancing and appreciating this slick night of quality African fusion music By Eric Page • 2 min read
Arts REVIEW: Hitch: Spiegeltent Slightly rough and ready, with a dollop of irreverent vulgarity, but I suspect this was ironically intentional. This in your face and rather delightfully sweet show fills an aching hole this week in the Spiegel tent and is well worth the trip out to see, it’s fun, silly and has some pretty cool and By Eric Page • 2 min read
Arts REVIEW: Brighton’s Youth Celebrate Sir John Tavener It’s always a pleasure to listen to Taverner, when the air is misted with the scent of frankincense the high ethereal brick vaults pierced through with the rays of a setting sun and massed voices rolling around a sacred space then it’s a highlight and delight, By Eric Page • 2 min read
Comedy REVIEW: Hedwig & The Angry Inch: New Venture Theatre This is an authentic production of Hedwig keeping to the spirit and intention of John Cameron Mitchell’s writing and giving us a Hedwig who demands our unconditional love whilst slightly scaring us with the intensity of a life lived at full throttle. By Eric Page • 4 min read
Arts REVIEW: Alex Through the Looking Glass: Alex Bellos Bellos is at his best when talking about the gritty nerdy bits of numbers which seem to interest only him and although he seeks to share the joy of numbers by attaching curious personal stories to them, and he’s kind enough to share with us as long as we are kind enough to show enough interest By Eric Page • 2 min read
Arts REVIEW: Tea at 5: Old Joint Stock Theatre Company The polish on this show is as well buffed as the silver teapot that Hepburn serves tea from at one point, it’s reflective glare highlights not only the gloss of Hepburn but also the cracks and vulnerability of this tremendous tremulous women, By Eric Page • 2 min read
