A Life in and beyond literature

It is presumed that in around 1604, in between two acclaimed tragedies known as Othello and Macbeth, Shakespeare wrote the unrelentingly brilliant King Lear. Jonathan Munby’s adaption of the play, starring Ian McKellen, currently being performed at the Duke of York’s Theatre, once again highlights Shakespeare’s ability to uncomfortably foreground the concept of human frailty. … More King Lear, The Duke of York Theatre

Titled in the German tongue, Diane Samuel’s play Kindertransport literally translates as ‘children transport’, making explicit reference to one of the most overlooked events to occur before and during the Second World War. This adaptation, directed by Fiona Buffini reinforces the emotional element to the memory of this organised rescue effort that saved the lives … More Kindertransport, Nottingham Playhouse

I think for any theatre lover War Horse is the ultimate compilation of drama, action, music, emotion and visual impact. Adapted by Nick Stafford, the play has been an enormous success worldwide for over a decade. This is the result of its magnificently raw and heart-breaking recount of the brutality of the First World War … More War Horse, Royal Concert Hall

In a world consumed with the speed of technology, with its broadcasts and social media that operate an increasingly intrusive and looming presence within society where love and loss are often at times romanticised, distorted and inflated beyond veracity. Do I Wanna Know, through moments of comedy and poignant sincerity, exposes the raw reality of … More Do I Wanna Know, Nottingham New Theatre

‘We left our country for Our Country’s Good!’ Based on a true story of a group of British officers and convicted criminals who were transported to the Australian colony, Our Country’s Good primarily explores a universal question surrounding the argument of nature vs. nurture. Can one change the life they have been assigned? Are criminals … More Our Country’s Good, Nottingham Playhouse

Having seen former Artistic Director Giles Croft’s production of The Cherry Orchard, I eagerly awaited to see whether Adam Penford’s Wonderland could fill such large boots and from the standing ovation at the end it’s clear that Penford started his tenure with a bang. Knowing very little about the narrative arc, other than the fact … More Wonderland, Nottingham Playhouse

Since I can remember I have always loved literature and going to the theatre – so I have been aware, for some time, of Oscar Wilde’s permanently elevated status as Britain’s greatest writer/playwright of the 19th century. He is famously known for his sharp wit and cutting satire, often revealing and criticising the social, political … More Wilde Creatures, Lakeside Arts Centre