Video Games: Play, Design, Disrupt - ★★★★ - Until February 24, 2019


For those who play them and those who haven’t a clue, this exhibition is fun and informative. The exhibition reveals the wide variety of video games from the ethereal and meditative “Journey” to the old standard run/shoot/fight game updated into experiences like “Bloodborne”. There is lots to see and learn here about the development and design of games that have become a new branch of the arts. The breadth and scope of different games is fascinating, and the show addresses some of the major critiques leveled at these pastimes: violence, male centric, only for kids. There is also some fun interactive spoofs of the games. Bravo to the V&A for recognizing this design revolution and presenting it in a fascinating exhibition.

Reviewed by J.C.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆ 

COST: £18 (Concessions available)
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WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until February 24, 2019
Mon - Thu, Sat & Sun: 10 am - 5:45 pm. Fri: 10 am - 10 pm
Victoria & Albert Museum, Room 39 and the North Court
Nearest tube: South Kensington
Map & Location: Cromwell Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW7 2RL, UK

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The words dance off the tongue in this new, delightfully amusing ninety-minute verse play by Charles Ward. Under Emma Butler's immaculate direction, Renaissance is performed on a small raised platform in a magically lit garden. The modern, stylish cream and white clothes look gorgeous. We meet Cesare Borgia, Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolò Machiavelli who, at Cesare's behest, assume each other's characters. Light-hearted comedy ensues when the women in their lives turn up. In many ways the story recalls Shakespeare's comedies of disguise and mistaken identity. James Corrigan has great fun and is outstanding as the flamboyant Cesare, getting himself into all kinds of predicaments including some amusing exchanges with the sexually ambivalent Machiavelli. Nicholas Limm as Niccolò speaks beautifully, especially as he begins to enjoy his new role at court. Akshay Sharan, masquerading as a bemused Leonardo, is totally charming. Hannah Morrish as Cesare's sister, the infamo…
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Showstopper! The (Socially Distanced!) Improvised Musical - ★★★★ - Until August 30, 2020

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Reviewed by J.C.

 Our Score: ☆☆☆☆☆

WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE: Wed - Sun: 10 am - 5 pm (last entry at 4:30 pm) Closed: Dec 24, 25, 26, 31 & Jan 1
Private Apartments Tours: 1:15 pm & 2:00 pm Sir John Soane's museum, Lincoln's Inn Fields Nearest tube: Holborn https://www.soane.org
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Reviewed by J.C.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆ 

WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until September 14, 2019
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