Chihuly: Reflections on Nature, Kew Royal Botanic Gardens - ★★★★★ - Until July 21, 2019


A visit to Kew Gardens is a favourite at any time of the year, but the new installations of Dale Chihuly's glass in this spectacular setting make the experience even more delightful. Sometimes art in a garden can seem like gilding the lily, a distraction or an unnecessary note. This exhibition is quite the opposite. The interplay of the art with nature is wonderfully complementary, illuminating the beauty of both. There are twelve pieces in all and the organic shapes of the glass art and their splendid colours enrich and reinvent the always rewarding experience of a stroll through Kew. For us, the high point had to be the amazing installation in the Temperate House, but don't ignore some of the smaller pieces quite subtly underlining the beauty of a special corner. There is also a lovely display of Chihuly's work at the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art － an exciting retrospective of the work of this pre-eminent glass artist of our era. Be sure to include a visit as part of your tour! Following the map and coming upon the sculptures in their various settings was great fun and added a lovely note of surprise. We can't wait to return as the interaction of the flora with the glass pieces evolves and is re-defined by the changes taking place in the gardens throughout the summer season.

 Reviewed by J.C.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆☆ 

WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until July 21, 2019
Mon - Thu: 10 am - 7 pm (last entry 6 pm)
Fri - Sun: 10 am - 8 pm (last entry 7 pm)
Opening times vary throughout the year
Kew Gardens
Nearest tube: Kew Gardens
https://www.kew.org
Map & Location: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond TW9 3AB, 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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Pippin, The Garden Theatre at The Eagle - ★★★★ - Until October 11, 2020

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Happy hippie troubadours invade this intimate space only to charm their way into our hearts and minds. It might be interesting to discuss the existential crisis which inhabits the heart of Stephen Schwartz's entertainment, but it is far better to relax and let this exceedingly talented troupe entertain us with their superbly directed and choreographed performances. The whole panoply of life in the time of Charlemagne is laid out before us on a pocket handkerchief of a stage. It is all festively strung with fairy lights and surrounded by forests of potted palms. As Pippin himself, Ryan Anderson displays extraordinary talent including some jaw-dropping athleticism. The ambiguity of Pippin being trapped but happy with his lot is nicely developed. Harry Francis is a delight as the fit-but-dim stepbrother, Lewis, and he dances up a storm. Dan Krikler's fine voice serves well as King Charlemagne. However, the clear audience favourite is Joanne Clifton as Pippin's stepmother and,…
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Showstopper! The (Socially Distanced!) Improvised Musical - ★★★★ - Until August 30, 2020

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'Adapt and change' seems to be the way forward for theatre in 2020. Showstopper!, which has been running successfully in the West End for several seasons with an Olivier Award already under its belt, has created hundreds of improvised musicals before our eyes and ears. This, however, is its first foray into online entertainment and, judging by the audience feedback, it will prove very popular. Four very talented performers – Ruth Bratt, Justin Brett, Pippa Evans and Adam Megiddo, backed by Duncan Walsh Atkins and Alex Atty in the band – work incredibly hard creating and linking songs in the style of favourites from Hamilton, Les Miserables and many more. We also enjoy seeing them flesh out the flimsiest of plots as suggested by audience members; on this occasion, the story involved a hot air balloon trip and time travel. The reimagined format is obviously still unfamiliar to the performers and without a live audience the show takes a while to get into its stride, but by the se…
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Sir John Soane's Museum Guided Tour - FREE - ★★★★★

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This is one of our favourite museums in London. The quirky and crammed home of John Soane, architect of the Bank of England. It has some wonderful treasures, including Hogarth's "The Election" and "The Rake's Progress." The sarcophagus of Seti I is in the basement along with the parlour of his imaginary friend, Brother John. Don't miss the opening of the display walls in the gallery now done on the hour and half hour. Also, try to be there for the free Private Apartments tour, limited to 8 people and requiring  sign up on site.
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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Soho Cinders, Charing Cross Theatre - ★★★★ - Until January 11, 2020

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Sweet Harmony: Rave | Today, Saatchi Gallery - ★★★★ - Until September 14, 2019

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Reviewed by J.C.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆ 

WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until September 14, 2019
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Beyond The Road, Saatchi Gallery - ★★★★ - Until September 8, 2019

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Fanny & Stella, The Garden Theatre at The Eagle - ★★★★ - Until August 28, 2020

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Afterglow, Southwark Playhouse - ★★★★★ - Until July 20, 2019

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Reviewed by J.C.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆☆ 

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