Selected reviews by Paul Vale, London based arts writer and theatre critic.
Paul Vale has written for a number of publications, including writing reviews and features for The Stage for over 20 years.
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The Way Old Friends Do at the Park Theatre (2023)
★★★★
"Full of heart (Park Theatre)" "Affectionate new comedy exploring the highs and lows of friendships and fandom" "Among all the…
The Stage
Women, Beware The Devil at the Almeida Theatre (2023)
★★
"Vaguely satirical romp" "Nebulous diabolical drama is frustratingly muddled but sumptuously staged" "Lulu Raczka’s new play sounded so enticing –…
The Stage
Steel Magnolias at the UK Tour (2023)
★★★
"Brings new depths to a modern classic" "Thoughtful reassessment of a modern classic, clarified by a pitch-perfect ensemble" "The film…
The Stage
George Takei's Allegiance at the Charing Cross Theatre (2023)
★★★
"Intense, busy production" "Earnest if unbalanced musical illuminates a dark period of American history" "The book by Marc Acito, Jay…
The Stage
Jack and the Beanstalk at the London Palladium (2022)
★★★★
"Lavish taster menu of a pantomime" "Spectacular, star-studded pantomime with a hit-and-miss line-up of traditional routines" "Producer and director Michael…
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Mother Goose at the Duke of York's Theatre (2022)
★★★★★
"A solid gold hit" "Flawless writing, excellent design and matchless performances" "The musical numbers veer from classic Broadway to Boomshakalaka…
The Stage
Jack and the Beanstalk at the Lyric Hammersmith (2022)
★★★★
"Emmanuel Akwafo brings the house down" "Entertaining and appropriately defiant pantomime that puts community at its heart" "Christian and Jalaly’s…
The Stage
Elf The Musical at the Dominion Theatre (2022)
★★★
"Riot of colour, comedy and magic" "Infectiously upbeat musical adaptation of the Will Ferrell movie" "... this revival of the…
The Stage
Gary Barlow - A Different Stage at the Duke of York's Theatre (2022)
★★★
"Barlow's star quality shines when he sings" "Gary Barlow’s autobiographical show is engaging enough but sadly lacking in songs" "While…
The Stage
Ride - A New Musical at the Charing Cross Theatre (2022)
★★★★
"Liv Andrusier delivers a barnstorming performance" "Emotionally rich new musical biopic featuring two intense, entertaining performers" "The book deftly negotiates…
The Stage
Zorro The Musical at the Charing Cross Theatre (2022)
★★★★
"Energy, talent and excitement" "Durham’s production is a celebration of storytelling and he has gathered a diverse and multi-talented cast…
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Thriller Live at the Lyric Theatre (2009)
★★★★
"Quite literally, thrilling" "This is very much an ensemble company and the dance team here deserve a special mention. The…
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📷 Main photo: Paul Vale
