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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It’s Headed Straight Towards Us at the Park Theatre (2023)
★★★★
"Pitch-perfect" "Well-appointed revival that roots its comedy in the tragedy of the human condition" "In this pitch-perfect production directed by…
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Rebecca at the Charing Cross Theatre (2023)
★★
"Lacks imagination" "Poorly staged adaptation of the Daphne du Maurier classic replaces subtlety and suspense with bombast and romantic melodrama"…
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Ride - A New Musical at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant / Charing Cross Theatre (2023)
★★★★
"Liv Andrusier delivers a barnstorming performance" (Charing Cross Theatre) "Emotionally rich new musical biopic featuring two intense, entertaining performers" "The…
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In Dreams at the Leeds Playhouse (2023)
★★★
"Roy Orbison's music fuels a grown-up jukebox musical" "Roy Orbison’s back catalogue provides a poignant backdrop to David West Read’s…
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The Wizard of Oz - UK & Ireland Tour at the London Palladium (2023)
★★
"Efficient rather than inspired" "Confused revival lacks magic but is saved by star performances" "Foster’s production, with souped-up orchestrations adapted…
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Idiots Assemble: Spitting Image The Musical at the Phoenix Theatre (2023)
★★★
"Funny and a little nostalgic" "Ambitious stage outing for the familiar puppets with every bar raised except perhaps the satirical"…
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Bleak Expectations at the Criterion Theatre (2023)
★★★
"Dickensian spoof is entertaining but runs out of steam" "Amusing stage adaptation of the award-winning radio comedy wears thin surprisingly…
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Glory Ride at the Charing Cross Theatre (2023)
★★
"Lacks dramatic texture" "Old-fashioned and underpowered production saluting the heroic Italian cyclist Gino Bartali" "Unfortunately, this fully staged world premiere…
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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…
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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 –…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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
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