At Home He Feels Like A Tourist

  • Satyagraha at English National Opera review ***

    Satyagraha English National Opera, 27th February 2018 Finally I have got to see all three of Philip Glass’s seminal operas, Einstein on the Beach (the science-y one), Akhnaten (the religious one) and now this Satyagraha (the political one). Einstein on the Beach was a recreation of the original Robert Wilson…

  • The Shape of Water film review *****

    The Shape of Water, 26th February 2018 I have to confess I wasn’t that interested in seeing The Shape of Water, (I am pleased with my little conceptual joke here). The trailers suggested this was likely in a similar vein to Guillermo Del Toro’s previous gothic horror/romance/fantasy films: lovely to…

  • Picnic at Hanging Rock at the Barbican Theatre review ***

    Picnic at Hanging Rock Barbican Theatre, 24th February 2018 Picnic at Hanging Rock is an Australian cultural icon. Joan Lindsay’s novel, published in 1967 and Peter Weir’s 1975 film, (and all manner of subsequent examinations, interpretations and meditations), is a metaphor which gets to the very heart of the making…

  • Phantom Thread film review *****

    Phantom Thread, 19th February 2018 I saw Daniel Day-Lewis on stage. In Another Country in the early 1980s. That’s why it’s a good idea to buy programmes and stick them in a box. I remember the play a bit but not really his performance. Not sure I would have guessed…

  • William Kentridge: Smoke, Ashes, Fable at Sint-Janshospitaal review ****

    William Kentridge: Smoke, Ashes, Fable Sint-Janshospitaal, Bruges, 20th February 2018 Off to Bruges and Brussels for a couple of days. Main purpose. To soak up the best paintings that the Northern Renaissance has to offer. Now you all know that it doesn’t get much prettier than Bruges, (though Ghent may…

  • Milton Jones “Is Out There” at Shanklin Theatre review ****

    Milton Jones: Is Out There Shanklin Theatre, 16th February 2018 The sunniest place in Britain is Shanklin. Fact. Don’t be deceived by imposters on the South Coast claiming this accolade. It is Shanklin. And, as any fool knows, the Isle of Wight is a paradise on Earth. Beautiful scenery, fascinating…

  • The Post film review ****

    The Post, 8th February 2018 If it was down to me the Academy Award for Best Picture would go to Three Billboards. No question. I see the bookies just about agree with me though The Shape of Water, which I have just seen, and which, to my surprise, I was…

  • My latest London theatre recommendations

    So here is my latest attempt to distil the best of what is on now and what is coming up in the world of London theatre. There is a huge bunch of new stuff which has been announced relatively recently so some aggressive sifting has taken place, though it may…

  • Mortal Voices: Academy of Ancient Music at Milton Court review ****

    Academy of Ancient Music, Christian Curnyn (director and harpsichord), Keri Fuge (soprano), Tim Mead (counter-tenor) Milton Court Concert Hall, 15th February 2018 Corelli – Concerto grosso Op 6 No 1 in D major Handel – Cantata HWV 230 “Ah! Che troppo inequali” Handel – Cantata HWV 82 “Il Duello Amoroso”…

  • Gundog at the Royal Court Theatre review ***

    Gundog Royal Court Jerwood Theatre Upstairs, 15th February 2018 Always a tricky business knowing what to pick out when booking in advance for productions at the Royal Court. Obviously if it is a big name playwright, or someone with previous form, probably best to get in there sharpish and buy…

  • SCO Winds at Wigmore Hall review ****

    Scottish Chamber Orchestra Wind Soloists Wigmore Hall, 12th February 2018 Beethoven – Sextet in E flat, Op 71 Poulenc – Sonata for clarinet and bassoon Beethoven – Octet in E flat, Op 103 A rare opportunity for completists to hear performances of Beethoven’s Sextet and Octet written for wind instruments.…

  • Colder Than Here at Guildhall School Milton Court Studio review *****

    Colder Than Here Milton Court Studio, 13th February 2018 Another visit to see the final year actors at the Guildhall School take on a fascinating contemporary play. Another excellent production laced with outstanding performances. Even better than the production of Edward Bond’s Saved, (Saved at Guildhall School Milton Court Studio…