Rated A layered family drama set in the scorching summer of 1976 in Blackpool,” The Hills of California," plunges into the depths of familial ties and the echoes of past decisions. Directed by Sam Mendes, this narrative unwinds in a quaint, misleadingly named guesthouse, "Sea View," where the Webb sisters reunite in the looming shadow of their mother's mortality. The mother Veronica Webb is dying of stomach cancer. The essence of the play revolves around the stark contrasts and complex personalities of the Webb sisters—each character a distinct note in the harmonious and discordant symphony ..read more

In the grand tapestry of London's theatre scene, it's not every day that one finds shows that leave you with mixed feelings—a little like ordering a mystery box, hoping for a treasure, and finding a quirky assortment of knick-knacks instead. This past month, the theatre gods deemed it fit to serve a platter of such diverse experiences, ranging from the opera's grandeur to the raw energy of rock, and the deliciously wicked world of teenage machinations. Let's dive into a whirlwind review of "A Mirror," "Standing at the Sky's Edge," and "Cruel Intentions." A Mirror at the Trafalgar Theatre: A Re ..read more

Rated At its core, "Blue" stages an intense confrontation between Los Angeles Police Detective LaRhonda Parker and an officer entangled in the shooting of a Black motorist. This officer is not only a colleague but a fragment of Parker's personal world, being a family friend and her husband’s ex-partner. The play unfurls as an interrogation, yet it is the undercurrents of personal history, racial dynamics, and the quest for truth that embroider the fabric of this narrative. The complexity of these relationships introduces a multifaceted storyline that, while intellectually stimulating, challen ..read more

Rated As the bee ventured into a spine-chilling adaptation of Franz Kafka’s novel, Metamorphosis, at Lyric Hammersmith, it found itself ensnared in a web of shadow, light, and existential dread. This adaptation, while not tracing Kafka's story with exactitude, shares its themes and introduces new layers, making it a compelling watch for those intrigued by the blend of the mundane with the deeply philosophical. Metamorphosis is not for the faint of heart. It's a cerebral journey through themes of alienation, familial obligation, and the existential terror of existence. The bee recommends ..read more

Rated After a splendid evening at London's Dominion Theatre, the bee is buzzing with myriad thoughts and reflections on The King and I. What unfurled on stage was a vibrant testament to the cultural richness and thematic depth the bee had hoped to uncover, bridging its initial apprehensions with a rewarding reality. The King and I unfolded as a tapestry rich with the hues of cultural exchange, authority, and the perennial tussle between tradition and progress. The production, visually stunning and musically enchanting, presented a complex tableau of relationships and themes that provoke both ..read more

In an unprecedented move that's sure to send shockwaves through the corridors of the London theatre scene, the bee has splurged on a ticket to "The King and I" that's anything but restricted view. Yes, you heard it right – no leaning towers of patrons blocking the spectacle, no strategic neck craning to catch a glimpse of the action. In a daring departure from its usual perch in the 'economically challenged' sections, the bee has invested what might be considered a small fortune (by insect-sized budget standards) in a prime seat, ensuring not a single dance step or facial expression will be m ..read more

Welcome to another instalment from your faithful Theatre Bee's London's theatre explorations. Below is the bee's meticulously crafted itinerary for the upcoming weeks, showcasing a varied selection of productions from the melodic allure of classic musicals to the intellectual stimulation of contemporary plays, and even a sensory-rich visual show. A Classic Revisited: "The King and I" at Dominion Theatre The bee buzzes with anticipation for "The King and I," a timeless classic by Rodgers and Hammerstein, slated to light up the Dominion Theatre. Having been enchanted by the melodies of "Oklahom ..read more

As the Bee buzzes through London's theatre scene, it's time to share the most buzz-worthy plays and musicals on the horizon. These picks have caught the Bee's eye, each promising unique experiences, though, as with all theatre, the final applause is reserved until the curtain falls. Now Playing The Witches at National Theatre Pointy hats and broomsticks come alive in "The Witches." This adaptation of Roald Dahl's beloved story buzzes with potential for a delightful sensory experience. The Bee eagerly anticipates its magical blend of whimsy and darkness, hoping it captures the essence of Dahl ..read more

Rated A Man, a Boy, and a Woman grapple with the abyss of loss. Themes of migration, identity, and the quest to belong come together beautifully in this play as we observe how the hundreds of little things people feel, say and do aggregate into the days of our lives. The story unfolds on a bus journey from an unnamed country, where an older man and a young boy escape their past, searching for a new beginning in a bustling city. Their lives intersect with a young woman grappling with her own trauma, leading to a moving exploration of identity, resilience, and human connection over a span of 70 ..read more

The stage is set, the curtains are about to rise, and London's theatre scene is bursting with shows that'll make you laugh, cry, and perhaps question your life choices. Wondering what to watch? Lo and behold, the crème de la crème of summer's must-see shows, as told by yours truly. New Releases Pygmalion at The Old Vic Theatre Why see it? The perpetual saga of 'language sculpting human or human sculpting language?', Pygmalion at The Old Vic brings back this delicious concoction of class tensions, gender dynamics, and the inexplicable joys of the English accent. Forget Higgins and Eliza; you'l ..read more