Regular theatre-goers will no doubt be aware of Jane Upton and her past playwriting successes - the likes of 'All The Little Lights', 'BONES' and 'Finding Nana' - two of which won 5/5 reviews from our review team up at the old edfringe in times gone by.
This week, after touring earlier in the year, a production by New Perspectives Theatre of her more recent play '(the) Woman' opens at the Park Theatre.
It has themes that many women I know can definitely relate to, focusing on a woman who is trying to forge a career while also navigating motherhood, and dealing with all the difficulties and impossibilities that inevitably go hand in hand with that.
We've spoken to Jane before, but it's been a while, so I definitely thought it was time for a catch up, as well as to find out more about this show, and the creative team behind it.
CLICK HERE to read this Caro Meets interview.
'(the) Woman' is on at Park Theatre from 24 Sep-25 Oct, see the venue website here for for all the details and to book.
ABIGAIL HOOD: MONSTER
I heard lots of good things about 'Monster' when it was first staged a few years ago, so I was really pleased to hear that the play - which won much acclaim for its creator Abigail Hood - is headed for a run at Seven Dials Playhouse.
Directed by Kevin Tomlinson, the play tells the story of a teenager who kills a child, and focuses on the difficult themes that necessarily emerge from that.
This new production features some new cast members as well as some from the original staging, and the playwright herself in the role of protagonist Kayleigh.
I've spoken to Abigail before about a different work, and I thought it would be great to catch up and find out more about her work on creating this one, as well as her hopes and plans for the future.
CLICK HERE to read this Caro Meets interview.
'Monster' is on at at Seven Dials Playhouse from 24 Sep to 18 Oct. See the venue website here for more info and to book tickets.
TW ROUND-UP: JIMMY KIMMEL, DIVERSITY "WAKE UP CALL", SHEPHERD'S BUSH EMPIRE
It's the TW Backstage Round-Up - we select and summarise three recent developments in the culture business.
This time, 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' to return as industry outrage over US talk show's axing continues; Equity says report on dominance of 'elites' in the arts is a "wake-up call"; Shepherd's Bush Empire owner talks up technical upgrade.
CLICK HERE to read the latest TW Round-Up.
FESTIVAL STUFF>>
The Silence Of Snow: The Life Of Patrick Hamilton | White Bear Theatre | 25-27 Sep (pictured)
Yay, festival stuff to start us off and it's first stop at the Lambeth Fringe. And to be honest, now that I'm really giving this some more thought, I think I should probably have done a whole section of Lambeth Fringe tips this week, because there are so many great looking shows. Next week, I promise. Meanwhile, look at all the listings, but definitely see this acclaimed show by Mark Farrelly, who is very talented and a bit of a fave. More here.
Daughters Of The Sea | Battersea Arts Centre | 29 Sep
"Which festival are we going to next?" I hear you ask. Well, it's Wandsworth's Liberty Festival, which, if you didn't know, is a celebration of disabled artistry. It's a small programme, but there's a variety of different events including workshops and performances. I picked this one because it's a dance adaptation of a Welsh folktale from Krystal S Lowe and Cymru Ballet that's clearly excellent. Yay, more here.
Batshit | Soho Theatre | 25-27 Sep
"And what festival next?" I hear you say again. Well, I'm sorry but what I have for you here (we can call it a grand tradition now surely) is an award-winning show one of our review team loved (to the tune of 5/5) at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe back in 2024. It's also about a topic close to my heart - women historically being controlled and imprisoned for wanting independence and self determination. Click here.
SHORT STOPS>>
Electric Connections | Theatre Deli | 26-27 Sep
Next up we have some short stops, so don't blink or you will miss them, and that, honestly, would be unfortunate. First, I'd like to take you down to Theatre Deli, for a show that really piqued my interest with its immersive, heart-beat monitor involving format. "This isn't a show you watch - it's one you feel, simply being with someone, as you let your pulse do the talking". See this page here to find out more.
Little Gift | Half Moon Theatre | 27 Sep
How about something now for the small ones in your life? Specifically those aged three to seven? This lovely story about friendship and joy is told via a mixture of music, puppetry and song, and is all about Ted, a "cautious old soul living all alone in a busy, bustling town. He likes it that way. It's quieter and safer. Until one extraordinary day, a surprise visitor turns his lonely life upside down". Book your tickets here.
This Is Your Tribute | Jacksons Lane | 26 Sep (pictured)
Oof, I obviously want to recommend 'This Is Your Tribute' because it's by one of our absolute favourite artists, Sarah-Louise Young, so I am doing exactly that. But I was also tempted by a number of other shows that are on in the next week at Jacksons Lane, so when you go to book your tickets for 'This Is Your Tribute' here, please also check out all the venue listings here and consider booking a second.
LONGER RUNS>>
The Three Little Pigs | Unicorn Theatre | 27 Sep-2 Nov
Right, some significant runs for you now, and as ever, it's your free choice - honestly, you can see any of these shows whenever you like, not just ThisWeek. Anyway, first up, we have a long running children's show, which you could see on the weekend, or during the week, or you could save it for half term, up to you entirely. This is a musical telling of the traditional tale, great for a family outing, much acclaimed. Click here.
Happy Ending | Waterloo East Theatre | 27 Sep-26 Oct
And now for something for the grown ups, a comedy thriller that's won acclaim in the US, and is about Andy, a gay massage therapist who is faced with an unexpected client in the form of Mr Miller, a Trump supporter with a "mysterious agenda". "As the session unfolds, tensions rise, secrets surface, and what begins as a routine appointment spirals into something far more unpredictable". Details here.
Blessings | Riverside Studios | 30 Sep-26 Oct (pictured)
"Formidable matriarch Dorie Deacon is determined to keep her Catholic family respectable while her husband maintains a silence that suggests he sees more than he's ever let on. But as their children return home to celebrate Easter, their carefully constructed image begins to crack". A new, darkly funny play from Sarah Shelton exploring "faith, family, control, and the lies we tell to keep everything from falling apart". More here.
MORE GREAT STUFF>>
Lee | The Park Theatre | 24 Sep-18 Oct
The Lee of the title is Lee Krasner, whose name you probably recognise as a famous American artist, and for her association with her husband Jackson Pollock. The play offers a reimagined history, telling the story of an encounter with an art student who presents her with what he believes is an authentic Pollock, in a show that asks how far will we go to protect the legacy of those we love. See this page here for all the info.
Honestly | The Space | 24-28 Sep
"Chloe is undoubtedly in trouble. She's already been found guilty. And next? That depends on the psychologist's report. Emma is undoubtedly in trouble. She has to write the report. It has to be accurate. So, ask a compulsive liar if she's telling the truth". Award winning Dogwood Productions present this intriguing drama about lying and the price of truth. See the venue website here to find out more.
Make England Great Again | Upstairs At The Gatehouse | 30 Sep-19 Oct
Well, if you're the sort of show-viewer that enjoys something topical, I think this might be a good one for you, and the English flag themed publicity shot drives it home a bit. This is a new play by Francis Beckett that's set just after the Britons First Party wins its first ever General Election and a charismatic leader enters Number Ten. It's a comedy, but as you might expect given those themes, it also intends to be a warning... Click here for info.
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At TW:CULTURE we champion the best in fringe theatre, comedy and culture. Year round, we pick the best shows happening in London, providing handy Three To See recommendations and interviewing the people behind those productions. We also delve into developments and debates in the cultural and creative industries, with news round ups, explainers and interviews all putting the spotlight on the business of culture. Plus each summer we also cover the biggest cultural event in the world: The Edinburgh Festival. Published by and © UnLimited Media | unltd@unlimitedmedia.co.uk Send London press releases to caro@unlimitedmedia.co.uk Send Edinburgh press releases to TWedinburgh@unlimitedmedia.co.uk You can read our Privacy & Data Policy here |