The bard celebrates two other fine practitioners of the art, and laments a lost brewer
Latest editorial
Taking issue with prejudice
KATHERINE M GRAHAM sees a challenging take on white middle-class perspectives
This right-wing conspiracy theory is used to justify the coercive measures against gender, race and labour rights that best serve capitalism, attests GAVIN O’TOOLE
KENNY MONROSE recommends a new exhibition that highlights the significance of Black British music
ANGUS REID is bowled over by an exuberant film about the making of Keith Jarrett’s legendary concert
MARIA DUARTE, FIONA O’CONNOR and ANDY HEDGECOCK review Savage House, Enzo, Madfabulous, and Erupcja
CHRIS SEARLE recommends a work of love and deep admiration for a great musician
Alkaline
Park Theatre, London
THIS domestic drama bursts at the seams with ideas. In a mere 75 minutes it explores religious conversion, the place of faith in contemporary culture, parenting, sexual relationships, friendships and middle-class privilege.
That's a lot to cram in and, while Stephanie Martin’s script shows a remarkable ambition, the play’s inherent promise needs more space for those ideas to be followed through.
Rather like Mike Leigh's Abigail’s Party, Alkaline revolves around a soiree thrown by Sophie and Nick, engaged but not in a good place, for their guests Sarah and Ali. She's an old friend of Sophie and a relatively recent convert to Islam while Ali, parent of three young children, has recently separated from his wife.
Similar stories
GORDON PARSONS is intrigued by a biography of the Marxist intellectual and author, made from the point of view of his son
Although this production was in rehearsal before the playwright’s death, it allows us to pay homage to his life, suggests MARY CONWAY
GORDON PARSONS is disappointed by an unsubtle production of this comedy of upper middle class infidelity
JOHN GREEN, ANDY HEDGECOCK and MARIA DUARTE review Holloway, The Last Journey, Red Path and Elio