All stories by Anya Ryan on BroadwayStars

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Straight White Men review – modern male psychology spotlit by Anya Ryan

Southwark Playhouse, LondonYoung Jean Lee’s satire, unfolding at a family Christmas, finds brothers struggling with midlife Straight white men run the world. But in Young Jean Lee’s 2014…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 07:48AM
Sunday, November 14, 2021

Lost Origin review – big-budget interactive adventure gets into a muddle by Anya Ryan

Hoxton Docks, LondonDespite impressive technical illusions, this immersive journey into an evil mastermind’s headquarters feels too aimless to live up to its potential Immersive theatre, a…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 07:48PM
Friday, November 12, 2021

‘A total dream’: the mother-and-daughter stars of Les Mis and The Lion King by Anya Ryan

Chanice Alexander-Burnett stars as Fantine in the West End while 12-year-old Chanai Owusu-Ansah plays Young Nala up the road. The pair talk nerves, show tunes and homework Is talent inherite…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 06:18AM
Friday, November 5, 2021

The Ocean at the End of the Lane review: A thunderous, sometimes terrifying adaptation by Anya Ryan

This West End transfer, adapted from Neil Gaiman’s best-selling fantasy novel, is a magical and menacing thing

SOURCE: The Independent at 06:36AM
Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Narnia by air: a flying lesson with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by Anya Ryan

An afternoon with aerial director Gwen Hales reveals the dedication and expertise this stage show requires for its magical effects Just before lift-off, I’m asked if I’ve ever done anyth…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 02:03PM
Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Brief Encounter review – sparkling revival of Emma Rice’s forbidden romance by Anya Ryan

Watermill theatre, NewburyPolished production brings Rice’s innovative adaptation of the classic film to life, with an electric central partnership and personality to spare Emma Rice’s e…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 08:42AM
Tuesday, October 12, 2021

A Place for We review – three generations keep London’s flame alive by Anya Ryan

Park theatre, LondonIn Archie Maddocks’ play, set in one building in Brixton, three families from different times strive to serve their ever-changing community Can tradition last forever?…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 08:32AM
Friday, September 24, 2021

Love N Stuff review – a marriage in meltdown at Heathrow by Anya Ryan

Oldham ColiseumTwo impressive actors play a total of 15 characters but Tanika Gupta’s breezy airport comedy struggles to take off Opening in the departures lounge at Heathrow, Tanika Gupta…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 03:36AM
Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Black Love review – singing siblings’ glorious ode to Black culture by Anya Ryan

Slade Gardens, LondonChinonyerem Odimba’s powerful musical about family relationships mixes R&B-inspired melodies with the words of real people Black Love, the first musical to be crea…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 09:36AM
Monday, August 23, 2021

This Beautiful Future review – beguiling drama of young war-torn love by Anya Ryan

Jermyn Street theatre, LondonThe story of sexual awakening in the second world war could be happening today in this clever production of Rita Kalnejais’s 2017 play Rita Kalnejais’s 2017…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 01:36PM
Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Destiny review – captivating solo show stares down the darkness by Anya Ryan

Available onlineGetting drunk or looking for love, Florence Espeut-Nickless’s character commands the space, finding hope amid despair Destiny is preparing for a big Thursday night out in …

SOURCE: The Guardian at 09:06AM
Friday, August 13, 2021

‘There was a distinct lack of help’: can theatre clean up its act on mental health? by Anya Ryan

Raffaella Covino is leading the charge for change in an industry whose workers do unstable jobs under unprecedented pressure It was the winter of 2017 when Raffaella Covino realised she was …

SOURCE: The Guardian at 08:42AM