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David Nice |

Two concerts packed with thorny repertoire playing to large and enthusiastic audiences of all ages: the London Philharmonic Orchestra is cresting a tricky wave right now. A fortnight ago Conductor Emeritus Vladimir Jurowski held us spellbound with mechanistic Mosolov and Prokofiev (the insanely difficult Second Symphony); last night Principal Conductor Edward Gardner served up Czech and Polish rarities, drawing equal fire from the players.

Helen Hawkins
From his sickbed, after a nervous breakdown during basic training for the army, the 18-year-old Noel Coward started churning out plays, many of which…
aleks.sierz
New writing takes many forms: this is one of the glories of contemporary British performance. One of these is the shared narrative, a style pioneered…
Rachel Halliburton
On a dank January evening in St Albans, there seemed little sign of life or excitement on the streets. To reach my destination – St Peter’s Church –…

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Helen Hawkins
Will Arnett’s standup is ably delivered but there’s not enough punch in his lines
Kieron Tyler
Double-CD set tracing the thread linking pub rock and punk rock
Bernard Hughes
Committed and high-class performance doesn’t quite overcome doubts about the piece
Rachel Halliburton
The production interrogates storytelling as a way of exerting power
Gary Naylor
Accomplished new musical with folk and country roots
Robert Beale
Susanna’s story takes the limelight in this imagined country house weekend
Adam Sweeting
Sinister shenanigans amid ravishing Welsh landscapes
David Nice
Deep sound under Mark Wigglesworth complements Richard Jones's vision
Helen Hawkins
Richard Linklater recreates the eccentric 20-day shoot that left cinema 'A bout de souffle'
Adam Sweeting
Grizzled Jason Statham teams up with new star Bodhi Rae Breathnach
Markie Robson-Scott
Kate Woods directs a warm-hearted Australian family comedy
Gary Naylor
Blackshirts seen off in a third outing for the bright new musical
Rachel Halliburton
Sonatas by Brahms and Prokofiev were revealed in all their intricacy
Adam Sweeting
Sophie Turner stars in rapid-fire financial scam drama
David Nice
Rudolf Barshai's performing version undermines fine conducting and playing
Robert Beale
From misery to fun to grim discovery in a vivid opera-in-concert performance
Kieron Tyler
Thrilling auteur-driven album celebrates its 15th anniversary
aleks.sierz
New play about a devastating event is an excruciatingly powerful piece of new writing
Jenny Gilbert
A surprise new work from Christopher Bruce pays tribute to Leonard Cohen in this captivating programme
Gary Naylor
One-pitch show has its heart in the right place
Saskia Baron
Helen MacDonald's best-selling memoir is brought to the screen with mixed results
Markie Robson-Scott
Oliver Hermanus's adaptation is beautiful but lifeless
Robert Beale
Award-winning pianist makes his mark with mystery and magic
Gary Naylor
Updated 2013 production is a unique, moving, funny insight into a messy wedding day

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