Most recent theatrical openings for Groups 1536***** has just opened at the Ambassadors Theatre, London (booking until 1 August 2026)

Pic: Helen Murray

Somewhat harrowing to watch, it’s superbly acted with excellent production values. Set, obviously, in 1536, with Henry V111 on the throne with his new Queen, Anne Boleyn, the play shows three young women who mirror what is happening to Anne Boleyn. We see the three women in a village in Essex. There’s Anna (Siena Kelly), who enjoys having sex with men including married ones. Her friend Jane (Liv Hill) is quiet and plain and looking forward to getting married and being a traditional wife. The third friend is Marbella (Tanya Reynolds), a midwife.

They swap news about the king and how he has imprisoned his wife in the Tower for alleged infidelities. They are horrified when they learn that Anne Boleyn has been beheaded. In turn supportive and at other times angry with each other, the women have to face an horrific event.

It’s a good feminist play with the women individually and collectively giving sensitive performances. The set, lighting and two men add to the atmosphere and growing horror. Well worth a visit.

As is Stage Kiss**** at Hampstead’s Theatre, London (until 13 June)

pic. Helen Murray

This is a light, romantic and humorous play, well-written by Sarah Ruhl, about two actors, ‘He’ (Patrick Kennedy) and ‘She’ (Myanna Buring), who are ex-lovers. They find themselves co starring in a new play. In this play within the main play, we see them as husband and wife. As they share a number of Stage kisses, they fall in love once again.

The play they are starring in is called The Last Kiss and receives bad reviews. The couple recover by sharing a bed at his place, where they are interrupted by her husband, played by Oliver Dimsdale and his girlfriend, played by Jill Winternitz.

It’s a lot of fun and well staged with the set growing from chairs where the actors sit while they are rehearsing to full scale replicas of living areas. The actors work well together and there is good chemistry between the four main people. Go see for an enjoyable evening or matinee with your groups.

Summer has arrived, although you wouldn’t know it the last few days! And summer signals the opening of the lovely open Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park, London Actually it, it was really cold on Press night and although the forecast was 82% rain it actually didn’t rain throughout the performance time!

Sherlock Holmes*** (until 6 June) was delightful to watch, although, for much of the time I was at a loss to know exactly what was happening on stage. This is a new Sherlock Holmes story, loosely based on The Sign of the Fox. Sherlock Holmes and his close colleague, John Watson, have to solve a crime or two here. Treasure from the past dominates the story at the beginning, but then it develops with many characters and storylines.

Still, it’s a joy to watch: Joshua James, as Sherlock Holmes and Jyuddah Jaymes as Dr Watson are a super double act, who work well together and separately.
The rest of the cast play multiple roles, giving energy and excitement to the production.

While not all of the scenes make sense, each one has its own particular charm. There is quite an exciting Circus sequence and best of all an aerial balloon with characters in the basket.

Much rushing around and excitement, but it is difficult to follow with a rather convoluted storyline. The best thing is to sit back, relax and enjoy the visual and physical performance in front of you.