Theatre

The Tempest is midwinter magic

Nothing ropey about South Hill Park's new adaptation of Shakespeare The Tempest, apart from the brilliantly creative stage design. Read on for the verdict.
Cinderella, but will you have a ball?

He's baaaaaaack! Justin Fletcher returns to Reading to star in Cinderella. But who needs a glass slipper when a pair of ballet shoes and a balloon bring the house down.
Review: Aladdin at South Hill Park

Can an old lamp prevent a royal scandal? *Asking for a friend*. No dirty laundry aired here, Aladdin in Bracknell is bubblier than Widow Twankey's hot wash.
Review: The Bear at Norden Farm

A polar bear puppet delivers the spirit of Christmas while pooing and weeing all over Tilly's house. Alternative, yes, but The Bear, is pure magic.
Review: The Prince & The Pauper

Like the Duke of York , our Prince & the Pauper hero is locked out of the palace. But will he return to his gilded life? Let's see shall we.
12 alternative festive shows

Hate panto? Feast your eyes on these 12 alternative festive shows without a boo, hiss or ‘he’s behind you!’ in sight across Berkshire and beyond.
The Muddy panto guide 2019

It's panto season. Oh no it isn't! Oh yes it is! Oh no.... OK, enough! Here's 18 of the best in Berkshire and beyond. Greasepaint at the ready!
Muddy review: What’s In A Name?

Warning! You're entering the dinner party danger zone – and Inbetweeners stars Joe Thomas is the dish of the day. What's In A Name? is hilarious, heated and should come with health warning.
Review: Great Expectation at South Hill Park

Great Expectations has been retold a gazillion times. It's a good job South Hill Park's latest production is a darkly innovative take on a Dickens classic.
Review: Amélie The Musical, Reading

Quirky, creative and a little camp, Amélie, starring Audrey Brisson and Strictly star Danny Mac, is pure escapism – something we could all do with right now.