Children's Shows Musicals Opera Theatre ThisWeek In London

Three To See 16-22 Aug: Camden Fringe, Musical Stuff, Theatrical Treats

By TW Editorial | Published on Friday 12 August 2022

The Edinburgh Festival continues this week of course – and if you are looking for things to see there, make sure you check out both our Three To See tips and all the latest reviews. But looking beyond Edinburgh, here are some shows to see in London this week…

CAMDEN FRINGE

Rajesh And Naresh | Camden People’s Theatre | 21-23 Aug (pictured)
“When handsome, successful, mummy’s-boy Rajesh is sent on a visit to India, he encounters Naresh in a steamy Mumbai nightclub. Naresh is an awkward yet endearing craftsman – and definitely not the wife Rajesh’s mother hoped he’d find”. This feel-good love story is following its run at edfringe with a run at Camden Fringe, and because it was on at edfringe we know how good it is: our reviewer praised the strong performances of its stars Brahmdeo Shannon Ramana and Madhav Vasantha, and described the play as “a heartstring-tugging show of wide-eyed optimism and joy”. So honestly, what are you waiting for? Head to this page here for info.

Crone | The Hope Theatre | 19-21 Aug
Here’s one that’s doing that Fringe thing in reverse – it heads to Edinburgh for the last few days of the Festival after this run at The Hope Theatre. And it looks like a lot of fun: “Since the dawn of time, human beings have ventured into deep, dark, woods to gain supernatural knowledge and treasures from the creatures within. Tonight, it’s you who enters the witch’s lair in a horrifying and hilarious interactive horror comedy show. Spells will be cast, rituals performed, and the ether will be read”. And if you’re not intrigued and keen to see this after reading that, I don’t know how to help you. Find out more about it here.

Phaedo | Etcetera Theatre | 15-19 Aug
Another interesting one – not surprising, this is Camden Fringe, after all – this time a “playful and poignant” take on the trial and death of the Greek philosopher Socrates, based on Plato’s ‘Phaedo’ and ‘Apology’. “A cast of four reimagines and relives Socrates’ final hours in an Athenian prison cell as he philosophises on the nature of forms and vividly describes the afterlife that awaits him. Realised on stage, Plato’s words take on an urgency lost in the classroom; Socrates’ sacrifice becomes tragedy, not mere abstraction. This show is a celebration of the intellectual life”. For more info and to book, head to the Camden Fringe website here.

MUSICAL STUFF

The Magic Flute | Arcola Theatre | 17-20 Aug
And now for a whole section of musical fun, with a bit of an operatic bias. It’s been a frequent turn of events in the last few weeks, so it shouldn’t surprise you that we’re headed over to Arcola’s Grimeborn Festival for our first choice, and it’s something of a classic. Opera Alegria present Mozart’s ‘The Magic Flute’ with new English libretto by Lindsay Bramley, and I reckon you can count on a great production. “Tamino and Pamina find themselves caught between the machinations of the Queen Of The Night and her enemy Sarastro, on a quest for truth, honesty, love and balance”. Find out more here.

Diva: Live From Hell! | Turbine Theatre | 17 Aug-3 Sep
This is where we depart from the opera theme, as we head Turbine Theatre-wards for the UK premiere of this one-person musical starring Luke Bayer, a “riot of a show” that promises to “take you beyond the darkest depths and demonstrate exactly what it takes to earn the title of diva”. Not sure how musical fans could possibly resist the opportunity. “Join Desmond Channing in the Seventh Circle – hell’s most squalid cabaret club – as he recounts the grisly events that led him there. Inspired by ‘All About Eve’, this blood-stained love letter to Broadway will have you laughing hysterically and lusting for revenge”. More here.

what the dog said to the harvest | King’s Place | 18 Aug (pictured)
Back to the operatic theme now, over at King’s Place, and a really interesting event: an immersive, experimental promenade experience that promises to confront the current climate emergency using film, opera, dance, spoken word and documentary. Presented by lisa luxx + jasmin kent rodgman, it’s on as part of Tête à Tête: The Opera Festival 2022, and tackles climate migration, racism and human displacement while promising to combine “the immediacy of live performance and the intimacy of installation”. For more info and to book, check the venue website here.

THEATRICAL TREATS

Where We Are Now | Old Red Lion Theatre | 16-20 Aug
And finally, some theatrical work for your delectation, and first up is the debut play from Blue Room Theatre Company, a group of recent Manchester School Of Theatre graduates. “Florence and Miles are forced to face the fallout of their failed relationship when locked in a music shop together over the course of one pivotal day. With a phantom of their past looming over them, this one act show explores what it means to grow up whilst exploring themes of grief, addiction and failed dreams. With laughs, lows and original music throughout, become a fly on the wall as they uncover the truths of their doomed romance”. Read more and book your tickets here.

Treasure Island | Greenwich Theatre | 19 Aug-4 Sep (pictured)
Now, here’s a treat for parents with kids who are now actually quite bored of being on holiday, and also with kids who insist that they are not bored but clearly are. It’s a staging of TW fave Le Navet Bete’s acclaimed adaptation of ‘Treasure Island’, which is suitable for everyone over the age of six and promises much: “This riotously chaotic adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s beloved tale of pirates and buried treasure is full of physical comedy, daft jokes and thrilling adventure”. Don’t delay, head to the venue website here for all the info and booking.

Brawn | King’s Head Theatre | 16 Aug-3 Sep
“What if the lads at work poke fun at you for your chicken legs? What if the girl of your dreams goes off with popular lad James Robinson? What if you’re sick to death of looking in the mirror and hating what you see? You get ripped, that’s what. Locked away in his dad’s garage Ryan puts his body through a gruelling regime – determined to bulk and cut, until he reaches perfection”. This sounds like an interesting piece exploring body dysmorphia and mental health issues in men, written and performed by Christopher Wollaton. Head this way to find out more.