marklawson
Money! Money! Money! How Kay Mellor’s The Syndicate hit the touring jackpot
The TV show about supermarket workers who win £20m in the lottery has been turned into a touring stage show. Its director Gaynor Faye reveals how she’s channelling the late writer – her mother – for help
Mark Lawson
09, Apr, 2024 @7:00 AM
Faith Healer review – Brian Friel’s classic questions everything we believe
Rachel O’Riordan’s powerful production explores political, medical and religious faith with a wholly convincing cast
Mark Lawson
21, Mar, 2024 @8:00 PM
How is this David Tennant’s first ever nomination? The rights and wrongs of the TV Baftas shortlist
From a long overdue nod for the Good Omens star to high praise for a Netflix show that deserves ‘bad content’ awards for its writing – here are the highs and lows of this year’s picks
Mark Lawson
20, Mar, 2024 @2:46 PM
Uncle Vanya review – Trevor Nunn triumphs with Chekhov’s tragicomedy
This chamber staging, movingly played by an immaculate ensemble, fits perfectly with the drama’s hothouse of disappointment
Mark Lawson
09, Mar, 2024 @12:01 AM
Cable Street review – dazzling musical portrait of a community against fascism
Framing the battle within a 1930s romance and a 2024 walking tour, Adam Lenson’s production has big ballads, hip-hop-ish commentary and high camp
Mark Lawson
27, Feb, 2024 @1:18 PM
A Midsummer Night’s Dream review – characters mash, worlds invert and flames burst from fingers
Eleanor Rhode’s ravishing fusion of flamboyancy, surrealism and raucous fun rouses audiences in a youthful, energetic riot
Mark Lawson
14, Feb, 2024 @1:23 PM
So much more than a DJ, Steve Wright pioneered a new style of talk radio | Mark Lawson
Heavily influenced by the US, Wright perfected a show featuring records split by interviews and comedy
Mark Lawson
13, Feb, 2024 @7:38 PM
‘Don’t tell him, Pike!’ How Ian Lavender gave Dad’s Army its most adored moment
With his asthma troubles and his very warm scarf, the mummy’s boy soldier was Lavender’s greatest creation. But he also gave EastEnders one of its earliest gay characters, in a strong storyline about homophobia
Mark Lawson
05, Feb, 2024 @5:13 PM
From the Post Office scandal to nuclear attack: 13 TV shows that shook Britain
Mr Bates vs the Post Office has caused shockwaves in Westminster. Is it the most influential TV drama ever? We weigh the contenders, from Cathy Come Home to Queer As Folk to Who Bombed Birmingham?
Mark Lawson
09, Jan, 2024 @5:01 PM
Sound and fury, signifying something: what made Macbeth so popular in 2023?
Ralph Fiennes and David Tennant are among the stars playing Shakespeare’s Thane this year. Might the tragedy’s current popularity have something to do with the Tory government?
Mark Lawson
19, Dec, 2023 @2:32 PM
Oliver! review – tunes, glorious tunes and a thrillingly vivid production
James Brining’s exemplary staging solves every problem – the antisemitism, the coercive romance – that Lionel Bart’s joyous, beloved but difficult musical presents
Mark Lawson
04, Dec, 2023 @6:00 AM
Farewell, Top Gear! Without Freddie Flintoff, you were always doomed
The former cricketer was the motoring show’s best presenter in nearly a decade – and possibly the only thing keeping it going. In his absence, the road had rapidly run out
Mark Lawson
21, Nov, 2023 @5:25 PM
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