Close-Up Culture

Independent journalism on the things we love

Bliss – Theatre Review

IT’s a tough watch on so many levels, but Fraser Grace’s play Bliss about 1920s Russia is ultimately rewarding. Apposite, infused with (much needed) moments of humour, and containing some stellar acting, Bliss charts the integration of Nikita (a formidable Jesse Rutherford) back into society after participating in the civil war. Nikita is as grimy…
Middle – Theatre Review

MIDDLE is the second part of a trilogy from the pen of David Eldridge that examines the forming of relationships, their bumps along the way and presumably their passing. Beginning was performed at the National Theatre five years ago. End, I presume, will be performed at the same venue between now and 2027. As in…
House Of Ife – Theatre Review

THE corrosive impact of long-standing family secrets – and yet again religion – lie at the heart of this fascinating play, written by Beru Tessema, an Ethiopian-British writer based in London. It’s part funny and part tragic, and lit up by some vibrant performances from the younger members of the cast, especially Karla-Simone Spence as…
The Straw Chair – Theatre Review

The Straw Chair is an ambitious play, examining issues of mental illness and the control of women in eighteenth century Scotland. Written by Sue Glover and inspired by a true story, it both enthrals and entertains, drawing out a fine performance from Siobhan Redmond as Lady Rachel Grange – a woman kidnapped by her husband…
Krista Kosonen Talks Beforeigners And The Challenge Of Playing Alfhildr

To celebrate five years of Close-Up Culture, we are welcoming our favourite interviewees back onto the site to see what they’ve been up to. Actor Krista Kosonen joins us to talk about the incredible success of Beforeigners and her role as Alfhildr. Hi Krista, welcome back to Close-Up Culture! How are you doing? Hi there! I…
Pass The Hat – Theatre Review

BUILDING family trees is a pastime that many people enjoy – helped by popular TV programmes such as Who Do You Think You Are. It’s something that actor Oliver Bennett pursued during lockdown as work dried up and he got by on universal credit. The result is a rather splendid play – Pass The Hat…
Boot – Theatre Review

BOOT is a taut and sometimes uncomfortable play. It covers some pretty dark subject areas, yet always maintains an underlying sense of humour. Plenty of twists and turns to debate afterwards. Yes, it makes for tough viewing at times and leaves you wanting to have a shower afterwards. And, yes, it’s challenging, but that’s what…
The Forest – Theatre Review

FLORIAN Zeller’s The Forest is as absorbing a play as you will find in London this year – awash as it currently is with musicals. It’s complex, toys with your mind and some of it is unfathomable. But that’s why it is so brilliant. It’s a play – translated into English by long-term collaborator Christopher…
Close-Up Catch-Up: An Interview With Pony Nicole Herauf

To celebrate five years of Close-Up Culture, we are welcoming our favourite interviewees back onto the site to see what they’ve been up to. Pony Nicole Herauf returns to reflect on the last few years and talk about the success of Breaking Up For The Modern Girl. Hi Pony, welcome back to Close-Up Culture. So much…
Toyah Willcox – Live Music Review

IT’S a mystery. It really is. How can a 63-year-old dressed to kill in a glittery gold dress bounce around a stage like a manic teenager and still look divine in the process? It’s exactly what Toyah Willcox did on Friday night (January 21) as she shook a rather polite and conservative Wokingham audience out…