Susan Elkin

1 week ago | susanelkin.co.uk | Susan Elkin

THE M-WORDby Susan Elkin“No, of course I won’t bloody well marry you, Vinnie” says Bella, angrily pushing a strand of long, straight coppery hair away from her eyes. “The very idea is preposterous. I can’t quite believe that you even said it.”Both wearing bright orange lanyards bearing grey security passes, Bella and Vinnie are sitting in Starbucks round the corner from   their shared workplace. He, in his forties, is the editor of a famous national newspaper. She is a 21-year-old intern.

1 week ago | susanelkin.co.uk | Susan Elkin

SistersDavid StoreyDirected by Elizabeth ElstubUncommon TheatreJack Studio TheatreStar rating 3.5David Storey’s 1978 play, written for Royal Exchange, Manchester, presents a gritty world where nothing is as it seems. It doesn’t get out much so this is a welcome revival in which the 1970s atmosphere is nicely observed both in the costumes and in Molly Agar’s set even down to the pattern on the tea cups.

1 week ago | susanelkin.co.uk | Susan Elkin

I was drawn to this book because the publisher describes it as “A powerful de-colonial retelling of Mansfield Park”. And, at present, for personal reasons (all to be revealed soon) I am particularly interested on spin-offs and reworkings. In the event, I don’t think it quite does what it says on the tin. I loved it to bits and recommend it warmly but it really doesn’t relate much to Mansfield Park.

1 week ago | susanelkin.co.uk | Susan Elkin

Centenary Gala: Messiaen’s Turangalila SymphonyBrighton Philharmonic OrchestraConductor: Joanna MacGregorPiano: Joseph HavlatOndes martenot: Cynthia MillarBrighton Dome13 April 2025You have to hand it to BPO. This gargantuan work doesn’t get out much because the enormous forces it requires make it prohibitively expensive to stage.

1 week ago | londonpubtheatres.com | Susan Elkin

‘Moving, evocative, funny and plausible’ ★★★★Like most critics I approach anything enthusiastically labelled “new musical” with sceptical caution. This show, however, proved a pleasant surprise not least because it has a very powerful but plausible story at its heart. Add into the mix the talents of five richly accomplished, triple threat performers and some decent music and you have something quite impressive. Adam (Dylan Aiello) and Darryl (Dominic Sullivan) are a gay couple living in Brighton.