Tom Smithard

Punch @youngvictheatre - an absolute knockout performance from David Shields among a powerful ensemble in James Graham's superb tale of restorative justice & the conditions that create the crime & the criminal. Lighting, sound design & direction all punch well above their weight.

The Seagull @BarbicanCentre has an amusing central performance from Cate Blanchett but the production is uneven & only comes alive when providing pinpoint satire of modern theatre. With its 2 mics & occasional no shoes, Chekhov's gun seems aimed directly at Jamie Lloyd's Seagull.

Lavender, Hyacinth, Violet, Yew @bushtheatre is a play about flowers that grows on you and blossoms by the end. The story of generations, black queer role models, AIDS and burying trauma, it's affectingly told by its cast of 4 with a strong showing from actor/writer Coral Wylie.

Much Ado About Nothing @TheatreRoyalDL: Despite the bare stage & plastic chairs I guess this is @JamieLloydCo's idea of maximalism & certainly the best of his recent Shakespeares. Tom Hiddleston charms & Mason Alexander Park impresses again. The pink confetti is the true star tho

Otherland @AlmeidaTheatre - some affecting scenes on the process of transitioning and the strain it puts on family relationships but too much exposition and I didn't love the analogy-heavy 2nd act which lacked subtlety. With a slight redrafting this could've been much stronger.

Kenrex @swkplay is another masterclass from Jack Holden & colleagues: near faultless production, engineering, direction, sound & lighting design &, of course, acting. The script captures the true crime podcast vibe & adds many extra layers. Will surely play to bigger stages soon.

Richard II @_bridgetheatre - it's nice to have it back. Jonathan Bailey plays our antihero as a preening middle manager with a flair for the dramatic and I'm here for it. Good use of the hydraulics & Royce Pierreson makes for a muscular foil as Henry. Also enjoyed Vinnie Heaven.

Elektra @dukeofyorksLDN is stunning - Daniel Fish transports us to mid-90s off-Broadway alternative theatre and Brie Larson excels as the laconic, surly teenager set on revenge. Stark staging, atmospheric chorus, compelling leitmotifs... It's a divisive production but I loved it.

Oedipus @oldvictheatre - Hofesh Shechter's choreo was mesmerising, Tom Visser's lighting was magnificent, Rami Malek's acting was mediocre & Ella Hickson's script was malodorous. While Robert Icke's recent production challenged and shocked, this one just frustrates & disappoints.

Kyoto @sohoplacelondon is like a live episode of The Traitors - first act they form alliances, strategies and tactics - then it comes alive in the second as they sit around the round table, negotiate and watch as all hell breaks loose. A great play, not least for making COP fun!