Tom Smithard

My Master Builder @MMBThePlay @ Wyndham's - Ibsen given a post-MeToo update where the word master is heavily loaded. Nice concept, gorgeous modernist set but the script did tend to the pedestrian in places. Acting strong except, interestingly, Ewan McGregor who just dialed it in.

The Great Gatsby @LondonColiseum - a satirical novel about the dangers of thin veneers is turned into a musical that only goes skin deep. Luscious orchestration & stunning art deco sets, but they're the only aspect with any depth. A weak adaptation with mostly unmemorable songs.

Cry Baby @arcolatheatre is a surprise hit of the spring - an unloved teen musical with a John Waters twist brought back with huge vim by a really strong cast, enjoying every second of their performance. Very joyful & fun. Lulu-Mae Pears & Chad Saint Louis stand out in particular.

Midnight Cowboy @swkplay suffers from the same issue as the film - it only gets interesting when Rattzo appears. Too many characters are barely 1 dimensional and sticking to its script so closely means the musical misses opportunities to explain why it's worth making, 50+ yrs on.

Manhunt @royalcourt is a promising take on the topic-du-jour: Andrew Tatesque toxic masculinity. Moat as a proto-incel is an intriguing thesis & comes alive at the end when Gazza wanders in. I'd like the 1st act hagiography slimmed tho & more on how he became such a cult figure.

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!