Sheffield University Drama Studio Sheffield reviews by real event-goers

Review of We Hate The Sharkman // Lumarie // The Will Yates Experience //

Fab collection of bands and talents. Well done to the organisers! Excellent night. Thanks

Review of The Company presents: Richard III

OK, I'm kind of biased here ... actually, scratch that, I'm very biased. I'm a part of this theatre group, and consider many of the cast and crew close friends. I'm also credited in the programme.

That said, this was an amazing performance, full of tension, drama and a surprising amount of humour. The staging was minimalist but incredibly effective at setting the mood. The acting was excellent all round, with special mention to the villainous charm of Sabrina Senior as Richard.

Oh, and the period music was on point. Absolutely brilliant work finding that.

Review of The Company presents: Richard III

Brilliant acting! Richard III is menacing and hateful and will keep you spellbound in every scene he appears in.

Review of The Company presents: Richard III

The theme of prophesy/cursing was brought out strongly. This suggested a parallel or resonance with today's media, telling us what we will do and - guess what? - we do it. They build people up to be heroes then knock them down as villains, just as happens to, say, Buckingham or Catesby. Richard was played as a character who understood and could manipulate the media; his adversaries as good people who showed their true colours rather than courting public opinion. A very modern notion? Or has so little changed?
I loved the WWI opening sequence, with some soldiers praying; others drinking from a hip-flask. Those universal themes could, perhaps, have been foregrounded more throughout the play. But maybe it's for the audience to make their own parallels.