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theqr.bsky.social
TheQR
@theqr.bsky.social
380 followers 25 following 380 posts
Reviews, news, and views of the performing, visual and experimental arts, cinema and music. Subscribe now at https://theqr.co.uk/
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theqr.bsky.social
Sadler’s Wells East is trading massive sets for "technically lightweight" agility. Is this the blueprint for the future of UK dance touring? Learn more about the five artists leading the 18-month laboratory.

wp.me/p91wLp-zErvpD2

#Dance #Arts #SadlersWells
The Quinntessential Review ‣ Inclusive independent Arts News, Views, and News.
Inclusive independent Arts News, Views, and News.
wp.me
December 21, 2025 at 6:05 PM
theqr.bsky.social
@sadlerswells.bsky.social brings the Digital Stage to the Lilian Baylis Studio for June 2026 with Dance Digital, their first-ever dedicated dance film festival.

Submit films by the Jan 18 earlybird deadline to secure your spot.

theqr.co.uk/2025/12/18/f...

#DanceDigital #Dance #Danceonline #News
From Browser to Baylis: Sadler’s Wells to Host Inaugural Dance Film Festival
Sadler’s Wells brings the Digital Stage to the Lilian Baylis Studio for June 2026. Submit your dance films by the Jan 18 earlybird deadline to secure your spot.
theqr.co.uk
December 18, 2025 at 3:07 PM
theqr.bsky.social
"Let’s go." "We can’t." "Why not?" "We’re waiting for Godot." 🎭

The wait ends Feb 2026. Matthew Kelly and George Costigan star in this Citizens Theatre, @liveveryplay.bsky.social, and Octagon Theatre co-pro.

citz.co.uk/whats-on/wai...

#Theatre #WaitingForGodot
Waiting for Godot | Citizens Theatre
citz.co.uk
December 18, 2025 at 1:53 PM
theqr.bsky.social
Air Scotia is boarding! ✈️ @ntsonline.bsky.social and @dundeerep.bsky.social have revealed the full ensemble joining Alan Cumming and @forbesmasson.bsky.social for the long-awaited return of The High Life.

Full cast & 2026 tour dates: wp.me/p91wLp-zErvpCy #TheHighLife
Air Scotia’s Second Wind: The High Life Confirms Full 2026 Crew
Thirty years is a long time to spend in the departure lounge, but the speed at which tickets for the world premiere of The High Life. The Musical. Still Living It! have vanished proves that the nation...
wp.me
December 18, 2025 at 11:42 AM
theqr.bsky.social
“I would never say I was brave for putting the show on...I was terrified.” Ollie Maddigan on the raw reality of 'The Olive Boy' and why he won't let the industry "fix" his grief.

Coming to @swkplay.bsky.social this January.

wp.me/p91wLp-zErvpCk #TheOliveBoy #Theatre
Mourning Behind the Mask: The Sharp Comedy of Ollie Maddigan
Writer-performer Ollie Maddigan on the bittersweet success of The Olive Boy and turning his mother’s death into an Offie-winning study of adolescent chaos.
wp.me
December 18, 2025 at 7:12 AM
theqr.bsky.social
"An interrogation: what is record, what is invention, and why does the myth still matter?" 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

'Wallace' is touring in 2026, visiting Greenock, Glasgow, and Edinburgh this September.

See why this rap-battle reimagining is moving to the big stage: theqr.co.uk/2025/09/21/r... #Wallace #ScottishArts
Review: Wallace – A Play, A Pie & A Pint – Traverse Theatre
"Playful yet serious, musical yet muscular, Wallace takes one of Scotland’s most familiar figures and dares to make him strange again.!
theqr.co.uk
December 17, 2025 at 5:39 PM
theqr.bsky.social
★★★★ "Surpassingly glam." The #KingsPanto bows out of Capital Theatres Festival Theatre with a dazzler. 🎭

Light on plot? Yes. But with #AllanStewart Grant Stott, and Jordan Young delivering "undeniable chemistry," it’s a variety masterclass.

The verdict 👇

wp.me/p91wLp-zErvpC1 #Panto #EdChristmas
Review: Jack and the Beanstalk — Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
The last edition of the King’s Panto in exile at Edinburgh’s glorious Festival Theatre before it returns home next year...it’s going out in style.
wp.me
December 17, 2025 at 2:04 PM
theqr.bsky.social
Dickens done to death, but never quite like this. Mischief Theatre returns with a "terrifying twist" on Tiny Tim. It might be paper-thin in places, but the slapstick still rips along. Is it worth the ticket? YES!

Read the review: wp.me/p91wLp-zErvpBz

#ChristmasCarolGoesWrong #LondonTheatre
Review: Christmas Carol Goes Wrong – Apollo Theatre, London
Mischief Theatre's Christmas Carol Goes Wrong is a wonderfully fun show that will easily entertain even if it doesn’t quite stick some landings.
wp.me
December 15, 2025 at 2:38 PM
theqr.bsky.social
The Summerhall Arts report is in: 2025 saw 70k tickets and critical success. 📈

For 2026, they will shift strategy from "free space" to "direct investment" (paid weeks).

Read for this and details on their 2026 Fringe Award applications closing 23rd January.

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#EdFringe
The Quinntessential Review ‣ Inclusive independent Arts News, Views, and News.
Inclusive independent Arts News, Views, and News.
wp.me
December 14, 2025 at 7:05 PM
theqr.bsky.social
"Jason is madness." 👄

Ryan Carter-Wilson on bringing Riff Raff home to Edinburgh, the grind of the 50th Anniversary Rocky Horrow Show tour, and the "untamed" energy of Jason Donovan.

Read: wp.me/p91wLp-zErvpB5

#WhatsonEdinburgh #Interview #RockyHorrorShow
The Long Haul to Transylvania: Ryan Carter-Wilson on Rocky Horror’s Enduring Message
Ryan Carter-Wilson talks playing Riff Raff in the Rocky Horror 50th Anniversary tour, Jason Donovan’s chaos, and a January return to the Edinburgh Playhouse.
wp.me
December 12, 2025 at 12:31 PM
theqr.bsky.social
"A gale-force wind of provocation." 🌪️

Skins star Alexander Arnold discusses why his latest role at @sohotheatre.bsky.social requires abandoning strict planning for raw reactivity.

We discuss David Ireland, acting without a safety net, and the deeper meaning of KFC. 🍗

Read: wp.me/p91wLp-zErvpAH
Alexander Arnold on David Ireland’s Most Favoured, faith and KFC at Soho Theatre
Alexander Arnold discusses David Ireland’s Most Favoured at Soho Theatre. The Skins star talks faith, KFC, and the unique pressure of a 45-minute one-act.
wp.me
December 12, 2025 at 11:18 AM
theqr.bsky.social
The minds behind Diana in hell and Gwyneth in court are back. Linus Karp & Joseph Martin take on the Netflix Christmas Universe with 'The Fit Prince'.

Featuring Tove Lo, puppets, and a bold claim: "It’d be a hate crime not to go see it." 🇸🇪🎄

👉 wp.me/p91wLp-zErvpAt

#TheFitPrince #WhatonLondon
INTERVIEW: “Controlled Insanity” – Linus Karp and Joseph Martin bring The Fit Prince to London
Inside the chaos of The Fit Prince. Awkward Productions talk puppets, pop icons, and queer romance as their festive parody hits the King's Head Theatre.
wp.me
December 12, 2025 at 9:16 AM
theqr.bsky.social
Loop pedals, percussive cello, and Vivaldi. ★★★★

The Ayoub Sisters dismantles the walls between classical and pop—resplendent in sparkling catsuits.

A SoundhouseOrg Winter Fest triumph.

Read the review ⤵️

wp.me/p91wLp-zErvpzQ

#Edinburgh #ClassicalCrossover
Review: The Ayoub Sisters at Soundhouse Winter Fest
The Ayoub Sisters blend classical rigour and pop charisma at Soundhouse Winter Fest. A dazzling Traverse set from the Scottish-Egyptian duo.
wp.me
December 11, 2025 at 2:49 PM
theqr.bsky.social
Sorry Hollywood. The tour of Mamma Mia! at Edinburgh Playhouse offers something the film didn't: a cast that can truly sing. Jen Griffin is spine-tingling in a production that proves the winner that takes it all.

🔗 wp.me/p91wLp-zErvpzZ

#MammaMia #Edinburgh #TheatreReview
Review: Mamma Mia! at the Edinburgh Playhouse
Mamma Mia! returns to Edinburgh. With a spine-tingling turn from Jen Griffin, this production proves the stage show outshines the film with vocal power and wit.
wp.me
December 11, 2025 at 2:20 PM
theqr.bsky.social
From raucous 90s heists to future dystopias, the theme of this year's 4PLAY isn't just new writing—it's the desperate, messy business of survival.

Four scripts. One night. No safety net.

Our preview of independent Scottish theatre fighting back:

wp.me/p91wLp-zErvpyT #ScottishTheatre #Edinburgh
4PLAY: Stories from the Edge of the Scaffold
We preview 4PLAY at the Traverse. From 90s heists to AI survivalism, this year's new writing showcase isn't just a collection of plays—it's a manifesto.
wp.me
December 8, 2025 at 7:21 PM
theqr.bsky.social
Do magicians talk to their props? Jamie Leonard does. "You’re going to smash it today, Sharpie!" 🖊️ From weird rituals to being paid in ice cream, the stars of Edinburgh's MagicFest reveal what really happens behind the curtain.

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#MagicFest #EdinburghEvents
Spooky Q&A: The Secrets Behind Edinburgh MagicFest 2025
If you've ever wanted to know what makes this magic band of folks tick, here's your chance to dive into the secrets behind their mystical arts...
wp.me
December 8, 2025 at 4:16 PM
theqr.bsky.social
Looking for festive escapism? MagicFest returns Dec 17-30. 🪄 It's the only festival of its kind in the UK, featuring Kevin Quantum, Hector Mancha, and the "most beautiful card trick in the world."

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#MagicFest #Edinburgh
MagicFest 2025 Brings Magic to Edinburgh this December
Every December, Edinburgh lights up with the Edinburgh International Magic Festival, also known as MagicFest. What's in store this year?
wp.me
December 8, 2025 at 4:06 PM
theqr.bsky.social
A play about recovering addicts that's a barrel of laughs? Believe it. ★★★★ 'Dancing Shoes' at the Traverse is "one of the most surprisingly uplifting shows you’ll see all year." Incredible chemistry from the cast.

wp.me/p91wLp-zErvpyo

#Edinburgh #ScottishTheatre
Review: Dancing Shoes – Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh
"...possibly one of the most surprisingly uplifting shows you’ll see all year if you’re lucky enough to get a ticket." - Dancing Shoes impresses at the Trav.
wp.me
December 8, 2025 at 3:36 PM
theqr.bsky.social
Does the world need another Christmas Carol? Yes, if it stars Matthew Cottle. He's a perfect Scrooge in this Mark Gatiss adaptation at Ally Pally.

The magic effects are brilliant, though the "adult" Tiny Tim is a... bold choice.

★★★★ wp.me/p91wLp-zErvpyf

#ChristmasCarol #Theatre
Review: A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story – Alexandra Palace Theatre
Whilst 'Matthew Cottle as Scrooge is fantastic: perfectly glum, cruel and obsessed with his money' Mark Gatiss's A Christmas Carol' is a qualified success.
wp.me
December 8, 2025 at 3:31 PM
theqr.bsky.social
It is funny—easily the funniest, loveliest show I’ve seen this Christmas—but mostly, it’s not afraid of the dark.

★★★★★ for a Beauty and the Beast with teeth at Citizens Theatre. A sparkling, biting festive adventure.

Read the review: wp.me/p91wLp-zErvpy1

#Glasgow #Theatre #ScottishArts
Review: Beauty and the Beast – Citizens Theatre, Glasgow
"Hallelujah! Lewis Hetherington’s sparkling festive adventure has teeth, and it isn’t afraid to bite." Beauty and the Beast is simply sensational.
wp.me
December 7, 2025 at 9:01 AM
theqr.bsky.social
★★★★★ Real Highland cows and a powerhouse performance from Suzie McAdam.

@dundeerep.bsky.social has a massive hit with O’Neill & Savage's "utter bovine gorgeousness." It's 5 stars across the board.

Read the verdict:

wp.me/p91wLp-zErvpxN

#Dundee #TheatreReviews
Review: Jack and The Beanstalk: A New Moooosical – Dundee Rep
"...how can you feel anything else but elated by such utter bovine gorgeousness?" It's all 5 stars for this brand new musical delight from acclaimed writing duo Jonathan O’Neill & Isaac Savage
wp.me
December 5, 2025 at 11:38 PM
theqr.bsky.social
★★★★½ A K-Pop singing Gretel? A "remarkable" Les Mis finale? 🐺

#JohnnyMcKnight’s Weans in the Wood subverts romance for friendship to deliver a "gag lover's idea of heaven." Robin MacKenzie is the "standout" in a technically superior show.

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#WeansInTheWood #ScottishTheatre
Review: Weans in the Wood – MacRobert Arts Centre – Stirling
"...Johnny McKnight’s reign as the king/queen of the Scottish pantosphere looks secure." Weans in the Wood has preposterous production values & narrative depth.
wp.me
December 5, 2025 at 3:08 PM
theqr.bsky.social
Tired of 'looking good for their age' veterans? Get to Ayr.

★★★★ 'Aladdie' is a total youthquake—high energy pop mashups, a sassy laundry dame, and a cast with energy. It’s 80s Saturday Morning TV joy in the best way.

Read the review: wp.me/p91wLp-zErvpwm

#Panto #ScottishTheatre
Review: Aladdie – Gaiety Theatre, Ayr
Review: Aladdie at Ayr Gaiety. Fraser Boyle leads a vibrant cast in a panto bursting with pop anthems and infectious energy. Read the full verdict here.
wp.me
December 4, 2025 at 6:27 PM
theqr.bsky.social
It's hard to stage 'traditional' panto well in the "corporate pantosphere" era. Yet Perth Theatre have done just that. A joyfully daft, polished production with a cracking Dame, pop-song mash-ups, and genuine heart.

★★★★ Read more: wp.me/p91wLp-zErvpvg

#Panto #Theatre #Perth #ScottishArts
- The Quinntessential Review
Perth Theatre defies the corporate pantosphere with a joyfully daft, narrative-led The Snow Queen. A wintry epic full of heart, humour & traditional panto craft.
wp.me
December 1, 2025 at 12:41 PM
theqr.bsky.social
We give Scottish Ballet's The Snow Queen ****. From the dazzling costumes to the infectious rhythms of the Traveller dance, this production lights up Scottish winter nights.

Find out what stood out - and what could be better: wp.me/p91wLp-zErvpuE

#TheSnowQueen #ScottishBallet #TheatreReview
Review: The Snow Queen – Scottish Ballet 2025
While not without a few imperfections, The Snow Queen remains a bright, merry production that lights up Scottish winter nights with scenes to cherish.
wp.me
November 29, 2025 at 10:31 PM