Roald Dahl's Twisted Tales

This is an adaptation by Jeremy Dyson of several of Dahl’s stories for adults. Dyson is perhaps best know for his work on League of Gentlemen, but he also wrote the TV series Funland and co-wrote Ghost Stories which played at the Lyric last year before taking up residency in the West End.

This latest enterprise has something of the feel of Ghost Stories to it. A cast of five (plus one child actor) plays multiple roles in this fast moving and quick changing drama.

The five tales are book ended by characters on a commuter train being told these very stories by a newcomer in their midst. The tales are typical Dahl fare, featuring cruelty, the threat of horrible violence (not always delivered) and darkly comic twists to the narrative.

While it generally feels as though the production aspires to the cult success of Ghost Stories, it actually falls a little short of that.

However, it is all slickly staged and nicely performed – altogether an enjoyable evening’s entertainment.

Lyric Hammersmith

Review of 2010 - what was missed out: March

Satyagraha

By Phillip Glass

It was in 2007 that I first saw this production of Satyagraha. It’s notable for being directed and designed by Phelim McDermot and Julian Crouch of Improbable Theatre. It’s spectacular to look at and the music is engaging.

The opera deals with Gandhi’s early years in South Africa where he becomes radicalised and embarks on his career as political reformer.

The instrumental interludes are illustrated by magical stage business involving puppets, aerialists, copious amounts of newspaper and sellotape. Looking back at my 2007 notes I find I had reservations about the production. Having seen it again, I can’t really see why: it’s actually great – and I would go and see it again if I could.

Coliseum

Ghost Stories

By Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman

A second visit to see Ghost Stories at the Lyric in Hammersmith.

I enjoy the show much more this time round. It’s easier to see how neatly constructed it is and how it undercuts expectations in the way it moves from comedy to tragedy.

The horrors get darker as it moves along. It remains technically impressive; scene changes are slickly managed and add to the tension. There is skilful use of light and sound and optical illusion.

Even though I knew what was coming, there were still several moments providing satisfying frights and frissons

Lyric Hammersmith