Reviews – Cultivated

Breaking The Code

James Goffin — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 23:49:01 +0000

The story of master codebreaker Alan Turing is told with controlled brilliance in this well-crafted drama.

When We Are Married

James Goffin — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 22:09:59 +0000

This tale of upstanding Yorkshire folk discovering a surprising secret offers a gentle comedy with hints of a darker underbelly.

The Head That Bears

James Goffin — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 22:48:51 +0000

God plays dice, Death tells stories – at least they do in this surreal grown up fairy tale.

Mamma Mia!

James Goffin — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 22:26:33 +0000

Mammia Mia! has probably the largest format programme I’ve ever seen. While that may seem an odd thing to focus on for the review of a musical, it matters because this is more than theatre: it’s a phenomenon.

Kanpur: 1857

James Goffin — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 21:37:29 +0000

A dark chapter in the history of India and British is told with grace – and a surprising amount of comedy – in this confidently-staged piece of storytelling.

The Picture of Dorian Gray

James Goffin — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 22:42:06 +0000

Is there anyone that doesn’t know the twist to The Picture of Dorian Gray? Oscar Wilde’s gothic novel has such an assured place in our culture, that it should give a theatrical adaptation a lot of licence.

Tom Brace Saws Himself In Half

James Goffin — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 22:05:02 +0000

When you boil it down, most magic is either guessing a right answer, or making something appear, disappear, or do something it shouldn’t be able to: the rest is the presentation. And Tom Brace presents with an infectious joy.

The Spy Who Came In From The Cold

James Goffin — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 22:55:24 +0000

John Le Carré’s brand of Cold War espionage thriller has generated best-selling books and some iconic screen adaptations – but until now it hasn’t made it to the stage.

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo

James Goffin — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 21:40:55 +0000

Parody meets en pointe perfection in this softly satirical take on classical ballet, now in its 50th year.

Beautiful Thing

James Goffin — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 21:59:39 +0000

Love that’s fresh and still unspoiled: that’s the core of this wickedly funny and quietly affecting drama.

Flashdance: The Musical

James Goffin — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 22:44:27 +0000

The surprise 1980s film hit about a welder and wannabee dancer at a Pittsburgh steel mill is given a comic overhaul in this fun musical reworking.

Gentleman Jack

James Goffin — Wed, 27 May 2026 22:15:54 +0000

The life of a woman regarded by some as the “first modern lesbian” is retold in this promising new ballet.

Ian Smith

James Goffin — Tue, 26 May 2026 22:34:35 +0000

Ian Smith has a problem: his life is going too well for a stand up comedian.

Natural Behaviour

James Goffin — Sat, 23 May 2026 21:16:28 +0000

Perceptions of what it means to be natural and normal are open to challenge in this series of vignettes coordinated by duo Thick & Tight.

Culture, The Environment & Social Transformation

James Goffin — Fri, 22 May 2026 17:40:26 +0000

Norwich Castle – itself up for an award for museum of the year – was the host for this reflective evening looking how art is influenced by and shapes its surroundings.

Follow Me

James Goffin — Fri, 22 May 2026 16:27:08 +0000

It’s never been so much fun to be part of a crowd: Follow Me is a joyous tumble of urban acrobatics, audience shenanigans, and sheer bravado.

Ana Carla Maza

James Goffin — Thu, 21 May 2026 23:29:25 +0000

It’s a cliché that Latin American music is filled with passion – but Ana Carla Maza is evidence that sometimes there’s no smoke without fire.

(le) Pain

James Goffin — Wed, 20 May 2026 23:32:21 +0000

Part cookery show, part existential meditation Jean Daniel Broussé’s show on the meaning of bread is certainly a unique one.

Wind In The Willows

James Goffin — Sun, 17 May 2026 19:14:22 +0000

The adventures of Toad, Ratty, Badger, and Mole get a Norfolk reboot in this gentle repurposing of Kenneth Grahame’s classic characters.

The Magic Lamp

James Goffin — Sun, 17 May 2026 13:45:38 +0000

The traditional tale of the genie in the lamp is bought charmingly to life in this shadow puppet show.