Email: ReviewsgateReviews@gmail.com
Reviews
Vadym Kholodenko plays Liszt and Beethoven, Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham | 25 October 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Review by William Ruff
“Piano playing of huge physical stamina, unerring power, concentration and style.”
Photo credit: Jean-Baptiste Millot
As You Like It: William Shakespeare RSC, RST, Stratford Upon Avon | until Saturday 07 November 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by Roderick Dungate
“A production queer on its own terms.”
Photo credit: Marc Benner
In 40 Parts: Spem in alium, Ex Cathedra, The Town Hall, Birmingham | 18 October 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review: David Gray & Paul Gray
“An exciting and profoundly moving choral concert, including a new work from Roderick Williams.”
Opus13 plays Beethoven, Adès and Brahms Lakeside, Nottingham | 15 October 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by William Ruff
“Brilliant playing from four exceptional young musicians.”
Photo credit: Elvira Glänte
Sibelius’ 5th Symphony, CBSO, Symphony Hall, Birmingham | Thursday 15 October 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by David Gray & Paul Gray
“Stirring Brahms and unexpected Sibelius.”
NDR Radiophilharmonie Hannover, Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham | 14 October 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐Review by William Ruff
“Precision, warmth and stylistic versatility.”
Photo credit: Evelyn Dragan
NDR Radiophilharmonie Hannover, Symphony Hall, Birmingham | 13 October 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by David Gray & Paul Gray
“This is how you do 19th Century German music.”
Elgar’s Enigma Variations, CBSO, Symphony Hall | 30 September 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by Paul Gray & David Gray
“A well-played, varied and satisfyingly diverse programme of British music.”
The Marriage of Figaro, Mozart, Wild Arts, The Rep, Birmingham | 27 September 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by David Gray & Paul Gray
“No gimmicks, no nonsense, just pure Mozart.”
Photo credit: The Rep, Birmingham
Send in the Clowns: Queeny Todd, presented by Fatt Projects, The Door, The Birmingham Rep | 26 September 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by David Gray & Paul Gray
“A riotous, outrageous, anything goes show.”
Photo credit: Emwa Jones
The Hallé plays Liszt, Beethoven and Stravinsky, Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham | 23 September 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by William Ruff
“Soloist, conductor and orchestra launch the new Nottingham season in spectacular style.”
Photo credit: Sim Canetty-Clarke
Kazuki Conducts Mahler’s 2nd Symphony, CBSO, Symphony Hall, Birmingham | 17 September 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by David Gray & Paul Gray
“…an impressive way to start a concert season.”
Southwell Music Festival 2026 Southwell Minster and various venues | 28-31 August 2026 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by William Ruff
“Southwell 2026: delivering excellence today and inspiring hope for the future.”
Photo credit: Tom Platinum Morley
Mrs Doubtfire – The Hit Comedy Musical, Birmingham Hippodrome | Thurs 20 August 2025 until Sat 19 September 2026, then on tour ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by Paul Gray and David Gray
“A high-octane musical retelling of a much-loved film.”
Photo Credit: Matt Crockett
Game of Thrones: The Mad King, Adapted from the story of George R. R. Martin by Duncan MacMillan, RSC, RST: Stratford Upon Avon | until 05 September 2026 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by Roderick Dungate
“Great spectacle – but is there more?”
Photo credit: Johan Persson
Just So, National Youth Music TheatreBirmingham Hippodrome, 13 August 2026 | until 15 August 2026 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by David Gray & Paul Gray
“A vibrant show packed full of talent, energy and enthusiasm.”
Photo credit: Liza Heinrichs
Gindr, The Opera! The unauthorised parody, The Old Repertory Theatre, Birmingham, 01 August 2026 | until 02 August 2026, then on tour. ⭐⭐⭐ Review by Paul and David Gray
“A strong show; witty, with a serious edge, and well performed.”
Photo credit: Brittain Photography
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, The Rep, Birmingham, 22 July 2026 | until 15 August 2026 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by David Gray & Paul Gray
“A totally immersive and convincing production of Sondheim’s classic.”
Photo credit: Manuel Harlan
Nottingham Chamber Music Festival 2026, Various Venues | 09-12 July 2026 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by William Ruff
‘A Festival for everyone: surprising, moving and entertaining young and old alike.’
Photo credit: Saba Walton
Kazuki Conducts Harmonium, CBSO, Symphony Hall, Birmingham | 4 July 2026 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by David Gray & Paul Gray
“A brilliantly well performed Independence Day concert all about the best of America.”
Photo credit: Andrew Fox