The Merry Widow review – De Niese and Olvera are compelling, but camp fun stifles subtlety
The Guardian picture essay
Love, laughs and lavish designs: The Merry Widow at Glyndebourne – photo essay
December 2022
Mother Goose review – zany Ian McKellen rules over a fluffy affair
Panto finds dame and co-star John Bishop in need of a boost and better jokes, though song and dance performers give it unruly energy
July 2021
Le Comte Ory review – anarchic and camp, it’s the perfect tonic
Cal McCrystal’s staging turns Rossini’s comedy into a deliriously camp musical, and conductor Valentina Peleggi brings flair and precision
April 2020
Lockdown culture
One Man, Two Guvnors: Nicholas Hytner on the joy of farcing around
The National Theatre’s smash-hit comedy starring James Corden is available free online until 9 April. Its director reflects on a runaway success
December 2019
Nell Gifford obituary
Circus founder and ringmistress inspired by the idea of a traditional travelling show
July 2019
Xanadu review – psychedelic circus evokes summer of love
Cal McCrystal brings a woozy vibe to Giffords Circus, though these hippies are versatile performers and formidable athletes
February 2018
The week in classical: Iolanthe; Jerusalem Quartet – review
Cal McCrystal delivers a masterclass in horsing around with his riotous G&S for English National Opera
Iolanthe review – House of Lords satire bursts with frothy exuberance
Coliseum, London Cal McCrystal brings good-natured silliness, a revolving woolsack and a pantomime cow to this beautifully performed Gilbert and Sullivan revival
Iolanthe: 'It deserves to be as fruity as we can possibly make it'
Does Gilbert and Sullivan need updating for our changed times? Cal McCrystal explains why his joyful new Iolanthe contains not a single lecherous peer but plenty of feisty fairies
January 2016
Why should muesli munching be a term of abuse? It’s the fault of Orwell
Ian Jack
Insults based on others’ unusual food tastes have a long history. Jeremy Corbyn is only the latest to have perfectly legitimate breakfast habits used against him
June 2014
Cal McCrystal brings on the clowns - ancient Greek style
Latest venture from the director behind the slapstick in One Man, Two Guvnors involves Giffords Circus, a Trojan horse – and a goose called Brian
June 2011
Theatre blog
The man who made James Corden funny
Brian Logan: Critics praised James Corden's performance in One Man, Two Guvnors, but few recognised that its funniest moments were someone else's responsibility entirely ...
