★★★★★

“a theatrical experience that leaves both kids and grown-ups completely enchanted”

Sinbad the Sailor is a magical and heartwarming production brought to life by writer and creative producer Mona Khashoggi and director/choreographer Anjali Mehra. It’s a show that truly captures the imagination, perfect for both adults and children.

The story follows Sinbad, a legendary sailor from Arab folklore, who sets off on thrilling adventures during the time of the Abbasid Caliphate (750–1258). As he journeys through East Africa and South Asia, he encounters enchanted lands, mysterious creatures, and all kinds of supernatural wonders.

These tales are inspired by real-life sailors’ journeys across the Indian Ocean, ancient poetry like Homer’s Odyssey, and fantastical stories from Indian and Persian traditions.

Sinbad has been told and retold in cartoons and theatre over the years, but this version by Mona and Anjali is truly something special. With stunning choreography, vibrant costumes, and a beautifully unified dance ensemble, the show feels like a dream straight out of One Thousand and One Nights. A standout feature is how Anjali has choreographed solo moments for nearly every dancer, letting each performer’s talent shine.

Adding to the magic is Gregor Donnelly’s breathtaking set and costume design. From rich fabrics to imaginative staging, his work brings Sinbad’s world to life in the most dazzling way.

Sinbad the Sailor is a joyful blend of music, dance, and storytelling, a theatrical experience that leaves both kids and grown-ups completely enchanted.

JUSTIN VIVIAN BOND: SEX WITH STRANGERS

Soho Theatre Walthamstow

★★★★★

“There’s a deep connection that runs beneath the surface, and it’s felt in every gesture, every note, every pause”

Mx Justin Vivian Bond is a spectacular force of nature, commanding the stage with a presence that evokes the spirit of the magnificent Marianne Faithfull. With a selection of songs from Faithfull’s youth, Bond presents a beautifully curated cabaret, rich with emotion, wit, and reverence. Backed by five exceptional musicians, they deliver a performance that is both powerful and intimate, one that, without a doubt, Marianne herself would be proud of.

Between songs, elegantly chosen and performed, Bond shares poignant glimpses into their own childhood. These stories, sometimes humorous, sometimes heartbreaking, draw the audience closer, creating a sense of shared experience and emotional honesty that lingers in the room long after the final note.

Mx Bond is particularly perfect in this role, perhaps because Faithfull’s music and persona have been a part of their own journey, both metaphorically and literally. There’s a deep connection that runs beneath the surface, and it’s felt in every gesture, every note, every pause.

The feeling you’re left with as you leave the theatre is one of nostalgic warmth and raw beauty. You’ll likely want to go home, put on a vinyl of Broken English, and sing along, revisiting the voice of Marianne Faithfull through the lens of Mx Justin Vivian Bond’s exquisite tribute.

SINBAD THE SAILOR

Lilian Baylis Studio

★★★★★

“a theatrical experience that leaves both kids and grown-ups completely enchanted”

SINBAD THE SAILOR

Lilian Baylis Studio

Reviewed on 15th July 2025

by Beatrice Morandi

Last ten shows reviewed at Sadler’s Wells venues:

SINBAD THE SAILOR

SINBAD THE SAILOR

SINBAD THE SAILOR

JUSTIN VIVIAN BOND: SEX WITH STRANGERS

Soho Theatre Walthamstow

★★★★★

“There’s a deep connection that runs beneath the surface, and it’s felt in every gesture, every note, every pause”