★★★★

“A captivating and moving story”

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to question your sexuality? Meet Mark, a troubled teen trying to navigate life who finds it difficult to open up about his concerns surrounding sex and family/school life.

Written by Simon Perrott and directed by Gerald Armin, In Conversation With Graham Norton is an insight into how the younger generation explore their sexuality and the challenges it can bring. Mark, played by Jamie Kaye does a remarkable job at bringing his character’s story to life. His jaunty, true to life performance and excellent delivery of dialogue has the audience gripped from start to finish.

Graham Norton has a big impact in this hour long play (though not actually in person!). Mark feels like Graham is the only person to whom he can talk to in depth about what he’s going through and his yet to experience intimate relationships. Naturally talking to a photograph of him propped up on his bedside chair is a problem shared and a weight lifted. Family life is somewhat of a rollercoaster describing a sister who can be a bit of a bitch. This story also touches on awkward situations in public spaces and how young men (Mark) have a frequent need to masturbate leading to well … let’s just say a rather aroused but shocking encounter with maybe a family pet.

The subject of bullying at school comes up which even includes Mark’s sister of all people! This feeling of loneliness leads to him joining an online ‘Me and You’ group for individuals who, like him are finding it difficult to accept themselves either because of who they are or their appearance. He finds a good friend in someone from the group but be prepared, it’s an emotional one.

Gareth McCloud’s sound design brings clarity to the production with music influences which resonate with young people in similar situations of trying to find themselves. Jonathan Simpson’s vibrant lighting design adds to the overall feel of Waterloo East’s unique, homelike set design which is cleverly displayed as a bedroom with a single bed, a radio and a bookcase of meaningful books and vinyl.

In Conversation With Graham Norton is a very well produced play, tackling awkward subjects people would find difficult to talk about in every day life. A captivating and moving story with some dark turns make it a definite must see!

THE TRUTH ABOUT BLAYDS

Finborough Theatre

★★★

“If you enjoy theatre with a sting in the tail, this revival of ‘The Truth About Blayds’ delivers”

Every family has secrets. But what if yours is so explosive it could derail a national institution? ‘The Truth About Blayds’ explores the collision of power and principles, exposing the dangers of idolising money and fame. Despite its sharp execution and timely themes, it may feel a little tone-deaf to contemporary tastes.

One of A. A. Milne’s early plays (yes, that A. A. Milne), ‘The Truth About Blayds’ is set in the 1920s and opens on the 90th birthday of literary titan, Oliver Blayds. Blayds is lauded alongside Wordsworth and Tennyson, and devoted literary critic, A. L. Royce, is invited to give a special address in his honour. However, Royce’s reverence is met with cynicism from Blayds’ grandchildren Oliver and Septima, resentful devotion from Blayds’ youngest daughter Isobel, and self-interested pragmatism from Blayds’ eldest daughter Marion and her husband William. When a shattering revelation threatens to rip everything away, will the family do the right thing? Or will the burden of legacy sway their moral compasses?

Produced by Andrew Maunder and Neil McPherson for the Finborough Theatre, this production embodies the theatre’s mission to revive plays untouched for over 25 years. Written by A. A. Milne (of ‘Winnie-the-Pooh’ fame), the text captures a web of tension between characters with wit and mischief: Oliver’s cynicism cuts through Royce’s blind adoration; Isobel’s saint-like self-sacrifice clashes with William and Marion’s scheming; William patronises Marion despite adopting her surname. Furthermore, Milne cleverly reveals that Blayds’ isn’t the only façade: every character is hiding something. You could argue it’s the perfect play to revive in a post-truth world. However, revivals risk failing to resonate with modern audiences, and this is no exception. Recent power-abuse scandals have rocked the nation, and the story of a rich white man’s unchecked privilege sits rather uncomfortably in their wake.

David Gilmore’s direction speaks volumes through silence, with reactions slicing as sharply as the witty prose. There are some bold directional choices. Septima’s final plea to the family is delivered with her back to the audience, introducing ambiguity to her intentions. Isobel breaks the fourth wall with her final line, forcing the audience to confront the family’s decision.

The performances are sharp and controlled, though perhaps a little too buttoned-up at points. George Rowlands’ razor-sharp timing means Oliver’s acid wit steals every scene. William Gaunt’s Blayds infuses a lifetime of experience into his surprisingly fleeting performance, steeped in reminiscence before revealing his quiet dread. Catherine Cusack shows appropriate restraint but I couldn’t help wanting to see Isobel unravel.

Alex Marker’s stage design captures Victorian maximalism, appearing both opulent and sterile. The deceptively simple lighting (Jonathan Simpson) sets the scene with the backlit sash windows of a London townhouse, and a soft spot subtly illuminating Blayds’ omnipotent portrait. The costumes (Carla Joy Evans) span Victorian, Edwardian and flapper eras, emphasising inter-generational divides. Scene changes set to Strauss’ waltzes contrast flowing beauty with scheming pettiness, reinforcing façade over fact.

If you enjoy theatre with a sting in the tail, this revival of ‘The Truth About Blayds’ delivers. It may not have aged that gracefully and the delivery can feel a touch polite, but there’s no shortage of wit, warmth, and scandal to keep the evening entertaining.

IN CONVERSATION WITH GRAHAM NORTON

Waterloo East Theatre

★★★★

“A captivating and moving story”

IN CONVERSATION WITH GRAHAM NORTON

Waterloo East Theatre

Reviewed on 13th November 2025

by Emily East

Photography by Robert Piwko

Previously reviewed at this venue:

IN CONVERSATION

IN CONVERSATION

IN CONVERSATION

THE TRUTH ABOUT BLAYDS

Finborough Theatre

★★★

“If you enjoy theatre with a sting in the tail, this revival of ‘The Truth About Blayds’ delivers”