Maureen Lipman joins All Star Cast in Timely Transfer to London Soho Theatre from EdFringe for Suicide Prevention Play, Right Before I Go by Stan Zimmerman #MaureenLipman #sohotheatre #RightBeforeIGo #RBIG #StanZimmerman #SuicidePrevention #WorldSuicidePreventionMonth #theatre #play

Edinburgh Festival Fringe hit Right before I go announces London transfer of suicide prevention play, by Golden Girls and Gilmore Girls writer Stan Zimmerman with all-star cast

The limited London run will mark Suicide Awareness Month in September, including performances on World Suicide Prevention Day – 10 September

Maureen Lipman has today been announced to be joining the cast of Right before I go for World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September at Soho Theatre.

From Stan Zimmerman (writer of Golden Girls and Gilmore Girls), Right before I go will transfer to London’s Soho Theatre for a limited time from 5-10 September following its current hit run at Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

“I’m beyond thrilled that Maureen Lipman will be joining our company. My late mother turned me onto Agony, which I watched religiously. It truly shaped me as a budding, young TV comedy writer. It will be an especially emotional performance, since 10 September is World Suicide Prevention Day,” said writer Stan Zimmerman.
A star-studded cast will join Maureen Lipman, including Iz Hesketh (Tip Toe, Renegade Nell), Dominique Moore (Horrible Histories), Claire-Marie Hall (Operation Mincemeat) and Emrhys Cooper (Nosferatu, Coronation Street) and Stan Zimmerman himself, directed by Abigail Morris (Kindertransport, Colder Than Here).

The suicide awareness play highlights the raw struggles of people from all walks of life that have been impacted by suicide, using real suicide notes of celebrities, veterans, bullied teens, those identifying as LGBTQ+, and those who have survived attempts.

September is Suicide Awareness Month, and the play is part of awareness raising activities during the month, including World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September.

The play is followed by a talkback between the cast, audience and a local mental health professional.

★ ★ ★ ★ “It should feel morbid, perhaps even voyeuristic, to peer into these private, tragic worlds, and all credit to Zimmerman because it is neither.” – The Scotsman

From Stan Zimmerman (writer of Golden Girls and Gilmore Girls), Right before I go. will transfer to London’s Soho Theatre for a limited time from 5-10 September following its hit run at Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

A star-studded cast including Maureen Lipman (Educating Rita, Agony), Iz Hesketh (Tip Toe, Renegade Nell), Dominique Moore (Horrible Histories), Claire-Marie Hall (Operation Mincemeat), Emrhys Cooper (Nosferatu, Coronation Street), Gerard McCarthy (The Fall), Paul Bigley (Shakespeare in Love, The Danish Girl) and Tosh Wanogho-Maud (Kinky Boots, Titanique) will join Stan Zimmerman himself, directed by Abigail Morris (Kindertransport, Colder Than Here).

The suicide awareness play highlights the raw struggles of people from all walks of life that have been impacted by suicide. Right before I go. uses real suicide notes of celebrities, veterans, bullied teens, those identifying as LGBTQ+, and those who have survived attempts. The play is followed by a talkback between the cast, audience and a local mental health professional.

September is Suicide Awareness Month, and the play is part of awareness raising activities during the month, including World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September.

“After the suicide death of my good friend, Kevin Gill, I was at a loss about how to process this. Seeing so much shame around the topic, I decided to create a play in the vein of The Vagina Monologues, easily produced with actors on stools, reading the script from music stands. My hope is that this will create much needed discussion about a very complicated issue. I’m thrilled that London audiences will get the chance to see the show straight after our Edinburgh festival run, particularly during September, which is World Suicide Awareness Month,” said writer and actor, Stan Zimmerman.

★★★★★ “Compassionate without becoming sentimental, informative without feeling didactic, and emotionally devastating without exploiting its subject.” – Elemental Theatre

★★★★★ “A beautiful, devastating, unprecedented journey into the darkest depths of the human experience.” – Theatre Tradge

★ ★ ★ ★ Merv’s Pick of the Fringe

Right before I go. has travelled across the USA, including a run in NYC at The Tank, featuring stars including Vanessa Williams, Olly Alexander, Christine Taylor and Patrick Page. At Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Stan Zimmerman was joined by Wendie Malick and Emily Kuroda in a critically acclaimed run. The London transfer is produced by Rodrigo Jorge for Dreamatorium Entertainment, and co-produced by Joan Lane for Wild Thyme Productions.

Tickets for the Soho Theatre run can be purchased here: https://sohotheatre.com/events/right-before-i-go/

“A special piece of theatre.” – A Young(ish) Perspective

#Review of Joni Mitchell – Take Me As I Am. performed by Rainee Blake #TakeMeAsIAm @EdFringe #RaineeBlake #JoniMitchell #music

Joni Mitchell – Take Me As I Am
By Rainee Blake

Rainee Blake is passionate about Joni Mitchell and reels you in to compellingly share her passion!

Be transported to a night in 1976 in Take Me As I Am. An excellent chance to explore and listen to the stories and songs of Joni Mitchell through the smooth, compelling and sometimes nuanced performance by Rainee Blake.

Take Me As I Am invites the audience to view Joni Mitchell, or this version of her, just as she is, sometimes in thought, other times happy and free and at times, vulnerable. Rainee Blake, throughout the show compels you to lean in and listen. There’s an intimate feel about what she has created, making you care about Joni and also brings warmth.

The construction of the show feels a bit like a gig, which is fun. Rainee appears with great stage presence, playing her acoustic guitar that leads to her singing songs from Joni Mitchell. The passion for this music artist truly comes across in this one-woman show that takes place after Joni returns from a solo road trip across America, just before releasing the album, Hejira.

It is pleasing that Both Sides Now offers a fun opportunity to join in. The only thing that I suggest that as August goes on is perhaps a screen behind Rainee with the words of at least the chorus on it. It became apparent not everyone around me knew the words, which was very unfortunate as it’s a lovely collective moment in the show that just feels right.
She also asks the audience for a song too. She doesn’t hesitate to play, showing how talented she is as the request is live, the choice of song doesn’t feel pre-planned.

Other songs are California, Woodstock and seamlessly changes guitars from acoustic to electric and also picks up the dulcimer. Each instrument is deftly played and with passion and a nuance that goes with the songs she sang at this time.

There are tender, vulnerable stories that are interjected throughout. They add depth and provide knowledge and a certain amount of understanding of Joni. The audience hear of her meeting Leonard Cohen, relationships and more… Each told with care and authenticity.

At the very end, Rainee Blake treated everyone to one of her own songs. It felt inspired by Joni Mitchell and yet was completely original and very listenable.

Whether you are an enthusiast of Joni Mitchell or just exploring who she is, this is a show that gives a great overview and is worth taking a chance and journey back in time and taking her as she is.

Check out more details on the Fringe website here: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/joni-mitchell-take-me-as-i-am

#Review of Krapp’s Last Tape By Samuel Beckett, Directed by Stockard Channing, Acted by David Westhead – Assembley Rooms – Assembly Roxy until 31st Aug @edfringe #review by Lou. @KrappsLastTape #StockardChanning #DavidWesthead #theatre

Krapp’s Last Tape
By Samuel Beckett
Directed by Stockard Channing
Starring David Westhead

review written by Louise Cannon – Bookmarks and Stages

Krapp’s Last Tape is intensely powerfully acted and directed. It’s one to watch!

Silence! You can hear a pin drop… The silence, the set, it creates a unique atmosphere that pulls you into Krapp’s immediate world of solitude even before a word is uttered and before his past is delved into. It’s a powerful moment and gives time to truly soak up the set which sits at almost juxtapositions, quite a mess around the table, yet certain things are in more exacting places. Then there’s a tape machine which becomes like a second character, even though, essentially it is a one man show, played by David Westhead who is expertly directed by Stockard Channing.

There’s a specific tape that Krapp is searching for, but not until he’s had his banana. He likes his bananas. Every movement, look and word is meaningful and perfectly timed between the reflective tapes as he looks into his past and as he sits at his table in present times.

You see the tape reels turn, almost hypnotically as his life story pieces together, with the acting on tape and in-person is strong, holding the audience entranced. There’s a tension, that’s only given relief to with timely banana eating and the comic way the word spool is said. In saying that, it all fits neatly together and works well. It becomes a bit of a collective process in a way that we, the audience are listening to the tape in real time just like Krapp. It brings an interesting atmosphere. The actor would’ve heard it countless of times, but it’s skillfully acted as though he is hearing, like us, for the first time.

The directing of the play makes it all feel natural, attentive and helps draw you in with curiosity, even when the actor is off-set but you can still hear him. It all adds to the mysterious compelling nature of the play.

Krapp’s Last Tape has been played by many a well-known actor over the years and still, it remains relevant. The themes involve reflection, romance, growing older, grief to name but a few. We all have times of some reflection and this goes quite deeply for Krapp as he looks way back. It’s a fascinating tale to tell that holds poignancy and emotion. You feel his slight elation and the deep despair oozing out into the auditorium as he hears his younger self in audio-diary form. It’s captivating to watch the reactions from David Westheadfrom the beginning to the end.

At the end of some performances is a Q&A session with both David Westhead and Stockard Channing, who are both approachable and answer questions in a way that’s both expertly attentive and fascinating. I thank them for answering my question, David Westhead in-particular on this occasion about how he feels when playing Krapp. He gave real insight into the character and the play itself. I thank them for the photo below, others were taken by a professional photographer.

They talk about how it’s all about the text and notice the shoes on David Westhead’s feet, they have a purpose. They talk about how their friendship and how they became to be doing Krapp’s Last Tape and so much more… I don’t want to give too much away on this special moment. Attend and you will discover some wonderful stories.

Stockard Channing is an Academy Award Nominee who is known for acting in Greece, The First Wive’s Club, Practical Magic and more…

David Westhead is multi-award-winning actor known for acting in the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company and more…

Check out the show here: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/krapp-s-last-tape

Assembly Roxy – Upstairs at 1:25pm. 5th -31st Aug – 65 mins,

Admirably, post the basic expenses, they will make a chunk of change for the charity, The Wembley to Soweto Foundation. You can check that out here: www.wembleytosoweto.com

#TheatreReview of The Shawshank Redemption the play, 2026 Tour on now 5 stars of Powerful Acting Excellence #Review by Lou @JoeMcFadden @BenOnwukwe @BillWard @TheShawshankPlay

The Shawshank Redemption

Adapted by OWEN O’NEILL & DAVE JOHNS
Based on the novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption
by STEPHEN KING
Directed by DAVID ESBJORNSON

Welcome to the inmates of The Shawshank, a maximum security prison in the US where both the prisoners and officers are corrupt. The play is absolutely amazing, based on Stephen King’s novella that also won 7 Academy Awards in film. Whether you have seen the film or not, you won’t be disappointed by this stage play. The richness and atmosphere on stage is even more absorbing and transfixing. Every actor is highly convincing in telling the story of what happens within those oppressive walls where bullying and sexual assault occurs, which is creatively and sensitively performed without lingering too long.

The narration is strong, giving a sense of what prison life is like for the inmates before it’s fully played out, interjecting at key, emotional parts throughout. At times the tension is palpable and other times a bit lighter. The light and dark of the play makes it soar and gives the prison a sense of reality.

Andy Dufresne, played by Joe McFadden is a banker, who becomes friend with prison fixer. Red, played by Ben Onwukwe and things start to look better for him. Warden Stammas, played by Bill Ward, bullies him and exploits his accountancy talents, prompting him to hatch a cunning plan.

Joe McFadden has terrific stage presence and plays Dufresne with much conviction exuding from the stage to the audience. The way he acts, showing shades of light and dark is highly convincing. He makes you truly care about Dufresne and to develop a desire to cheer him on.
Brooksie, played by Kenneth Jay is a strong performance of vulnerability.
When Ben Onwukwe and Bill Ward they also command your presence in their captivating narratives.

These are the actors who command the stage in a way that you don’t want to take your eye off the stage, not for a second. The emotions flood into the auditorium. It’s easy to engage throughout and get intrigued by everyone’s story in The Shawshank prison.

All of the actors gave strong performances as they show the bonds and the hardships and rifts. It feels a very together company of actors.

This creation on-stage of The Shawshank Redemption is one that’s hard to forget and one that you won’t want to miss.

You can book tickets here:
https://www.kenwright.com/productions/shawshank-redemption-2025-2026-tour/

About some of the cast

Joe McFadden‘s numerous television credits include PC Joe Mason in Heartbeat, Raf in Holby City and, of course, winning the 2017 series of Strictly Come Dancing. Theatre credits include 2:22 A Ghost Story, The Rocky Horror Show and Agatha Christie’s The Mirror Crack’d.

Ben Onwukwe boasts a 30 year stage career including leading roles with the RSC and the Royal Court, and eleven years on TV as Recall McKenzie in London’s Burning.

Book Tickets On The Website Here: https://www.kenwright.com/productions/shawshank-redemption-2025-2026-tour/

#Review by Bookmarks and Stages – Lou of Glass House #EdFringe @GreensideVenue #Theatre @SandCastlesProductions #EdFringe25

Glass House

Review written by Bookmarks and Stages – Louise Cannon

Set on a bus, Glasshouse is a palpable, powerful play that creates an intriguing, palpable atmosphere on a bus.

The bus is caught in a storm and what ensues is evocative and thought provoking. From the outset it has an intriguing, slightly eerie feel as the rain hammers down. On a small stage, there is great attention to detail to make the seats look like the cast are on a bus, right down to what people are wearing, including the driver.

From the bus being plunged into darkness, to getting some light, the audience are introduced to the passengers and a rather intriguing storyline as unexpected events unfold when the bus comes to a sudden halt.

It’s worth mentioning before events change further, there is a rather agile dance routine from one of the passengers, which gives the play a bit of a lift, with exaggerated movements as though they are on a bus. There’s also a bit of humour in that and in some of the dialogue.

Conversationally, between all the passengers, it feels natural. The writing and acting is skilful to keep it this naturalistic and not purely monologue in nature, although later there is a particularly powerful monologue where you get more insight to a passenger, that works particularly well, both feeding into the story and addressing the audience.

If you were on a bus, looking in, you’d see all sorts of people conversing with each other, some listening and others occasionally talking a little over each other. There are also crossed wires, a noticeable glance here, a touch there, creating rising tensions throughout the play, which all becomes quite palpable. This is strong, convincing acting by this young group of actors.

What happens next is even more powerful as the intensity ramps up a gear as decisions to be made as to what to do about a homeless person who is on the bus, but is ticketless. The play at this point has then changed into one that’s quite thought-provoking. It makes you question what you would do in this situation.

This is a group of young actors who are ones to watch for now and hopefully into the future. The quality of writing and acting are great now and will only increase further. The potential is huge for these students. I’ve seen students perform before and this group are one of the more exciting and I can’t wait to see what their future holds.

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the place to see them until and including 23rd August at Greenside Venues on George Street.

Find out more details and how you can get your tickets here: Glass House

Synopsis

Sandcastles Productions

Glass House explores the grimy underbelly of the human beast with unwavering intimacy. A boundary-pushing mocku-theatre piece, the play involves pre-recorded interviews with its ‘real-life’ characters as they share their renditions of what happened on the night of February 14th, 2011. The play uncovers how, on a night of unrelenting rain and flooding in the countryside, a stand-off between a stubborn bus driver and a houseless man who can’t afford a ticket slides into a mire of tension and social conflict.

#Review by Bookmarks and Stages by Lou of The UnderNeath @Cvenues #EdFringe #TheUnderNeath

The UnderNeath
By The Rainbow Room Productions

review written by Bookmarks and Stages -Louise Cannon

What lies in the UnderNeath and what is it? This play gives the perfect chance to find out, in what is an intriguing piece of new writing, which is thought-provoking and makes you ask similar questions as to what the people in-front of you are asked and query themselves.

There’s a certain air of Life on Mars, in that everyone may not be alive and no one, except Neath, knows what’s going on. There are hidden secrets and confessions to be made in what is a mysterious holding room.

The play carries an interesting concept of having one person, Neath, who is 1000’s of years old and is the only one who knows what’s going on. The others are baffled and some, to begin with, don’t remember what happened. The play toys with the characters psychologically as they dig deep for their back stories and into what their deepest regret is to see if they can be released or not from the mysterious place they find themselves in. It’s strength was how each character dealt with their predicament. That’s where the real psychological impact lies, rather than totally in their stories alone. This is fascinating, but I felt a little more of the power of the human condition vibe.
Intriguingly, the room itself, almost becomes a strong, powerful character as you wait to see what happens next and what hold it has on its captives.

It is thought-provoking and well acted in the formation of the actors who give a convincing performance whilst telling their stories and being baffled by what’s happening to them.

You can find out more here, if you dare to go to The UnderNeath