REVIEWS
REVIEWS
Talisman Theatre Reviews
Reviews round-up from Coventry and Warwickshire for the Talisman Theatre
Welcome to our dedicated page for Talisman Theatre reviews from the Coventry and Warwickshire area.
This page features detailed, insightful critiques of all our theatre productions. The Talisman Theatre reputation extends throughout Leamington Spa, Kenilworth, Stratford-upon-Avon, Coventry, and beyond.
Whether you’re a local theatre-goer, a visiting enthusiast, or part of the regional drama community, check out these honest, engaging reviews of local theatre from Coventry and Warwickshire. This page is updated regularly with reviews from all our the latest amateur and community performances from the Talisman Theatre.
Looking for the latest theatre reviews in Warwickshire? Or trying to decide which Coventry and Warwickshire amateur production to see next? Scroll down for recent reviews from local newspapers and theatre goers.
The Unfriend – Steven Moffat
9th – 14th February 2026
🎭 A Razor-Sharp Comedy of Manners
The Unfriend brings sharp wit, escalating absurdity and beautifully timed farce to the Talisman stage. Warwickshire World praised the production as a “cracking performance combining superb script, acting and direction,” capturing the pace, precision and comic tension that drive the play from polite awkwardness to full-blown chaos.
⭐ Standout Performances and Comic Precision
The production is powered by a confident ensemble who lean fully into Moffat’s fast-paced dialogue and escalating misunderstandings. Elementary What’s On highlighted the strength of the cast and the clarity of the characterisations, noting how the performances skilfully balance understatement with moments of brilliant comic exaggeration.
Central roles were praised for their timing and chemistry, with the visiting Elsa providing a magnetic and unpredictable presence that keeps both the characters – and the audience – constantly off balance.
🎶 Fast Pace, Big Laughs and Escalating Chaos
Built on a foundation of razor-sharp writing and precise direction, the production keeps the laughs coming as social niceties spiral into hysteria. Reviewers noted the play’s ability to sustain comic momentum, with each scene raising the stakes while maintaining clarity and control.
The humour lands across a wide range – from subtle awkwardness to full farce – creating an evening packed with laughter and perfectly judged tension.
🌟 Stylish, Smart and Seamlessly Staged
Elementary What’s On praised the clean and effective staging, which allows the script and performances to shine while maintaining strong visual interest. Direction and pacing were singled out for keeping the story tight, focused and consistently engaging as the comedy builds toward its climax.
📌 Final Thought
The Unfriend proved to be a sharp, polished and hugely entertaining production – a sell-out success that delivered big laughs, standout performances and a masterclass in comic timing, leaving audiences thoroughly delighted.
Robinson Crusoe – Stephen Duckham
19th December 2025 to 3rd January 2026
🎭 A Swashbuckling Family Pantomime Packed with Fun
Robinson Crusoe at the Talisman Theatre delivers all the essential ingredients of a festive family pantomime — laughter, music, slapstick and colourful characters — resulting in a show that Warwickshire World described as a “delightful pantomime” that “keeps the audience engaged” throughout.
⭐ Standout Performances and Lively Ensemble
The production is driven by a warm-hearted cast bringing larger-than-life characters to the stage. Elementary What’s On highlighted the spirited performances of the Crusoe brothers and praised the dame role for fully embracing the comedy and audience interaction that lie at the heart of great panto.
Villainy is played with relish, drawing plenty of reaction from the audience, while supporting roles add chaos, charm and sparkle. Strong vocals were also noted, with confident singing and musical numbers enhancing the show’s upbeat energy.
🎶 Panto Traditions and Audience Engagement
Packed with slapstick humour, catchy songs and colourful choreography, the production leans confidently into classic pantomime traditions. Reviewers remarked on the enthusiastic audience participation, with call-and-response moments and comic business landing well across all ages.
The sense of fun is sustained by a lively ensemble performance, ensuring the pace never drops and the audience remains fully involved.
🌊 Visually Delightful and Family Friendly
Elementary What’s On praised the imaginative and compact set, which allows the story to move seamlessly between locations while maintaining visual interest. Bright costumes and well-judged staging create a joyful spectacle, complemented by the theatre’s commitment to accessibility through relaxed performances.
📌 Final Thought
Robinson Crusoe proved to be a fun-filled, festive adventure, delivering exactly what audiences expect from a Talisman pantomime — laughter, colour, community spirit and a great sense of seasonal cheer.
The Pillowman – Martin McDonagh
3rd – 8th November 2025
🖤 A Dark, Unsettling and Gripping Modern Classic
Martin McDonagh’s The Pillowman is a disturbing, provocative black comedy that explores the power of storytelling — and this Talisman Theatre production delivers it with intensity, precision, and unforgettable emotional force. Set in a bleak totalitarian world, the play asks pressing questions about imagination, trauma, and artistic responsibility.
🎭 Exceptional Performances in a Claustrophobic World
In a highly praised performance, Joanna Stevely brings deep emotional complexity to Katurian, the writer whose macabre stories place her at the centre of a brutal interrogation.
Elementary What’s On described her portrayal as a “superb performance”:
Her interrogators, Tupolski (Ruth MacCallum) and Ariel (Ewen Weatherburn), create a chilling good-cop/bad-cop dynamic. Warwickshire World highlighted how the officers “burn with a ferocious, and dangerous, intensity.”
Meanwhile Henri West gives a moving performance as Katurian’s damaged brother Michal, capturing “just the right amount of sensitivity”, as noted by Elementary What’s On
Supporting roles from Galli Donaldson and Beverley Latham add further emotional weight, their scenes intensifying the play’s haunting look back at Katurian’s traumatic childhood. These moments were particularly highlighted in the Elementary review.
💡 Direction & Design: Claustrophobic, Precise, and Visually Striking
Under the direction of Dave Crossfield, the production builds a pressure-cooker atmosphere that Warwickshire World called “tense, claustrophobic but enthralling.”
Elementary What’s On praised the compact yet imaginative set, noting its seamless transitions between interrogation room, cell, and childhood memory. Lighting and sound deepen a sense of dread that permeates the entire performance:
🧠 Themes That Stay With You
The Pillowman dives deep into moral responsibility, trauma, and the lasting impact of stories. As one review observed, the play “realistically demonstrates the long-term effects of abuse … how events from a childhood always remain with us … often run through generations.”
At the centre of the story lies its most provocative question:
Should a writer be held accountable for the stories they tell?
Or, as the Elementary review recalls, is “the only duty of the storyteller … to tell the story”?
These ideas linger long after the last line.
⭐ Critical Response
📰 Warwickshire World praised the production as a “tense, thrilling” piece of theatre with the courage to fully face its darkest moments, calling it “very funny in places and asking important questions.”
📰 Elementary What’s On described it as “powerful … thought-provoking and darkly funny,” commending the emotional depth and moral clarity of the staging.
✨ Final Thought: Challenging, Courageous, Unforgettable
This is not a gentle night at the theatre — nor is it meant to be. With fearless performances, sharp direction, and intelligent design, Talisman Theatre’s The Pillowman grips tightly and refuses to let go.
If you’re ready for something bold, confronting, and emotionally rich, this production offers an experience that will stay with you long after you leave the auditorium.
Emma – by Jane Austen (adapted by Andrew Davies)
27th September – 4th October 2025
📖 A Fresh, Energetic Take on Austen’s Matchmaking Masterpiece
The Talisman Theatre’s production of Emma – a new adaptation by Kenilworth writer Andrew Davies – brought renewed life and sparkle to Jane Austen’s beloved tale of matchmaking, misjudgment, and self-discovery. With elegant staging, spirited performances, and a smartly constructed script, this production offered both Austen purists and newcomers an evening of charm and humour.
🎭 Strong Character Work and Emotional Depth
In a review from Warwickshire World, Rose Kenny was praised for capturing Emma’s complex blend of confidence and vulnerability:
“Rose filled Emma’s shoes magnificently, as she manipulated her female friends’ affections.”
Her interactions with Chris Bird’s Mr Knightley provided much of the production’s emotional core:
“Her long-time friend Mr Knightley was forthright in his bluntness as he voiced his disapproval of Emma’s behaviour.”
The result was a relationship that balanced gentle affection with moral tension, drawing the audience into the story’s heart.
💫 Humour, Class & Social Satire Delivered with Wit
Warwickshire World praised the production’s sharp social observation and witty dialogue, noting:
“The script was witty with lots of dry humour. Jane Austen fans will love this adaptation.”
The Leamington Observer also commended the show’s fresh, modern sensibility, calling it:
“A novel script for a very old friend… a witty and clever take on a familiar classic.”
Through careful pacing and an abundance of comic timing, the production successfully balanced satire with sincerity – a hallmark of Austen’s best work.
🎶 Ensemble Strength, Supporting Roles & Staging Highlights
The supporting cast brought warmth and nuance to Highbury’s familiar faces. Ellie Chapman as Harriet delivered a delightful performance, full of innocence and misplaced trust, while Phoebe Dann’s Jane Fairfax carried quiet depth and grace:
“Ellie portrayed superbly Harriet as the young ingénue, naively unaware of Emma’s machinations.”
“Phoebe gave Jane an air of sadness and enigma… Phoebe’s singing was top quality.”
Elementary What’s On highlighted the clarity and pace of the staging, observing how the set and lighting elegantly supported the storytelling:
“A lively and stylish adaptation… the production flowed beautifully, maintaining Austen’s charm while adding theatrical flair.”
✨ A Rich, Rewarding Austen Experience
Across all reviews, there was a shared admiration for the balance of respect and reinvention achieved by this adaptation. As Warwickshire World put it:
“Kenilworth writer’s new adaptation revitalises this Austen classic.”
With crisp dialogue, detailed performances, and a confident sense of period style, this Emma proved to be as entertaining as it was intelligent.
🔍 Final Thought: Austen on Stage with New Spark
The Talisman’s Emma captured everything that makes Austen’s world endure – wit, warmth, romance, and the occasional sting of self-awareness. This was not just a retelling but a fresh reimagining, crafted with affection and skill. Whether you’re an Austen devotee or simply in search of a captivating night at the theatre, Emma delivered in every sense.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
25th to 30th August 2025
😂 Chaos, Comedy, and Shakespeare Like You’ve Never Seen Him Before
August’s production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) at the Talisman Theatre was a whirlwind of slapstick parody, quick-fire wordplay, and audience interaction. In just ninety minutes, three actors tackled all 37 plays and 154 sonnets — with results that had audiences roaring with laughter and critics full of praise.
🎭 Relentless Energy and Clever Comedy
The Leamington Observer highlighted the sheer pace and commitment of the cast:
“With only three actors doubling as both performers and narrators, the show dives headlong into a frenetic pace that leaves traditional interpretation in the dust… Costume and character changes come thick and fast, keeping boredom well at bay.”
Director James Harris’s staging was praised for its energy and invention, ensuring the show never lost momentum.
💡 Fast-Paced, Scholarly Fun
Warwickshire World admired the framing device and the cast’s ability to make Shakespeare both accessible and entertaining:
“Presented as a lecture by three Californian academics… three actors entertained us to 37 Shakespeare plays and 154 sonnets in one evening.”
The review applauded how the performance made light of Shakespeare’s tragedies while still showing affection for the Bard’s words.
🤣 Standout Moments and Audience Fun
Elementary What’s On called the show:
“Hilarious and hugely entertaining… relentlessly funny and played with total commitment by its cast.”
Highlights included Titus Andronicus as a grisly cookery show, the history plays condensed into an American football game, and a gloriously over-the-top Macbeth with knowingly bad Scottish accents. Audience participation — especially a pantomime-style exploration of Ophelia’s psyche involving stickers and on-stage volunteers — was a firm crowd favourite.
✨ A Crowd-Pleasing Hit
Across the board, reviewers agreed that this was not a reverent treatment of Shakespeare but a joyous celebration of his works through parody, pace, and unrestrained silliness. As the Leamington Observer summed up, it was a show that thrived on “unapologetic energy” and inventive comedy, while Elementary What’s On declared it “a thoroughly enjoyable production.”
🔥 Shakespeare, But Not As You Know Him
With slapstick, improv-style comedy, and cheeky modern references, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) proved another triumph for the Talisman Theatre. Whether you’re a lifelong Shakespeare enthusiast or completely new to the Bard, this was a night of theatre that left audiences grinning from ear to ear.
The Mirror Crack’d by Agatha Christie
8th to 13th July 2025
🔍 Intrigue, Glamour, and a Twist of Darkness: The Mirror Crack’d Keeps Audiences Guessing at the Talisman
July’s production of The Mirror Crack’d at the Talisman Theatre proved to be a gripping and stylish journey into classic Christie territory. With its blend of small-town charm and sharp-edged mystery, the show delivered a thoroughly entertaining evening that delighted local audiences and impressed reviewers alike.
🎭 Strong Performances and Smart Staging
In a review from Warwickshire World, the production was praised for its inventive approach to time and setting:
“The action switches between the present and the past with a change of lighting and position on stage… It’s a neat and effective solution to a potentially confusing narrative.”
The review went on to applaud the cast’s energy and the director’s light touch with the genre’s more melodramatic flourishes, noting how the show “maintains tension while gently sending up the genre.”
💄 Glamour Meets Murder in St. Mary Mead
Elementary What’s On described the show as “glamorous, intriguing and a little chilling,” capturing the atmosphere of the piece perfectly. They highlighted how the shifts in time were handled with clarity and style, describing it as:
“A clever and satisfying production… a thoroughly entertaining night of theatre.”
The cast was also commended for performances that felt natural and confident, bringing a freshness to Christie’s world of secrets, scandal, and suspicion.
🔦 Design that Enhances the Drama
Visually, the production was a treat. From evocative lighting choices to the period-appropriate costumes, every detail worked to pull the audience deeper into the mystery. As Warwickshire World noted, the “brightly costumed cast” helped evoke the setting of a quiet English village shaken by events that are anything but.
✨ Another Hit for the Talisman Theatre
This production of The Mirror Crack’d stands as another success in the Talisman’s growing reputation for quality, ambitious theatre. With its combination of tight direction, strong performances, and inventive staging, it brought fresh life to a beloved story — and left audiences both satisfied and guessing until the final moments.
Whether you’re a lifelong Christie fan or new to Miss Marple’s investigations, this was a show that truly delivered.
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein – Adapted by Rona Monro
19th to 24th May 2025
🌟 A Monstrous Success: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein Stuns Audiences and Critics Alike in Coventry and Warwickshire
The curtain may have closed on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein at the Talisman Theatre, but the echoes of its success continue to resonate throughout the Coventry and Warwickshire theatre scene. Our bold and imaginative production of Rona Munro’s stage adaptation has received glowing reviews from local critics and audiences alike, cementing its place as a standout theatrical event in the region.
🔥 Critical Acclaim from Warwickshire Reviewers
From the moment Mary Shelley stepped into the spotlight, portrayed with precision and passion by Elysia Sully, audiences were captivated. In a glowing review from Leamington Observer, the play was hailed as “an enjoyable adventure through the world of literal and literary creation”. Adam Turner’s portrayal of Victor Frankenstein and Jack Ives’ compelling Creature drew widespread praise for their intensity and emotional clarity.
Likewise, Warwickshire World highlighted the “wonderful young leads” and applauded the production for giving the story “an innovative perspective,” focusing on Mary Shelley as both a narrator and participant in the tale she’s crafting.
⚡ Technical Brilliance and Imaginative Direction
From the haunting sound design by Dik Thacker to Steve Roberts striking lighting, every technical element added atmosphere and meaning. The dynamic direction and design choices brought Munro’s adaptation to vivid life, making each moment memorable.
🌟 A “Monstrously Good” Triumph
Elementary What’s On joined the chorus of praise, describing the show as “monstrously good.” Their review commended the emotional weight and creative execution of the performance, underlining how this Frankenstein was far from the ordinary retelling. Read the full review here: Monstrously Good: Mary Shelley
🎭 The Beating Heart of Warwickshire’s Theatre Scene
This production underscores Talisman Theatre’s role as a hub for exciting, high-quality performances in Warwickshire. We are proud to contribute meaningfully to the thriving arts landscape of Coventry and beyond. The enthusiasm from critics and local audiences is a tribute to our cast, crew, and the entire creative team.
Enchanted April by Matthew Barber
10th to 15th June 2025
🌸 A Breath of Spring: Enchanted April Charms Audiences with Wit, Warmth and Escape at the Talisman
The Talisman Theatre’s recent production of Enchanted April transported audiences from a rainy, post-war London to the sun-drenched Italian Riviera — and judging by the enthusiastic reception from both theatregoers and critics, the journey was well worth it.
Based on the 1922 novel by Elizabeth von Arnim, this gentle, character-driven play offered a welcome dose of escapism, delivered with humour, elegance and heartfelt performances.
💐 Delightfully Performed and Lovingly Directed
In its glowing review, Warwickshire World praised the show as “a delightful light comedy with gentle manners.” The review highlighted the production’s easy charm, noting that it “never tried to force laughs or heighten drama unnecessarily, but simply let the story unfold.”
Performances across the cast were warmly received, with special mention for the four women at the centre of the story, each delivering subtle, heartfelt portrayals of loneliness, discovery and unexpected joy.
🌞 An Atmosphere of Escape and Renewal
Elementary What’s On echoed the sentiment, describing the production as “enchanting” and full of “moments of humour, poignancy and charm.” The review went on to praise the way the staging beautifully captured the play’s shift in mood and setting — from dreary domesticity to Mediterranean light.
“By the end, you feel like you’ve been on the journey with them — and you don’t want to come back.”
🎭 Stylish Staging with a Gentle Touch
The visual storytelling added another layer of magic. The transition from gloomy London to vibrant Italy was elegantly handled, with the design offering subtle cues to the shifting emotional landscape. Costumes, lighting and set changes worked together to evoke time, place and mood with understated confidence.
🌿 A Quiet Triumph for the Talisman Stage
Enchanted April may not shout, but it certainly speaks. This beautifully balanced production reminded us that sometimes the most powerful transformations are the quietest ones. It’s another feather in the cap for the Talisman Theatre — a venue consistently delivering intelligent, affecting theatre to the Warwickshire community.
Whether you were swept away by the sunshine or moved by the characters’ growth, this was a production that lived up to its title — truly enchanting.
Present Laughter by Noël Coward
15th to 20th April 2025
🎭 Sparkling Comedy, Superb Performances: Present Laughter Lights Up the Talisman Stage
Noël Coward’s razor-sharp wit met its match this spring at the Talisman Theatre, where Present Laughter burst onto the stage in a vibrant, laugh-out-loud production that left audiences roaring with delight. With a play that’s equal parts satire, farce and glamour, the Talisman delivered a truly polished performance — one that both critics and theatregoers were quick to celebrate.
🌟 “A Superb All-Round Production”
Described by Warwickshire World as “a superb all-round production [that] shows Talisman’s quality,” the show was praised for its pace, precision and ensemble strength. From set design to delivery, everything clicked.
The review highlighted the assured lead performance as “superbly timed,” and noted how every actor “pitched their part just right.” More than just a well-executed comedy, the production showed a deep understanding of Coward’s playful yet poignant exploration of ego, fame and the chaos of personal relationships.
😂 Fast-Paced, Flamboyant, and Full of Energy
Elementary What’s On echoed the praise, calling the show “a fast-paced, flamboyant and very funny production.” The review celebrated the show’s dynamic rhythm and highlighted the direction for keeping the tone “pitch-perfect.”
“The laughs come thick and fast… it’s a joyful showcase of theatrical talent and Coward’s mastery of comic timing.”
🎬 Style Meets Substance
Visually, Present Laughter was a treat — stylish without being overdone. The art deco-inspired set, period costumes, and well-judged lighting elevated the mood without ever pulling focus from the sparkling script and quick-fire dialogue. Both critics applauded the attention to period detail, noting how it enhanced the production’s atmosphere and flair.
🌟 A Triumph of Timing and Talent
With this production, the Talisman once again demonstrated its ability to take a classic and make it feel fresh, accessible and hilariously relevant. Present Laughter is not just Coward at his best — it’s community theatre at its most confident, stylish, and sharply delivered.
Laughter may have been the order of the evening, but the craftsmanship behind the comedy was no joke. Hats off to the entire cast and creative team for another unforgettable hit.