A & O Review the Show

Care - A Life Affirming Snapshot of Humanity

Adrian & Olivia head to the Young Vic for Care, a moving and deeply human new play by Alexander Zeldinthat shines a light on life inside a care home. In this theatre review, they discuss the powerful performances, the striking realism and the difficult questions the production raises about ageing, memory, independence, and the social care system. Drawing on their personal experiences, they also reflect on the emotional realities faced by families, professional carers, and the millions of unpaid carers who quietly support loved ones every day. It’s not the easiest night at the theatre, but it may be one of the most important. Warning: This episode looks at a show that deals with death, social care and mental health, as well as personal stories relating to these themes which some may find distressing. If after the episode you feel like you need extra support, the BBC has a list of charities and organisations which may be able to help. You can find it at www.bbc.co.uk/actionline [https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline] Chapters: 00:00 Disclaimer 00:32 Introduction 01:49 Synopsis 03:04 Initial Impressions & Personal Connections 07:00 Story & Characterisation 15:30 Direction 18:47 Themes 27:13 Set & Staging 31:18 Final Thoughts 34:09 Adrian's Corner: Unsung Heroes of Unpaid Carers

Avenue Q - The Musical Willis Was Talkin' About

Adrian & Olivia are back for London’s West End gloriously chaotic production of Avenue Q, the puppet-filled musical where adulthood is confusing, the internet is questionable, and absolutely nothing is suitable for children. In this review, they revisit the cult musical comedy that blends Sesame Street-style puppetry with very grown-up problems, unpacking whether its outrageous humour, surprisingly heartfelt songs and existential millennial panic still hold up more than twenty years later. From purpose and unemployment to bad decisions and very inappropriate puppets, there’s plenty to discuss — including how this West End revival has updated the show for 2026 audiences. So the internet is for… podcasts? Tune in and watch to find out. Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Life Updates 02:10 Updates 03:53 Avenue Q Show History 05:15 Personal Connections with the Show 08:35 Story & Characterisation 18:31 The Music 23:01 The Puppets, Set & Staging 29:29 Final Thoughts 31:27 Adrian’s Corner: Millennial Self-Help Podcast or Avenue Q Song?

John Proctor is the Villain - School is Tricky

Adrian & Olivia head to London’s West End for John Proctor is the Villain, the acclaimed new play inspired by The Crucible that’s been turning heads on both sides of the Atlantic. Set in a small-town American high school, the story follows a group of teenage girls studying Arthur Miller while navigating friendship, feminism, reputation, and the uncomfortable question of who gets to be called a “good man.” In this theatre review, Adrian & Olivia peek inside the auditorium to see why this emotionally charged production has become one of the most talked-about plays to hit the West End this year. From classroom debates to Lorde-fuelled catharsis, there’s a lot to unpack. John Proctor: tragic hero or walking red flag? Tune in to find out.

Les Liaisons Dangereuses – Wooing for Sport

This week, Adrian & Olivia swap the West End for the National Theatre, stepping into the seductive and scandalous world of Les Liaisons Dangereuses where manipulation is an art form and romance is anything but innocent. In this review, they delve into the performances, the backdrop, and discuss the themes of the show in amongst its dark games of power and persuasion at the heart of this classic drama. From whispered schemes to full-blown betrayal, they ask who really comes out on top, and whether it's the audience. A quick note for the visually inclined: our camera decided to stage its own dramatic exit for about 20 minutes. The video takes a brief intermission, but the audio carries on flawlessly because unlike certain characters, we remain committed to the truth. So, consider yourself invited to the party… if you dare.

Operation Mincemeat - Always Whole-Arsed, Never Half-Arsed

This week, Adrian & Olivia head to London’s West End for Operation Mincemeat, the wild musical turning one of Britain’s strangest wartime schemes into a brilliantly bonkers night at the theatre. In this theatre review, they unpack the British humour with a U, the delightfully daring performances and the audacity of turning a top-secret WWII deception into a fast paced, laugh out loud musical. From stiff upper lip absurdity to moments of genuine heart, they explore why this unlikely hit has become one of the West End’s most talked about shows. Top-secret triumph or classified catastrophe? Tune in - your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to find out.