Oh, Mary! - Four Score and Several Martinis Ago

Oh, Mary! - Four Score and Several Martinis Ago

This week, we head to London's West End for Oh, Mary!, the award-winning comedy that imagines the final weeks of Mary Todd Lincoln as you've definitely never seen them before. We discuss whether this wildly irreverent American hit translates across the Atlantic and the standout performances (including a brilliant understudy stepping into Catherine Tate's role). Along the way, we compare British and American comedy, debate whether slapstick can go too far, and in Adrian's Corner separate Presidential history from complete historical nonsense. Did Abraham Lincoln really wrestle for fun? Did Mary Lincoln really hold séances in the White House? And did she actually shoot the President herself? Join us to find out. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:25 Synopsis 02:13 Historical Context 04:39 Where’s Catherine Tate? 06:19 Initial Impressions & Personal Connections 07:56 Humour vs. Humor 09:10 Story & Characterisation 20:31 Set Design, Costume & Choreography 23:39 Final Thoughts 27:45 Adrian’s Corner: Presidential History or Drunk History? [Lincoln Edition]

Glengarry Glen Ross - Sell Me This All-Female Revival

This week, we head to London’s Old Vic Theatre for Glengarry Glen Ross, David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama of ruthless salespeople, corporate ambition, and enough fast-talking to make your estate agent blush. We discuss the standout performances, the decision to cast the production entirely with women, and why we left feeling it was a fascinating revival that never quite fulfilled its potential.Along the way, Adrian discovers the baffling world of American real estate, Olivia revisits a play she first encountered at university, and Adrian’s Corner puts some legendary business slogans to the test. Sell the sizzle, not the steak… separate the sheep from the goats… and when the customer gets prickly, get pricklier. Join us to find out why the hedgehog might just be the next great business guru. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:14 Synopsis 02:21 Initial Impressions & Personal Connections 07:24 Story & Characterisation 15:01 Let’s Talk about the all-female cast 23:30 Set Design, Costume & Staging 32:37 Final Thoughts 33:53 Adrian’s Corner: Business Mantra or Drunken LinkedIn post?

War Horse - That Albert's back. Check out his Horse

This episode, Adrian & Olivia saddle up for War Horse at London’s National Theatre. In this theatre review, they discuss the breathtaking puppetry, the emotional journey of Joey and Albert, and why this First World War epic remains one of the most celebrated productions in modern theatre. Along the way, Adrian revisits the original novel, questions just how far one should go for a horse, and discovers that some of the book’s most moving moments never made it to the stage. Also featuring: military pigeons, a beer-drinking army bear, and a goose that may have stolen the entire show. War Horse… or War Goose? Tune in to find out. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:48 Synopsis 01:50 Initial Impressions & Personal Connections 09:01 Story & Characterisation 15:18 Let's talk about Albert 21:01 Let's talk about the Novel 29:53 Set Design, Staging & Choreography 32:50 Puppetry, War Goose, Lighting & Costumes 38:27 Final Thoughts 39:33 Adrian's Corner: Real or Fake War Animal

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?