Stephen Collins

Best West End Shows Under £30 in 2026

A practical guide to the West End shows that still offer real value in 2026, with eight strong options for budgets below the £30 mark.

REVIEW: The Station Master, Tristan Bates Theatre ✭✭✭

Connor's score owes a considerable debt to Sondheim, but, that said, it treads in very interesting paths. Complex and intricate, the melodies and harmonies r…

REVIEW: Waste, National Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Barker's play is extraordinary, especially given that it was written over a century ago and revised by him in the late 20’s, the original having been banned …

REVIEW: All On Her Own - Harlequinade, Garrick Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

The revival of Harlequinade, directed by Branagh and Ashford, now playing at the Garrick Theatre (in a 100 minute experience that includes All On Her Own and…

REVIEW: The Winter's Tale, Garrick Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭✭

Dench's verse speaking is unrivalled. She picks each word and gives it full, accurate weight, landing the sense, purpose and exact emotion of every glitterin…

REVIEW: The Father, Wyndhams Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

In the early stages of the play, this approach is both confronting and disarming. I found myself consulting the programme to check who was who before catchin…

CRITICS CHOICE: Top 10 Plays November 2015

REVIEW: Piaf, Bridewell Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Given its inherent flaws, the play cannot hope to succeed without a powerhouse performance from its star and here Laasko has struck gold. Leigh is outstandin…

CRITICS CHOICE: The Top 10 New Musicals in London - November 2015

REVIEW: The Moderate Soprano, Hampstead Theatre ✭✭

What pleasure the play offers comes in the characters Hare has carved from fragments of history. Roger Allam, almost unrecognisable as John Christie, does a …

CRITICS CHOICE: Top 10 Long Running Shows in London - November 2015

REVIEW: The Hairy Ape, Old Vic Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

O’Neill’s play has lost none of its power or resonance. It still feels as shocking and new today as no doubt it did in 1922. Jones’ revelatory and evocative …