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If it were in my remit I would give this ten stars, five for the dance and five for the brilliant music performed live by A Filetta. The piece is so clearly thought through that nothing seems indulgent or superfluous, from the exacting physical demands of the choreography and beautiful polyphonic Corsican choir, to the use of a mannequin which they pull off without it looking hackneyed. The pen is mightier than the sword, or is it. In the hands of religion the pen can be as destructive as any sword, as we all know. Faith is irredeemably bound to war and conflict and to death and even if we have faith and are devout the heaven we are promised may not be the paradise that we long for. Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui has created a masterpiece that combines the very best of dance and theatre and music. When you get to the bottom and see my five stars double it.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 18 May
Rating:
Andrew Kay

Sketch trio The Real MacGuffins had a tricky start to their Fringe show, appearing unexpectedly with the house lights up and struggling to engage with a cold audience. However, their opening rewrite of ‘The Great Escape’ witnessed a race round the room during which they broke the stage, and thus the ice. The show’s first half included some variable skits whose knowingly groan-inducing puns skirted kids’ pantomime, but with extra camp. Happily, the dashing chaps had saved much of their strongest, smartest material for the home straight, leading to a superior run of intelligent, inclusive and irresistible comedy scenarios.

Upstairs At The Three and Ten, 18 May
Rating:
Stuart Huggett

Rain, cold and open air Shakespeare. Sounds fun, right? Well, yes, actually. Relocated to swinging sixties Italy, this production of The Bard’s template for every romantic comedy was a classy, professional effort throughout. Inventive staging in the park, with the action amidst the audience, made for an immersive experience. Likewise, each performance was solid, with the cast convincing if occasionally a little uninspired. Standout performances, though, came from Russel Shaw as reluctant lover Benedick and Padraig Breathnatch, as comic relief Dogberry. Of course, this all would have worked better with a sunny evening accentuating the Dolce Vita vibe, but this entertaining take on Shakespeare proved highly-accomplished.

St Ann’s Well Gardens, 18 May
Rating:
Nick Aldwinckle

Carol Ann Duffy has a wonderful sense of humour. Of course you would expect the Poet Laureate to be entertaining, touching and sincere, and she brought with her a wonderful stage presence. Keeping the audience entertained, whether that be laughing at her humorous take on subjects from all aspects of life, or thinking about the deeper meaning, such as the poem about her mother’s death. Her poems touched on emotion: loss, love and laughter, and through the use of powerful imagery and hyperbole, she had the audience silenced, thinking and importantly, laughing. It was a joy to hear her read from a collection of her books, old and new, including her new book of poems, The Bees, to be published in September.

Corn Exchange, Brighton Dome, 18 May
Rating:
Laura Hayward