What’s on

Easter egg trails: Fun days out for all the family

Outdoor leisure, What's on

We've compiled the pick of more than 190 Easter egg trails at National Trust properties around the UK. Get your wellies on and get out...

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The best National Trust gardens to visit this spring

Outdoor leisure, What's on

Enjoy the longer days and warmer weather with 50connect's guide to the best National Trust gardens to visit this spring....

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Five great books for musicians

Books

Five great books for musicians, by musicians, guaranteed to hit the spot this Christmas...

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The joy and magic of storytelling with grandchildren

Home & Lifestyle, Books

Jennifer David encourages more of us to rediscover the wonder of storytelling with grandchildren and help them grow imagination, develop...

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I Did See a Mammoth! Snuggle up with this superbly shareable new picture book

What's on, Sponsored

Your grandkids will laugh out loud as you read this hilarious new picture book together!
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Fantastic autumn days out to delight around the UK

What's on, Outdoor leisure

Enjoy the great British outdoors and beautiful autumn colours with our list of the best National Trust venues to visit in October and...

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Hello Autumn – the ideal cosy read for grandkids this autumn

What's on, Sponsored

Jo Lindley's gorgeous picture book has a classic fairy tale charm which is perfect shared between grandparents and grandchildren ...

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Five myths about Shakespeare’s contribution to the English language

Books

Jonathan Culpeper and Mathew Gillings examine the enduring legacy of William Shakespeare on the English language.
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Deer rut walks in the UK’s gorgeous autumn colours

What's on, Around The UK, Outdoor leisure

Enjoy the beautiful colours of autumn and the annual deer rut at historic National Trust parks....

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Top 5 picnic accessories for perfect al-fresco eating

Outdoor leisure, What's on

Invest in some picnic accessories for a summer of al fresco dining!...

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You Dirty Old Man! New Wilfred Brambell biography

Books, What's on

David Clayton’s biography of Steptoe and Son star Wilfred Brambell examines how the actor battled an inner turmoil and torment leading a secretive life o…
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Highland Games – Warm welcome assured at historic Stirling

What's on

Highland Games are an important part of the rich tapestry of Scotland’s cultural identity and this welcomes back travellers from overseas...

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Canine Cognitive Disease – dementia and Alzheimer’s in dogs

Pets, Books

New book helps pet owners learn more about dementia & Alzheimer’s in dogs, early preventions and recognition of signs, treatments....

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Classic Pennine Way route based on talks with Wainwright

Around The UK, Books

Ron Scholes reveals the inspiration behind his new book outlining a route along the length of the Pennines range, based on conversations between himself and es…
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Jurassic World Dominion – every inch a toothless dinosaur

Film, What's on

The Jurassic Park franchise reaches its finale in Jurassic World Dominion, but is it any good? ...

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May Bank Holiday ideas – brilliant days out for all the family

What's on, Around The UK

Look forward to the May Day bank holiday? Here's a round up of days out and about for all the family....

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Easter egg trails at National Trust venues offer memorable nature adventure for all

Outdoor leisure, What's on

There is plenty do to this Easter weekend at National Trust venues around the country.
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The condom leads entertaining collection of irreverent tales

Books

Anyone who loves a good laugh, and the occasional heartfelt cry, will be riveted by this collection of lively tales and colourful...

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Shakespeare country – Spring fun in the Bard’s birthplace

Around The UK, What's on

With warmer days and no restrictions, we take a look at what's on in Warwickshire. ...

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Celebration of Life Day – discover your family joy

Relationships and dating, What's on

Author, podcaster and coach, Susie Pearl lists how you can bring your family closer together through Celebration of Life Day.
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Who was Rabbie Burns?

What's on

As people all over the world get ready to celebrate Burns Night, we find out a little more about the Bard of Ayrshire and how he is...

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Christmas at Blenheim Palace is a festive wonderland

What's on • One Comment

Michael Edwards visits the ultimate winter wonderland in the heart of Oxfordshire....

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Minds Behind The Music – do we care enough to save the planet?

Books, What's on

Over eighty music stars, past and present, are quizzed on their opinions about religion, aliens, politics and of course, the issues of climate change.
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Hamlet: a play that speaks to pandemics past and present

Theatre, What's on

Elizabeth Schafer watches Sir Ian McKellan in Shakespeare's Hamlet and finds there is much to relate to and learn from as our world widens...

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Handsome – trailer

What's on

Two brothers, Nick & Alex, embark on a worldwide journey to discover what life is like for other siblings living with Down’s...

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Northern Ballet’s Dangerous Liaisons hits cinemas

What's on

Northern Ballet’s acclaimed Dangerous Liaisons captured for film in October 2020 at Leeds Playhouse gets big screen release for cinemas.
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The Duke – trailer

Film

In 1961, Kempton Bunton, a 60 year old taxi driver, steals Goya's portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London....

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Some Kind of Heaven – trailer

What's on

America’s seniors have discovered the fountain of youth. It’s in The Villages, Florida....

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Physical – trailer

TV & Radio

Rose Byrne rediscovers herself after growing tired of being a downtrodden suburban housewife.
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Review books for 50connect

Books

Would you like to review books for 50connect? We're opening our book reviews to member contributors. ...

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The Tomorrow War – trailer

Film

Futuristic actioner The Tomorrow War is available to stream from 2nd July....

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Podcast: Water Gypsies, canalmania and Peter Sallis as Hitler

Books

BAFTA-winning actor, comedian and impressionist Julian Dutton in conversation with Duncan Steer.
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Four of the UK’s most popular self-care books

Books

A look at the four self-care books that have enjoyed the most dramatic increase in search volumes over 2020....

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Chadwick Boseman: Portrait of an Artist

Film

New Netflix documentary charts the rise to stardom of Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman....

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Rare Beasts trailer

Film

Cinema and digital platform release date confirmed for Billie Piper’s Rare Beasts,
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The Handmaid’s Tale returns to C4

What's on

The multi award-winning The Handmaid's Tale, based on Margaret Atwood's classic dystopian novel, returns for a fourth season this month on...

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Can you win full marks in the 50connect Entertainment Quiz?

What's on

Roll up Goggleboxers and test your knowledge about all things Hollywood - from classic films to the latest TV and music!...

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The Crown season 4 reviewed

What's on

The royal drama returns with a triumphant portrait of the 1980s with a perfectly wide-eyed Diana.
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St Maud

Film

Laurence Green writes British horror flick Saint Maud is 'a searing study of obsession that truly breeds new life into cinema and the...

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Tenet

Film

Christopher Nolan's much anticipated futuristic thriller, Tenet, is in cinemas now. Laurence Green weighs up whether it is worth the...

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Review – On Blueberry Hill

Theatre

Laurence Green reviews the claustrophobic and atmospheric On Blueberry Hill, a drama in which immaculate performances help lift this powerful two-hander so viv…
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Shoe Lady

Theatre

Katherine Parkinson shines in this satire on the disenchantment of modern life. Laurence Green reviews Shoe Lady at the Royal Court...

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The Visit

Theatre

A grotesquely funny, undeniably elegant (slightly overlong) visionary revenge play with star turns from Lesley Manville and Hugo Weaving....

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Leopoldstadt

Theatre

Tom Stoppard’s Leopoldstadt is a measured and eloquent examination of the reality of history, its closeness and our shared humanity while illuminating ur…
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Parasite

Film

A deservedly Oscar-lavished poetic tragi-comedy about wealth, greed and class discrimination. Laurence Green reviews....

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Persona

Theatre

An atmospheric production, but Persona lacks the intimacy and intensity of Ingmar Bergman's original. Laurence Green reviews....

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Talking About Trees

Film

A love of cinema and film-making meets religious and political resistance in Suhaib Gasmelbari’s affectionate documentary about the work of four veteran …
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The Welkin

Theatre

Science versus superstition, and an inadequate legal system against mob hunger for justice are two themes in Lucy Kirkwood's gutsy new...

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1917

Film

Sam Mendes's 1917 - masterful cinematography and devastating storytelling combine in this a mesmerising and extraordinary hymn to the...

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Long Day’s Journey Into Night

Film

An enigmatic true original, Long Day’s Journey Into Night is a film that will dazzle and baffle in equal measure long after the final credits have rolled…
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Three Sisters

Theatre

Inua Ellams new adaptation of Three Sisters is an imaginative but flawed take on a familiar work. Laurence Green reviews. ...

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Circus 1903

Theatre

A show which creates a genuine feeling of nostalgia and is imbued with a similar sense of humour. If you are looking for true festive...

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Teenage Dick

What's on

A flawed but interesting modern meditation on the lust for power that manages to blend Shakespearean rhetoric with everyday speech. Laurence Green reviews Teen…
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The Ocean at the End of the Lane

Theatre

Joel Horwood's The Ocean at the End of the Lane is a production which will excite, unsettle and enchant in equal measure both adults and...

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A Kind of People

Theatre

Laurence Green reviews A Kind of People at the Royal Court and finds an uncompromisingly honest and thought-provoking account of life in...

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Film review: So Long My Son

What's on

Laurence Green reviews Wang Xiaoshuai’s ambitious family chronicle of changing lives, set against the most turbulent events in recent Chinese history.
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My Brilliant Friend

Theatre

Two excellent lead performances from Niamh Cusack and Catherine McCormack define this two-part epic adapted from Elena Ferrante's...

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Theatre review of the year 2019

Theatre

50connect theatre critic Laurence Green selects his top productions from 2019, including the superb Jesus Hopped the A Train and Sally...

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Dear Evan Hansen

Theatre

A show that captures the dilemma of the alienated teen – but doesn’t succeed in getting the viewer to surrender to its emotional involvement.
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Marriage Story

Film

Laurence Green reviews Marriage Story and finds an absorbing, balanced and moving movie about breaking up, while trying to keep it...

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On Bear Ridge

Theatre

Rhys Ifans and Rakie Ayola conjure a tone of impending doom in this intriguing post apocalyptic drama, but despite their committed...

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The Antipodes

Theatre

A journey to the centre of America’s dark heart is provided by Annie Baker in her latest play The Antipodes (Dorfman Theatre at the National) which is al…
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Beanpole

What's on

An absorbing, thought-provoking movie, set in post-war Leningrad, that seems like a strong contender for Best Foreign Film at the...

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BFI London Film Festival 2019

What's on

Laurence Green selects his choices for the best films at BFI London Film Festival 2019. ...

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Master Harold … and the boys

What's on

Master Harold … and the boys is a salutary reminder of the evils of recent, officially sanctioned racism and retains an emotional power which is undimmed…
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A Very Expensive Poison

Theatre

A blackly comic exploration of relationships overshadowed by the political furore surrounding the poisoning and murder of Alexander...

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Hansard

Theatre

Alex Jennings and Lindsay Duncan elevate this satire on late-Eighties Toryism at the NT's Lyttelton Auditorium.Laurence Green reviews....

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Downton Abbey

Film

The TV favourite gets a welcome big screen outing and delivers cinematic structure, impeccable period detail and a well-paced story that offers us the chance t…
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The Doctor

Theatre

'A timeless work, performed with great bravado, which manages to be both powerful and thought-provoking.' Laurence Green reviews The...

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The Secret River

Theatre

The Secret River is a shattering, astonishingly beautiful piece of contemporary theatre, one that speaks directly to a modern world riven...

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Edinburgh International Festival 2019

What's on

Laurence Green rounds up his pick of the best shows and performances at Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe 2019.
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Pain and Glory

Film

Spanish auteur Pedro Almodovar's latest creation, Pain and Glory, is a film with slow-burn soulfulness that etches itself on the mind....

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Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear – the Musical!

Theatre

Laurence Green immerses himself in the psychedelic colours and sounds of this wisecracking, rib-tickling, side-splitting phantasmagoria....

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A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Bridge Theatre

Theatre

Nicholas Hytner returns to the Bridge Theatre once again with another Shakespearn classic, this time venturing out of Rome and into the dream-forest outside of…
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Marianne and Leonard: Words of Love

Film

The idea of an artist and his muse may sound romantic but Nick Broomfield's new documentary about Leonard Cohen and Marianne Ihlen tells us...

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The Night of the Iguana

What's on

Clive Owen, returns to the London stage after an 18-year absence in James Macdonald's sluggish new production of the Tennessee Williams'...

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Jesus Christ Superstar

Theatre

The Rice/Lloyd Webber-penned classic still feels fresh and vibrant and provides an entertaining and thought-provoking experience for audiences of all ages, wri…
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Peter Gynt

What's on

James McArdle impresses in a work that exposes the madness of a modern world where truth is subjective and everything can be viewed through...

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The End of History

What's on

David Morrissey stands out as the brooding, down-to-earth idealist patriarch in this compassionate and intimate drama of a divided,...

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The Hunt

Theatre

Adapted from the acclaimed 2012 film, The Hunt is a disturbing and powerful drama that you won’t forget in a hurry! Laurence Green reviews.
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On Your Feet

Theatre

Christie Prades gives a performance of great personal magnetism, tenderness and sensitivity in this absorbing and occasionally moving...

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Europe

What's on

David Greig's 1994 drama remains a timely warning about the dangers of a divided Europe, writes Laurence Green....

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Present Laughter

Theatre

Andrew Scott steals the show with a fascinatingly detailed interpretation of a character who is flirtatious, stroppy and sardonic, yet also drowning in melanch…
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Bitter Wheat

Theatre

David Mamet's trademark whip-crack smart dialogue is much in evidence throughout this acid portrait of Hollywood power and manipulation...

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Rutherford and Son

Theatre

An impressive, intimate family drama that has aged well and provides plenty of topical resonance in its sense of festering tensions between...

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The Starry Messenger

Theatre

Laurence Green finds the eagerly awaited The Starry Messenger a play that fails to drum up much interest in or empathy with the characters and the situations t…
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Classic La Voix exquisite beneath the Spiegeltent

What's on

Gabriel Wilding enjoys a knockout evening under the Spiegeltent, on London's Southbank, in the company of the inimitable La Voix....

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Our Town

Theatre

Thornton Wilder's revived Pulitzer-winning play is a grand meditation on human life, celebrating what it is to be alive and the bonds that...

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Salt

What's on

Salt is a heartfelt production which takes the form of a brave, honest and unforgiving poetic meditation. But it suffers from repetition with the points made s…
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Death of a Salesman

Theatre

Wendell Pierce excels in this compassionate, psychologically acute interpretation of Arthur Miller's classic that allows us to see a...

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Amour

What's on

Amour is a lightweight musical fantasy about daring to dream and the power of self-belief, writes Laurence Green. ...

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Rosmersholm

Theatre

This timely revival of Ibsen’s Rosmersholm “is a piercingly relevant work of personal and political passion, ambitious, complex and dramatically co…
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Small Island

Theatre

A passionate engagement with the past that is sure to resonate with audiences at a time when recognition and compensation for the Windrush...

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All My Sons

Theatre

Sally Field and Bill Pullman bring a real sense of authenticity to this production that is a testament to the enduring power of Arthur...

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I Spy With My Little Eye Something Beginning With Why Have You Been Sleeping With My Wife: A Play by Christopher Bliss

Theatre

With dad jokes flying left right and centre and some nice physical comedy, this is a show for those who have never truly grown up and long may they remain! Gab…
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Sweet Charity

Theatre

A heart-pounding, foot-tapping ode to Broadway musicals which sees Anne-Marie Duff steal the show as the titular heroine. Laurence Green...

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Top Girls

Theatre

Top Girls presents an argument for compassion, as well as a sharp look at social inequality in a country divided by its own ambitions,...

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Fiddler on the Roof

Theatre

The resurgence in ant-Semitism ensures a timeless resonance to Trevor Nunn’s revival of Fiddler on the Roof at the Playhouse Theatre, writes Laurence Gre…
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