Reviews by Simon Tavener
La Bonne Chanson: Nicky Spence, Piatti String Quartet, Julius Drake
Simon Tavener
This was one of the most joyous (and heartbreaking)
visits I have ever made to the Oxford International Song Festival. It
was an evening that celebrated the voice and the incredible breadth that ...
a month ago
La Bonne Chanson: Nicky Spence, Piatti String Quartet, Julius Drake
Il Trittico
Simon Tavener
This was a one off event which added a certain frisson to
proceedings. WNO were unable to bring a full production of Puccini's
trilogy of contrasting short operas and so opted to present them in ...
a month ago
Il Trittico
Rigoletto
Simon Tavener
Rigoletto is rightly one of the most popular of all operas. It has a fast moving, tragic plot and a score that is rich in lyricism and drama as well as crowd pleasing tunes. It is great the WNO are ...
a month ago
Rigoletto
Murder For Two
Simon Tavener
How lucky are we to have such a great range of theatres in our county? From the vast splendour of the New Theatre to intimacy of the Burton Taylor, we have access to a wide range of theatrical ...
2 months ago
Murder For Two
Oxford Comedy Festival 2024
Simon Tavener
It almost feels unfair to review a 'work in progress' set from any comedian. It is, by its very nature, a chance for the performer to test new material and use the direct audience feedback to help ...
5 months ago
Oxford Comedy Festival 2024
The Rake's Progress
Simon Tavener
Oxford has been blessed by some outstanding opera in recent weeks. WNO came to the New Theatre with two very striking productions and now English Touring Opera return to the city with a bold ...
8 months ago
The Rake's Progress
Death In Venice
Simon Tavener
Welsh National Opera are always very welcome visitors to Oxford's New Theatre. They have delivered since world class performances over the years. Last summer we had the dazzling Candide with one of ...
9 months ago
Death In Venice
Handel's Acis & Galatea
Simon Tavener
It is easy to understand why Acis and Galatea has remained Handel's most popular stage work. It is a pastoral opera full of beautiful music that perfectly encapsulates the tragic love story of a ...
10 months ago
Handel's Acis & Galatea
Kieran Hodgson: Big in Scotland
Simon Tavener
Kieran Hodgson is very much appreciated by those who have encountered his work whilst also not yet well known as his talents deserve. Hopefully his profile will continue to grow as he is a truly ...
10 months ago
Kieran Hodgson: Big in Scotland
OXOPS Presents Oliver!
Simon Tavener
Lionel Bart's Oliver! was the first musical in which I ever performed. That was a scary forty three years ago and it engendered in me a lifelong love of the show and the wider world of musical ...
11 months ago
OXOPS Presents Oliver!
H.M.S. Pinafore
Simon Tavener
HMS Pinafore was the first of the Savoy Operas that I attended back in the early 1980s. It was also the first show in which I sang a principal role on arriving in Oxford at the end of that decade. ...
11 months ago
H.M.S. Pinafore
Oxford International Song Festival 2023
Simon Tavener
I have enjoyed many recitals of German art songs over the years but nothing could quite have prepared me for The Erlkings. It is hard to imagine a more engaging and joyous evening of music-making. ...
a year ago
Oxford International Song Festival 2023
Oxford International Song Festival 2023
Simon Tavener
The return of Benjamin Appl to Oxford is always
something to be welcomed. He is one of the greatest interpreters of art
song working today being an outstanding musician as well as a natural ...
a year ago
Oxford International Song Festival 2023
Sir Willard White with The Brodsky Quartet
Simon Tavener
One of the major events of this year's Oxford Festival
of the Arts was this pairing of two musical greats in the iconic
Sheldonian Theatre. And it was shame to see so many empty seats as it ...
a year ago
Sir Willard White with The Brodsky Quartet
Rhys Nicholson: Rhys Rhys Rhys
Simon Tavener
Having been reviewing for more than 20 years, it came as quite a surprise, as I checked my records, that this was the first time I had tackled a comedy gig. Rhys
Nicholson is probably best known to ...
a year ago
Rhys Nicholson: Rhys Rhys Rhys
Christine Bovill’s Piaf
Simon Tavener
Christine Bovill is a marvel. Not
only does she evoke the spirit of French chanson in every note that she
sings, she is one of the best storytellers you will ever encounter. This was so much more ...
2 years ago
Christine Bovill’s Piaf
An Inspector Calls
Simon Tavener
Stephen Daldry's production of Priestley's classic play first hit the stage 31 years ago. Indeed this production holds the record for the longest running revival in theatre history. And judging by ...
2 years ago
An Inspector Calls
The Makropulos Affair
Simon Tavener
With the recent changes to UK Arts funding, we must
cherish the visits that Welsh National Opera continue to make to Oxford
each seasonal window. They are a company with a reputation that ...
2 years ago
The Makropulos Affair
Oxford Lieder Festival 2021: Summer Nights
Simon Tavener
I returned to the Lieder Festival for my second concert of the day with a recital of French and English song by Dame Sarah Connolly accompanied by Julius Drake.
One of the innovations at the ...
3 years ago
Oxford Lieder Festival 2021: Summer Nights
Die Schöne Müllerin
Simon Tavener
It is always a wonderful time of the year when the Lieder Festival starts up again. Oxford is so privileged to have these world class singers and accompanists perform great music for us every year. ...
3 years ago
Die Schöne Müllerin
Oxford Lieder Festival 2020
Simon Tavener
Benjamin Appl and Sholto Kynoch, 14th October The fact that one of the highlights of the Oxford cultural year has found a way to survive through the current restrictions is something to celebrate. ...
4 years ago
Oxford Lieder Festival 2020
Beauty And The Beast
Simon Tavener
Whilst I may not be the target audience for pantomime, I am well-versed enough in the world of theatre and entertainment to know when something has gone seriously wrong with a project. And this is, ...
5 years ago
Beauty And The Beast
WNO Autumn Season 2019
Simon Tavener
Rigoletto, Fri 22nd Nov 2019
The regular visits of Welsh National Opera to the New Theatre are one of the musical highlights of the year for many local residents. As a rule, we are a treated to ...
5 years ago
WNO Autumn Season 2019
Glut
Simon Tavener
I visited Glut last night with a friend and we were both impressed. The Sinful Fries (topped with honey glazed chicken nuggets, chipotle mayo, ranch and crunchy onions) are absolutely top notch. ...
6 years ago
Glut
Oxford Lieder Festival - Heimat: Benjamin Appl & James Baillieu
Simon Tavener
Appl opened his lunchtime recital with Schubert's delicious song about bliss - Seligkeit. And it set the tone for a blissful hour of music making.
The theme for the recital was Heimat - a ...
6 years ago
Oxford Lieder Festival - Heimat: Benjamin Appl & James Baillieu
Oxford Lieder Festival - An English Songbook
Simon Tavener
Sometimes a concert - no matter how professional and dedicated the performers - just does not take flight. And this was one such occasion. Connolly is one of the great singers of her generation. ...
6 years ago
Oxford Lieder Festival - An English Songbook
The Welsh National Opera Autumn Season 2018
Simon Tavener
War and Peace, Sat 13th October
Prokofiev's War and Peace has struggled to gain a foothold in the repertoire since it was first conceived at the height of the Second World War. It has been subject ...
6 years ago
The Welsh National Opera Autumn Season 2018
Die Fledermaus
Simon Tavener
Die Fledermaus is a great way to introduce people to the world of
operetta. It is a joyous confection of a score packed with memorable
melodies, infectious dance music and wonderful harmonies. ...
7 years ago
Die Fledermaus
Oxford Lieder Festival 2017
Simon Tavener
The Oxford Lieder Festival is one of the cultural highlights of the year in so many ways. Amazing artists performing outstanding recitals in our city - what's not to love? One of the hottest ...
7 years ago
Oxford Lieder Festival 2017
ETO: Dardanus
Simon Tavener
'If it's not baroque, don't fix it' as Cogsworth memorably puts it in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Many people view French Baroque opera as something that really needs a fix. Sadly it is a genre ...
7 years ago
ETO: Dardanus
NT Live: Angels in America Part 1 [15]
Simon Tavener
I am somewhat amazed that today was the first time I have attended any
NTLive or similar screening. I guess the reason is that live theatre
allows you to choose where to look on stage - whereas ...
7 years ago
NT Live: Angels in America Part 1 [15]
Spring Weekend of Song: Benjamin Appl, Baritone & Sholto Kynoch, Piano
Simon Tavener
We are incredibly lucky to have the Oxford Lieder Festival as part of our cultural landscape. The opportunity to hear world class singers and pianists performing together in our intimate concert ...
8 years ago
Spring Weekend of Song: Benjamin Appl, Baritone & Sholto Kynoch, Piano
Showstopper!
Simon Tavener
Reviewing a fully improvised show is a challenge as the experience that over 600 people enjoyed at the Playhouse on Friday night will be significantly different to any other evening on which they are ...
8 years ago
Showstopper!
Renée Fleming & Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra
Simon Tavener
It is quite a coup to secure the services of Renee Fleming to sing with the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra. She is the leading soprano of her generation - a singer possessed of a keen intelligence as ...
9 years ago
Renée Fleming & Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra
Spotlight [15]
Simon Tavener
There is a long-standing love affair between Hollywood and the world of investigative journalism - something that is probably most strongly epitomized in All the President's Men which told the story ...
9 years ago
Spotlight [15]
Orlando
Simon Tavener
I have a huge amount of respect for the Welsh National Opera. They are a company who push the boundaries of what can be achieved by a touring opera company and should be applauded for their ambition. ...
9 years ago
Orlando
Measure for Measure
Simon Tavener
Oxford is truly privileged to be the only UK city (other than London) to be hosting part of Cheek by Jowl's new production of Shakespeare's troublesome Measure for Measure. This is a company that ...
10 years ago
Measure for Measure
Tonight's the Night
Simon Tavener
The jukebox musical is not a new invention - in many ways the genre began long ago with John Gay's The Beggar's Opera (which made great use of some of the popular tunes of the time.) ...
10 years ago
Tonight's the Night
FT Weekend: Oxford Literary Festival
Simon Tavener
As someone who directs Shakespeare, acts Shakespeare, reviews Shakespeare and loves Shakespeare, it is always wonderful to encounter someone who lives and breathes Shakespeare with an absolute ...
11 years ago
FT Weekend: Oxford Literary Festival
The Only Way Is Downton
Simon Tavener
I first encountered Luke Kempner on YouTube several months ago - and was impressed by his short videos showcasing his impersonations of various people. Of course, the video that really brought him to ...
11 years ago
The Only Way Is Downton
Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival 2013
Simon Tavener
Having been a Shakespeare obsessive for some years now, I will admit to being fascinated by the man, his works and the industry that has grown up surrounding them. So hearing two of Oxford's ...
12 years ago
Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival 2013
Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival 2013
Simon Tavener
As someone who loves both music and food, I thought this had the potential to be a really fascinating and engaging hour. I am sorry to say that it only partly lived up to my expectations. ...
12 years ago
Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival 2013
Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival 2012
Simon Tavener
Food writing in Britain in the Twentieth Century was dominated by the great Elizabeth David, Jane Grigson and Claudia Roden. It is wonderful that Claudia is still with us and still delighting ...
13 years ago
Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival 2012
Mark Padmore & Paul Lewis
Simon Tavener
I felt slightly guilty at not having enjoyed this concert as much as the majority of my fellow audience members in the Sheldonian. There is no doubting that we had witnessed a very polished, ...
14 years ago
Mark Padmore & Paul Lewis
Frisky and Mannish
Simon Tavener
Frisky and Mannish met whilst students at Oxford and surprisingly this was the first time their full act has been seen in the city. Last year, they stole the show at the 125th Anniversary Gala ...
14 years ago
Frisky and Mannish
The Chequers (central Oxford)
Simon Tavener
The Chequers has relaunched. Amazingly, last night was the first time in all my years in Oxford that I have been into this particular hostelry. Part of the Nicholson chain, the pub has ...
14 years ago
The Chequers (central Oxford)
Early Music by Candlelight Summer Festival 2008
Simon Tavener
I don’t think that I have ever reviewed a concert of instrumental music before – so please excuse any ignorance of etiquette or precise language on my behalf. This concert (for harpsichord and ...
16 years ago
Early Music by Candlelight Summer Festival 2008
Kit And The Widow
Simon Tavener
Until last night, I am sad to say that I was a Kit and the Widow virgin. In the theatrical sense, of course. I have followed them on radio and television for as many years as I can remember but this ...
16 years ago
Kit And The Widow
Saints And Sinners
Simon Tavener
Creation are to be applauded for trying to break out of their traditional model of outdoor performances with this newly devised one man show in the evocative setting of St Michael’s. Trying to ...
16 years ago
Saints And Sinners
Hello, Dolly!
Simon Tavener
This lavish touring production has high aspirations: the sets are well constructed and the changes are well managed, the costumes are well designed and add much to the interest on the stage. The ...
17 years ago
Hello, Dolly!
Italian Girl In Algiers
Simon Tavener
Rossini has long been one of my favourite composers and it is always good to see local amateur companies taking on the challenge of his technically demanding music. OTO should be congratulated for ...
17 years ago
Italian Girl In Algiers
Heartbreak House
Simon Tavener
I am at a loss to know what to say about this production. It is a play that very rarely makes it to the stage – and on the evidence of what I have just witnessed, I can see exactly why. It may have ...
17 years ago
Heartbreak House
Assassins
Simon Tavener
Assassins is curious work. Drawing heavily from the American Vaudeville traditions, it focuses on the topic the role of the assassin in US political history – from John Wilkes Booth to Lee Harvey ...
17 years ago
Assassins
The Audacity of Ideas
Simon Tavener
The Audacity of Ideas is a new play set in Versailles as the reign of Louis XVI is drawing to an inevitable close – it features a veritable cornucopia of aristocratic archetypes, political ...
17 years ago
The Audacity of Ideas
Honk! The Musical
Simon Tavener
I am slightly amazed that I have not seen Honk! before. It is an award-winning comedy musical that has been performed locally on a number of previous occasions. It is a charming, funny, well-written ...
17 years ago
Honk! The Musical
Les Misérables
Simon Tavener
I have to admit to having been in love with Les Misérables for over 20 years. I had the cassette when it first came out, I bought the CD of the London Cast as soon as I had a CD player, I then got ...
17 years ago
Les Misérables
Live Opera / Ballet at the Phoenix
Simon Tavener
Since the autumn of 2006, the Met (as it is affectionately known) has been beaming High Definition broadcasts of live performances to cinemas round the world. This, in many ways, is the logical ...
17 years ago
Live Opera / Ballet at the Phoenix
Edward II
Simon Tavener
As I left the theatre this evening, I caught a comment from one of my fellow audience members who said, ‘That was the worst thing I have ever seen.’ Whilst I wouldn’t go that far, I have to say ...
17 years ago
Edward II
Sweeney Todd [18]
Simon Tavener
This film is one that has been eagerly awaited by the legions of fans of Mr Depp and Mr Burton and also by fans of musicals and Stephen Sondheim in particular. I honestly feel that no-one will feel ...
17 years ago
Sweeney Todd [18]
A Big Merry Happy Christmas
Simon Tavener
I have been meaning to catch a BMH Production since they first launched themselves, but circumstances conspired against it - until last night. They are a young company, clearly with some very ...
17 years ago
A Big Merry Happy Christmas
The Dresser by Ronald Harwood
Simon Tavener
The Dresser has certainly been a popular play for amateur groups in Oxfordshire this year - this production is the third to hit the stage in 2007. It is easy to see why: it has often been referred to ...
17 years ago
The Dresser by Ronald Harwood
Purcell on Stage: Oxford Girls’ Choir
Simon Tavener
I knew very little about the plan for the evening – other than it contained a fully staged performance of one of my favourite pieces of early opera – Purcell’s sublime Dido and Aeneas. On ...
17 years ago
Purcell on Stage: Oxford Girls’ Choir
Mojo
Simon Tavener
First and foremost, this is a cracking piece of writing: the script by Jez Butterworth fizzes with life, energy, rhythm, menace and many other things. It is amazing that no-one has staged this in ...
17 years ago
Mojo
The Shops
Simon Tavener
In all honesty, I cannot say that I found this worthy of recommendation. In fact, I cannot say that it was anything other than an exercise in pretension on the part of the composer, lyricist and ...
17 years ago
The Shops
Forgotten Voices
Simon Tavener
Forgotten Voices of The Great War by Max Arthur is an important book. Drawn from the recollections of people who lived through the momentous events at the start of the 20th century, it has been ...
17 years ago
Forgotten Voices
Romeo and Juliet
Simon Tavener
I have only attended The Globe Theatre on one occasion and I was thrilled when I heard that they were bringing a touring production to Oxford. Amazingly I have never seen Romeo and Juliet on stage ...
17 years ago
Romeo and Juliet
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Simon Tavener
This is the third production of the Dream to open in Oxford this summer. We have one more to go with a future visit in October. It is just one of those things that the theatregoing public has to ...
17 years ago
A Midsummer Night's Dream
The Rivals
Simon Tavener
This is the first time in over 50 years that Oxford Theatre Guild has not presented a Shakespeare play for their summer season. There is no denying that The Rivals is a classic of the English stage ...
17 years ago
The Rivals
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Simon Tavener
This is the second production of ‘The Dream’ in Oxford so far this year. There are 2 more to open this summer and another to follow in the autumn. A veritable feast (or glut) of dreams could be ...
17 years ago
A Midsummer Night's Dream
American Dreams
Simon Tavener
This was very much an evening of two halves – one noticeably more successful than the other.
Oxford Opera Studio is a group new to me – I can find no record of any previous ...
17 years ago
American Dreams
Elgar And Alice
Simon Tavener
The 150th anniversary of the birth of Edward Elgar is certainly a milestone worth celebrating. His works have established themselves as part of the national consciousness. His life, as far as I knew, ...
17 years ago
Elgar And Alice
The Cocktail Party
Simon Tavener
BT student productions - by their very nature - are never going to get every little period detail spot on. The budgetary considerations don't allow for it.However that is not the point. The ...
18 years ago
The Cocktail Party
Being Ordinary by Francie Jones
Simon Tavener
Original musicals are rarely performed in Oxford. When someone has the courage to mount a new work, they must surely be encouraged. However new doesn’t always mean good – promise is probably the ...
18 years ago
Being Ordinary by Francie Jones
Abigail's Party
Simon Tavener
Beverly is one of the most extraordinary creations ever to have graced stage and screen. Alison Steadman and Mike Leigh’s collaborative skills gave birth to a veritable gorgon in a kaftan. The ...
18 years ago
Abigail's Party
Guys And Dolls
Simon Tavener
I am not ashamed to say it: Guys and Dolls is one of my favourite musicals. I love the score, the characters, the whole thing. I must admit to feeling a certain amount of ...
18 years ago
Guys And Dolls
The Curious Case of Sophia Wyatt
Simon Tavener
I suspect that Tom Campion is going to develop into a very impressive playwright - one almost certain to feature on stages round the UK and possibly the world. This, the third play of his to receive ...
18 years ago
The Curious Case of Sophia Wyatt
The Memory of Water
Simon Tavener
This play, winner of the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in 2000, is an ideal choice for a group such as the Oxford Theatre Guild. It features four good roles for women of varying ages, which ...
18 years ago
The Memory of Water
The Threepenny Opera
Simon Tavener
Brecht and Weill created a masterpiece in 1928 with Die Dreigroschenoper - a piece full of wit, anger and innovation. Taking The Beggar's Opera as a starting point, it marked the start of a ...
18 years ago
The Threepenny Opera
Educating Rita
Simon Tavener
Probably more famous for the film version with Michael Caine and Julie Walters, Educating Rita is now a classic piece of comic writing. Faced with such illustrious and talented predecessors, it must ...
18 years ago
Educating Rita
Charley's Aunt
Simon Tavener
I can't easily find the words to express my disappointment at this production. One of my favourite plays has been ruined by a director who just doesn't understand the genre. The younger members of ...
18 years ago
Charley's Aunt
The Taming of The Shrew
Simon Tavener
To be honest, I don’t think I can describe this as anything other than a perfect piece of summer Shakespeare. Filled with wit, energy and panache, it is a delight from start to finish.
This is ...
18 years ago
The Taming of The Shrew
Tartuffe
Simon Tavener
This was my first encounter with Tartuffe and hopefully not my last. It was one of the most joyous evenings I have spent in the theatre in recent months. You would be hard pressed to find such a ...
19 years ago
Tartuffe
Othello
Simon Tavener
When I first heard about this production, I was taken aback to discover that it was to be played by an all-white cast. I was pretty certain that no attempt at ‘blacking-up’ was going to take ...
19 years ago
Othello
Aeschylus' Agememnon
Simon Tavener
As a reviewer, it is important to approach each assignment with an open mind and a desire to be fair to all involved. It is equally important that you take time to consider how best to reflect the ...
19 years ago
Aeschylus' Agememnon
Three Tall Women
Simon Tavener
Albee is probably best known for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? but if there is any justice, this play will be regarded as a minor masterpiece by literary posterity. It is full of warmth, humour ...
19 years ago
Three Tall Women
The Birds
Simon Tavener
Metta Theatre are to be congratulated for their innovation and courage in mounting this witty and challenging piece of music theatre. They have staged an entertaining performance that deserves a ...
19 years ago
The Birds
Titus Andronicus
Simon Tavener
I was excited when I spotted that the BT was playing host to a touring production of Shakespeare’s first big hit. Titus is a gory play – full of death, dismemberment and general unpleasantness. ...
19 years ago
Titus Andronicus
Making History
Simon Tavener
The figure of David Maxwell Fyfe has faded from public consciousness – his role in the Nuremberg Trials once kept him on the front pages. This play evokes the relationship between Maxwell Fyfe and ...
19 years ago
Making History
English Lessons and A Game of Chess
Simon Tavener
This is the first time I have encountered this particular performance group and hopefully not the last. I think it is highly commendable that the OFS Studio is mounting performances by local groups ...
19 years ago
English Lessons and A Game of Chess
Rocky Horror Show
Simon Tavener
It is hard to find a more perfect piece of theatrical entertainment than the Rocky Horror Show. For 33 years (yes, it really is that long) this clever pastiche of '50s B movies has been wowing ...
19 years ago
Rocky Horror Show
The Crucible
Simon Tavener
Firstly, if you do decide to go and see this production (and you should) – wrap up warm! Corpus Chapel appears not to be heated. However, this should not put you off – there is enough passion ...
19 years ago
The Crucible
Oxford Lieder Festival 2005
Simon Tavener
This was a truly exceptional evening – a combination of exquisite piano playing and some of the best singing that modern audiences can encounter. The reaction that both performers received at the ...
19 years ago
Oxford Lieder Festival 2005
Oxford Lieder Festival 2005
Simon Tavener
21st October - Jonathan Lemalu (bass/baritone) and Sholto Kynoch (piano)
Songs by Schumann, Fauré, Brahms and Bolcom, Holywell Music Room
It is often hard to make Lieder come alive for an ...
19 years ago
Oxford Lieder Festival 2005
Love, Actually [15]
Simon Tavener
For an unromantic cynic like me to have enjoyed a film such as this is a bit of a shock. But I was laughing (and even shedding the occasional tear) at the latest film from the creative genius that is ...
21 years ago
Love, Actually [15]
