Blanche Marvin, has been involved for over 50 years in writing, directing and producing theatre in London and in New York which has given her a unique approach to reviewing London theatre and transfers to New York or visa versa. Her depth of knowledge, and experience make her a most practical plus influential reviewer on the theatre scene in London today. She reviews the full schedule of shows for each theatre which draws a picture and identity of the theatre venue as well as the plays. It paints a picture of the current themes running in the theatre, and relates to the style or trends most dominant, in addition to explaining why theatre will or will not work in London or New York when transferring.
Best Plays (****) - westEnd
THE LOVER/THE COLLECTION by HAROLD PINTER at COMEDY
THE CHALK GARDEN by ENID BAGNOLD at DONMAR WAREHOUSE
THAT FACE by POLLY STENHAM at DUKE OF YORKS
GOD OF CARNAGE by YASMINA REZA at GIELGUD
FAT PIG writer/director NEIL LABUTE at TRAFALGAR STUDIOS
BILLY ELLIOTT The Musical at VICTORIA PALACE
subSidised
NOCTURNE by ADAM RAPP at ALMEIDA
BLACK WATCH by GREGORY BURKE at BARBICAN
SIX CHARACTERS IN SEARCH OF AN AUTHOR (1921) by LUIGI PIRANDELLO at CHICHESTER
THE ENGLISH GAME by RICHARD BEAN at EVERYMAN, Liverpool
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE at GLOBE
LONDON ASSURANCE (1841) by DION BOUCICAULT at RICHMOND
RICHARD II, HENRY IV PARTI/II, HENRY V by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE at ROUNDHOUSE
WEST SIDE STORY at SADLERS WELLS
STREET SCENE at YOUNG VIC
Studio
2000 FEET AWAY by ANTHONY WEIGH at BUSH
THE COMMON PURSUIT by SIMON GRAY at MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Musicals Long Runners: Billy Elliot, Chicago, Lion King, Blood Brothers, Mama Mia, Les Miserables, Joseph and the Amazing Dreamcoat
Musicals New: Sound of Music, Dirty Dancing, Spamalot, Hairspray
 
NEWS
Peter Brook Award results and Speech
Obituary 2007 listed by John Thaxter
Blanche Marvin: London's best-loved theater critic
- IHT article by Mary Blume

THE YALE DRAMA SERIES
The series spreads its wings from the USA to international outreaches as plays are allowed to be submitted from everywhere. The doors are open world wide. It is a very good yardstick in comparing the writers on this kind of global basis. Edward Albee has been the new play judge and David Hare, a renowned British writer, is the next judge for 2009-2010. That is the IMPORTANT NEWS! The fact that a Brit is following Edward Albee as judge is of major significance and should be recognised here in the UK. Submissions are open for everyone on every level as long as original full-length plays in English are unproduced and unpublished. The deadline is August 15.

Eddie Albee has chosen Geraldine by Neil Wechsler as the winner for the 2008 Yale Drama Series Award which was inaugurated in 2007, jointly sponsored by Yale University Press and Yale Repertory Theatre. $10,000 was awarded to Wechsler by the David C. Horn prize and his play will be published by Yale University Press along with a reading at the Yale Rep. The award will be formerly presented on Sunday September14, 2008 at the Ritz-Carlton at Battery Park, New York City and the reading will be on September 15 at the Yale Rep in New Haven.

Edward Albee has been especially keen to act as judge because of the calibre of work being submitted and feels that the award will help in the depth of writing for the theatre. Geraldine follows a man’s quest for love amongst his three best friends. Those bonds are challenged, then reaffirmed by the quartet’s journey through unfamiliar territory. Neil Wechsler graduated with distinction from Yale University in 1996 majoring in philosophy and psychology. He has been writing novels, novellos, and plays ever since. David Hare has been delighted to take on the appointment as he feels more attention and less respect is paid to playwrights. Despite all the play development happening, he feels it is much more difficult for a playwright’s voice on his own terms to be heard.

For complete contest rules please contact www.yalebooks.com