Conversations with my mum whilst watching Iphigenia in Splott at the National Theatre.

I am on the front row at the National Theatre in the temporary theatre (FKA The Shed), with my mum, about to watch Iphiginia in Splott, a transfer from the Sherman Cymru. Written by Gary Owen, the play is a one handed diatribe against austerity Britain told from the perspective of Effie (played by Sophie Melville), a permanently unemployed and hungover force of nature living in the suburbs of Cardiff. You can find a better description of the show here. Below I am going to share the conversations I shared with my mum from before and after.

Before the show starts

Thoughts on Chairs; 'As you like it' at the National Theatre.

Absolutely ages ago I leant a book called Theatre Materials: What is theatre made of? to one of my students. I don't know who it was, but I never got it back, which is a real shame as it's no longer published and it was a brilliant book. Bugger.

Blurred Lines - The Shed, National Theatre

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The Equality Illusion by Kat Banyard

Emil and the Detectives, National Theatre.

Picture from 59 Productions.

Emil and the detectives was a post new year trip arranged on the train up to London to visit some friends. In an effort to prevent ourselves from drinking all day we chose a show, met in the foyer with minutes to spare, ripped the tickets from the machine, ran in and plonked ourselves down before turning to each other with a look of horror 'This show is full of f*****g kids!'.

What to see in 2014.

2014 is already in full swing and like everyone; bank balances are low and expectations are high, but it still doesn't hurt to dream. If you have made a conscious decision to spend less money on alcohol,  A few fine suggestions have sprung up already from Mark Shenton  and Lyn Gardner, so there is no point in me repeating them. Here are a few suggestions for the first half of the year (within booking distance), some of which are the last chance to see shows from last year which may have escaped your attention so far....