Reviews by Ella K Clarke
John Wilson Conducts Vaughan Williams
Ella K Clarke
In this absolute masterclass by Oxford’s own Philharmonic, I could have sworn I was transported to another plane of musical existence entirely; I emerged from the lavish cocoon of the Sheldonian ...
2 years ago
John Wilson Conducts Vaughan Williams
Oxford Proms - Songs for Ukraine
Ella K Clarke
As the transcending encore of the infamous ‘Flower Duet’ from Léo Delibes' opera Lakmé filled St Mary’s eaves, I wondered when these young stars might be hitting the big-leagues. In aid of ...
2 years ago
Oxford Proms - Songs for Ukraine
Black is the Color of My Voice
Ella K Clarke
“I wish I knew how – how it feels to be free…”
In this Fringe First award-winning sensation, Black is The Color of My Voice, an ode to a jazz legend and civil rights activist, Nina Simone, ...
2 years ago
Black is the Color of My Voice
West Side Story [12A]
Ella K Clarke
A new standard has been set outstandingly high in this urgent, faultless and inspiring revival. When the world of a divided and impoverished 1957’s New York collides with today’s ...
2 years ago
West Side Story [12A]
The Good Life
Ella K Clarke
These were some big wellies to fill. As we were thrust into the story in the ‘Country Life’ kitchen of the Goods, I had a wave of instant familiarity and comfort, like I had come to visit old ...
2 years ago
The Good Life
SIX
Ella K Clarke
Hook me up to this glittery inferno of sass. As SIX rip-roared into Oxford’s Playhouse theatre to a sold out first night I had a sudden flashback; not only to snooze-inducing primary school white ...
3 years ago
SIX
Smart Casual
Ella K Clarke
"I’ll Google it”. Smart Casual ‘s tenacious and sprightly representation of a ‘Gen Z musical’ had its audience’s full attention from the first song. GOYA’s slick production had an ...
3 years ago
Smart Casual
As You Like It
Ella K Clarke
This company lovingly sang sweet odes to Shakespeare’s witty comedy As You Like It on a balmy summer’s eve in a leafy corner of St Edwards School’s sports grounds. Oxford Theatre Guild’s ...
3 years ago
As You Like It
after birth
Ella K Clarke
To be at this show’s premiere felt like a real privilege. Having been awarded the Propeller Award in 2020, after birth voices its powerhouse story with clarity, wit and integrity and was welcomed ...
3 years ago
after birth
Violin and Voices
Ella K Clarke
I had almost forgotten the medicinal balm live music can offer. This unassuming concert (one of several for the Orchestra’s festival season this summer) reminded me of just that. Conducted by the ...
3 years ago
Violin and Voices
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Ella K Clarke
With the familiar favourite Joanna Lumley, glimpses of the reassuring timbre of Stephen Fry, and a generous serving of a cavalier Alfred Enoch, I had high hopes. Fionn Whitehead with his romantic ...
3 years ago
The Picture of Dorian Gray
The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk
Ella K Clarke
This masterpiece was “dreamt in a fever”. A celebration of the union between artist Marc Chagall and writer Bella Rosenfeld, Kneehigh’s tender production was streamed live from Bristol Old ...
3 years ago
The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk
Oxford Lieder Festival 2020
Ella K Clarke
Opening recital: Dame Sarah Connolly and Eugene Asti, 10th October With my favourite mug of tea in hand, I quickly became transfixed by the welcome screen of fluffy white clouds gliding through an ...
4 years ago
Oxford Lieder Festival 2020
23 Walks [12A]
Ella K Clarke
I cannot resist an ode to a beloved pet dog. A regal photo of Bruce, a golden lab, pops up at the end of the credits in dedication; presumably once a member of writer-director Paul Morrison’s ...
4 years ago
23 Walks [12A]
Waterperry Opera Festival Mini Festival 2020
Ella K Clarke
Ariel by Jonathan Dove and Cosi Fan Tutte by W A Mozart
Within the first two bars, my eyes were as moist as the air. It’s been a while since I had this reaction to Opera, let alone live ...
4 years ago
Waterperry Opera Festival Mini Festival 2020
The Time Machine: A Virtual Reality
Ella K Clarke
As many performance art companies are adapting to the restrictions of lockdown with live-streamed and pre-recorded entertainment, Creation Theatre has “boldly gone where no man has gone before” ...
4 years ago
The Time Machine: A Virtual Reality
