Pioneered in the 1970s, the genre of hip hop has gone onto dominate pop culture. A musical style originating from the Bronx, the form was built on the foundations of 5 particular elements which are MCing, DJing, Grafitti, Knowledge and lastly breakdance. Amazing audiences in the US for 25 years, Cedric Walker‘s UniverSoul Circus celebrates hip hop culture with their latest line up of circus acts originating from Africa and the Caribbean.

In 2018, we find ourselves shaped by our political past. Significant events historically changing the course of how our lives are governed. Nichola McAuliffe‘s Revenants comments on this as she weaves narratives set in between the 25 year aftermath of the Romanov family in 1918 – the ruling royal family of Russia and 25 years prior to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr in the US – prolific for his leadership within the Civil Rights Movement.

Mermaids have captured the imaginations of many for centuries, half human, half sea creature, the mythical creation continues to be surrounded by intrigue. Cornish folktale, Mermaid of Zennor taps into this mysticism. A tale recorded by folklorist William Bottrell, the tale speaks of an enchanting woman who would every so often attend the local church service. After falling in love with a village local named Mathey Trewella, the two are never to be seen again, the general concencus being that they have both disappeared at sea and the woman in actual fact turning out to be a mermaid…

London thrives with a multitude of stories, its ability to draw individuals from all over the world makes it one of the world’s most exciting cities. Cultures collide as the city hustles and bustles – Cecilia Gragnani‘s one woman show, Diary of an Expat humorously delves into her own experiences of migrating from Italy to the UK.

Eugene Ionesco, arguably one of Theatre of the Absurd’s greats, is receiving his first National Theatre staging in Exit the King, adapted and directed by Patrick Marber.

Courtesy of Simon Annand.

A fresh new outlook and dazzling interpretation of one this country’s most beloved and traditional storylines, York Theatre Royal welcomes audiences on a trip down memory lane.

Courtesy of Ian Hodgson.

This year marks two significant anniversarys; the first being the execution of the Romanov Family, the ruling family of Russia up until the February Revolution and Russian Revolution in 1918 – a century ago, and the 50th anniversary of the assasination of Martin Luther King Jr, one of the most influential figures within the Civil Rights Movement in the US. These two events would go on to make an impact on history thereafter, politically and socially. Nichola McAuliffe draws on these two significant historical events in her latest piece, Revenants – set 25 years prior to the latter event, and 25 years after the former. Read on to find out more about the show.

We now find ourselves living in a world whereby having an online presence can prove powerful. A single image or headline can travel the lengths and breadths of the world in a matter of minutes. Traditional news outlets perhaps not the first point of call when finding out the latest headlines, independent publications are now finding that their voices are proving very influential. Renowned for their exploration of timely topics through physical theatre and puppetry, Theatre Témoin return to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to showcase their latest project, Feed, exploring this new digital world we find ourselves living in. Contributing playwright Eve Leigh tells us more about the company’s current piece.

In three hours three extraordinary actors perform three acts. Ben Power’s magnificent adaptation of Stefano Massini’s epic novel follows the story of a family that made the one of the biggest impacts in America’s history. That same nation is still feeling the consequences of the brother’s actions today.

Courtesy of Mark Douet.

The National Health Service and Alan Bennett are two of Britain’s most loved treasures. Only last month did the NHS reach the grand age of 70 years, and it’s the celebration of ageing that frames Bennett’s new play at the Bridge theatre.

Courtesy of Manuel Harlan.