DST First Night Reviews
‘Murder on the Nile’ review
‘a thoroughly enjoyable and remarkably impressive production’. Read Sam Garratt’s review of Snow Globe’s Murder on the Nile!
‘Be More Chill’ review
‘It is this energy that truly defines Be More Chill: both emotionally charged and relentlessly fun. Grab a ticket - you will leave the theatre feeling uplifted in a brilliantly nerdy way.’ Read Laurie Davidson’s review of Oook!’s Be More Chill!
‘Othello’ review
‘Executed masterfully on every front, Othello is an epic performance of love, jealousy and corruption that anyone would be remiss not to see’. Read Lucy Chisholm’s review of Roots’ Othello now!
‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ review
‘Phoenix Theatre’s production captures the audience completely […] a testament to the company’s exceptional talent and collaborative spirit’. Read Sonakshikaa’ Singh’s review for Phoenix Theatre’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame!
‘Dusk to Dawn: A Cabaret’ review
‘an utter delight to watch, and these performers are testament to the talent of the theatre community in Durham’. Maisie James reviews DULOG’s Dusk to Dawn: A Cabaret!
‘Julius Caesar’ review
‘Bloody, dark, and complex […] not one to be missed.’ Nell Hickson reviews DUCT’s Julius Caesar!
‘Taskmaster Durham 2026’ review
‘highly developed [and] wildly creative […] all those involved should be pleased with how their hard work paid off’. Harriet Miller reviews Ooook!’s Taskmaster Durham 2026!
‘The Tempest’ review
‘An incredible watch - it felt like there was something going on everywhere all the time’. Read Amelia Awan’s review of Oswald’s Players’ The Tempest!
‘Come From Away’ review
‘an utter delight from start to finish and truly celebrates what it means to be a community in this unmissable production’. Molly Winchurst reviews TDTC’s Come From Away!
‘The Picture of Shellshock!’s Egg’ review
‘scratches an itch for direct, entertaining audience engagement that can’t be found elsewhere in the theatre community […] Shellshock! Improv will impress you.’ Ivan Deverick reviews Shellshock Improv's The Picture of Shellshock’s Egg!
‘Catch Me If You Can’ review
‘It is undeniably an excellent production’. Read Tom O’Connor’s review of Woodplayers’ Catch Me If You Can!
‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ review
‘a production that left the audience craving more, and one that everybody truly is talking about’. Read Alice Roberts’ review of TCMS’ Everybody’s Talking About Jamie!
‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ review
‘a dynamic and expressive show, and truly a spectacle to behold’. Emi Sharples reviews DOE’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland!
DDF 2026: Assembly Rooms programme review
‘exceptional.’ Read Lauren Williams’ review of the DDF Assembly Rooms Theatre programme!
DDF 2026: Mount Oswald Hub programme review
‘the festival’s future is in safe hands’. Edward Clark reviews DDF’s Mount Oswald Hub programme!
DDF 2026: Collingwood Arts Centre programme review
‘ultimately brilliant’. Read Mwambu Haimbe’s review of DDF’s Collingwood Arts Centre programme!
DDF 2026 Opening Night review
‘All forms of comedy got their chance to make the audience laugh, and most importantly it thrived off all-round creative talent.’ Ivan Deverick reviews DDF Opening Night!
‘Anastasia’ review
‘brings to life the cities of St Petersburg and Paris with grace and charm.’ Read Alex McNeice’s review of FHTC’s Anastasia!
‘Carrie: The Musical’ review
‘a must-see performance that intertwined comedy with horror, showcasing the talent of the entire cast and crew’. Amy Manning reviews Hild Bede Theatre’s Carrie: The Musical!
‘Lavender’ review
‘a little gem of a play, gifted real life by compassionate direction and understated chemistry […] an evening of worthwhile heartbreak.’ Read Laurie Davidson’s review of Sixth Side’s Lavender now!