Reviews
2021/22
2019
2018
Cells | Musical Film
‘Best Theatre to stream this month.’ The Guardian
★★★★★ ‘Cells is a delightful watch with two well fleshed out characters…I couldn’t recommend it higher. Sequel, please!’ Beyond the Curtain
★★★★ ‘…a beautifully complex interplay between music and lyrics: both are jumpy and eddying, and pull each other along in unexpected directions.” The Stage
★★★★ ‘…lyrics are quite conversational and naturalistic…a neat set of songs that are sharply functional yet fully enjoyable...” Musical Theatre Review
★★★★ ‘great performances’ West End Best Friend
★★★★ ‘…the balance between emphasising certain points and giving the audience fresh detail is practically perfect…beautifully shot,’ London Theatre 1
In The Willows | UK Tour
★★★★★ ‘something for every generation to enjoy… absolutely incredible’ LondonTheatre1
★★★★★ ‘a fantastic and clever interpretation of the Kenneth Grahame childhood favourite...excellent, both funny and very current.’ The Hollywood News
★★★★★ ‘pulsing with energy from start to finish...sensational...a night of riotous fun’ London Box Office
★★★★★ ‘a modern retelling that not only injects life into Grahame’s story but enriches it...deliciously effective.’ Reviews Hub (Wimbledon)
★★★★★ ‘nothing short of absolute brilliance’ Reviews Hub (Coventry)
★★★★★ ‘theatre at its best...Drop everything and go and see it!’ Reviewsgate
★★★★★ ‘energetic, vibrant and evocative. One of the best pieces of theatre I’ve seen in a long time’ Camilla Joyce
★★★★‘Kenneth Grahame meets Hamilton...brilliantly original and delightfully funny… irresistible’ Daily Mail
★★★★ ‘a terrific new musical’ Mail on Sunday
★★★★ ‘Brimming with joy and energy throughout...an entertainingly feel good show’ Gay Times
★★★★ ‘cheeky, exuberant, marvelous, wonderful’ Libby Purves
★★★★ ‘clever and humorous...pure West End musical’ The List
Little Mermaid | UK Tour
★★★★ 'Excellent... Spectacular... Amazing... Ingenious... Delightful' Remote Goat
★★★★ ‘stunning, sophisticated, genuine wow factor’ Manchester Theatre Awards
★★★★ ‘spellbinding… the perfect blend of circus and musical theatre’ Upstaged Manchester
★★★★ ‘an acrobatic fantasia of delights, inspiring, stupendous, sublime…a work of magical magnificence ’ North West End (York)
★★★★ ‘imaginative beyond belief…extraordinary, brilliant, spellbinding, Astounding’ North West End (Manchester)
★★★★ ‘beautiful and heartwarming’ What's Good To Do
‘Gasp-inducing...stunning’ The Stage
‘Death-defying...extraordinary...a joy to behold' British Theatre Guide
‘magic…magnificent… irresistible’ Exeunt
Fantastic…exquisite’ York Press
‘Amazing and spectacular’ Yorkshire Wonders
‘Soul stirring music… stunning’ Arts York
‘The multi talented Metta Theatre team use their circus skills to push the boundaries of story-telling into what is becoming an exciting new genre, the circus musical. … stunning…genuine wow-factor.’ ★★★★ Manchester Theatre Awards
‘This beautiful reinvention of the popular tale presents the perfect mixture of expression through movement and vocals… This spellbinding production of Little Mermaid is the perfect blend of circus and musical theatre and is the perfect showcase for the talents of the cast.’ ★★★★ Upstaged Manchester
‘an extraordinary and unique adaptation of the Little Mermaid from the award-winning Metta Theatre. On the surface, this stays true to the typical mermaid meets mortal and the ‘love at first sight’ essence however this production presents many spellbinding diverse layers under that initial surface. Metta’s Little Mermaid was imaginative beyond belief and ultimately a bold, daring experiment within the theatrical styling. The production was executed with finesse and exuberance by all members of the ensemble. Metta Theatre have created a powerfully potent piece of theatre that is filled with spectacular visuals and creativity… This piece of theatre is not to be missed’ ★★★★ North West End (Manchester)
‘An acrobatic fantasia of delights awaits those lucky enough to sample this inspiring production of the classic fable. Not a carbon copy of the Walt Disney film, but a rollicking performance akin to Cirque du Soleil. Children (particularly young girls) will be enraptured, adults will be mesmerised; if this is a young person’s first experience of the theatre, it will not be a wasted one. Overall, this production is a work of magical magnificence for all the family. I cannot recommend it warmly enough.’ ★★★★
‘With a headstrong heroine swinging across the boundary between land and sea, Metta Theatre prove how brilliantly underwater myths and circus acts can combine in this fresh adaptation of The Little Mermaid. The sea is almost too irresistible to leave, making the adapted ending all the more magical… Metta Theatre use their circus prowess to combine acrobatic flair with the transformative sequences within the show…This is a world where fantastic feats happen before our eyes: if performers can fly through the air, a fin can be cleft into legs. Anything is possible, a powerful feeling of achievement hangs in the air.’ Exeunt
‘you might expect this circus/musical version of Hans Christian Andersen’s nautical fable to be a children’s show, but adults will enjoy it just as much, if not more… a tale for our times, one that chimes with the spirit of Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar-winning The Shape Of Water, but Metta’s trademark female perspective does not weigh heavy on their subversive, gloriously visual storytelling… The ultimately uplifting story interweaves with the circus choreography smoothly and spectacularly, with the aerial feats and the ring work drawing bursts of applause, and the storyline tugging at the heartstrings.After this wonderful water-world of a Theatre Royal debut for Metta Theatre, their return to York will surely be on the cards.’ York Press
‘Poppy Burton-Morgan’s new musical version of this popular Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale brings a haunting undercurrent to meet an uplifting overall message… absorbing, lulling piece of theatre rich with layers of dance, circus, physical theatre and song.’ Arts York
Roles | World Premiere
‘brave and brilliant, running the gamut of emotions from frivolity to cold fury... spectacular costumes, like artworks...provocative’ The Stage
2017
Jungle Book | UK Tour
'The dancing is out of this world...clever lighting... the entire cast is to be applauded with the skateboard-riding wolf gang, the circus-performing Mowgli and the naughty monkeys all spectacular.
With the show aimed at everyone over eight, the theatre was jam-packed with youngsters on opening night, including our 11-year-old, who sat transfixed watching the energetic goings-on. The entire audience got to their feet at the end and even my dad dancing didn’t seem to embarrass our little one for once such was her enjoyment!' ★★★★★ Lifestyle District
'Metta Theatre takes Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale and gives it a dope AF remix... It creates an experience that, much like Kaa, soon has you under its spell...a great show, very entertaining... Enchanting...Grab your little monkeys and go.' ★★★★★ Babes About Town
Metta Theatre’s Jungle Book offers a surprisingly unique take on an old classic. Director Poppy Burton-Morgan injects some new blood into an old tale through a hugely talented cast...Through a dynamic fusion of street dance, hip-hop, and enough feats of acrobatics to raise the blood pressure, the show excels with Kendra Horsburgh’s brilliant choreography. The emotional connection between the young girl Mowgli and her street wise “wolf pack” is beautifully illustrated through dynamic individual dance styles...The power in Metta Theatre’s Jungle Book resides firmly on the shoulders of its seven performers. Their exuberance and indisputable talent giving real emotional depths to this pulsing adaptation of Kipling’s classic tale. ★★★★ The Spy in the Stalls
'stays close to the original story while offering up new interpretations around friendship, finding your way in the world and the power of artistic expression.' ★★★★ Northern Soul
'Metta Theatre challenge the well-loved tale and turn it on its head. Quite literally...positively bursts with creativity, talent and passion... a highly captivating show for younger theatre goers to enjoy, though cleverly, it offers a more mature social commentary on the Kipling classic – making it suitable for children and adults alike' ★★★★ Upstaged Manchester
'Metta Theatre successfully prove that classic literature is still relevant in 2017; the struggles of power, class and stereotyped cultures depicted in the jungle translate very well to an urban environment.
Metta Theatre’s Jungle Book is a playful, entertaining experience, which offers a unique combination of classic literature, hip hop dance and circus skills. The perfect introduction to dance for young children, and perhaps a springboard for the future of narrative dance.' E is for Emma
Raw, ruthless and stark... enormous family-friendly fun, carrying us through scene after scene on a wave of sizzling vivacity... extraordinary to watch...This is a performance that reaches beyond words to attain something far more emotive, animalistic and elevated.' Skylight Train
‘a modern tale of inclusivity, self-expression and equality to match. Director and story adapter Poppy Burton-Morgan has created a relentlessly entertaining visual feast sure to impress any age, from the unusual, urban soundtrack to the outstanding choreography…a mighty fierce, fun-loving, funky female at that. Alfa Marks leaps about the stage with childlike playfulness, coupled with the stage presence and skill of an incredibly talented performer. She scrabbles around the floor, body-pops, break dances and backflips before taking flight in memorable, aerial acrobatic sequences which had little ones squealing and adults gawping in amazement….Ultimately, as well as a spectacular visual feast, littered with unbelievable tricks, choreography and feats of exceptional strength (props to Nathalie Alison’s gravity-defying routine in particular), Metta Theatre’s Jungle Book is a modern coming-of-age tale. The message to adults as well as children is to be yourself, voice your opinions and speak up for those less fortunate than yourself – as espoused by Mowgli on her return to the jungle family, having befriended an outcast vulture on the way. So yes, by all means enjoy the nostalgic charm of Disney’s efforts – live action and animated, we’re not fussy – but for a stunning piece of theatre with a big heart, contemporary flair and an uplifting lesson about self-acceptance, Metta Theatre is the way to go.’ The Bristol Mag
‘casting Mowgli as a female character was a masterstroke; she had a vulnerability yet overall strength of character that made her a great role model for the young girls in the audience, of which there were plenty. ...The show was lively, energetic, beautifully choreographed by Kendra J Horsburgh and a great night out for both me and my girl…. I’ll admit it; I have seen a few shows which are theatre and circus skills fusions and they have never quite done it for me. A flimsy or nonsensical storyline appeared levered in to give the performance a reason to take place in a theatre made other shows I’ve seen a little clunky, even if the skills of the ‘actors’ could not be faulted. However, with Jungle Book, the cast, Director Poppy Burton-Morgan and the rest of the company have created a piece which holds its own on the Bristol Old Vic stage. It is engaging and has enough of the familiar story present to create a coherent narrative and excellent theatrical show. The set design was minimal yet striking, the music was perfect for the urban setting and this all meshed to make a fantastic piece of theatre Jungle Book is a great show to take the kids aged 8+ to, and will undoubtedly leave you on a high like it did for us. Highly recommended.’ Weston Super Mum
'When Rudyard Kipling penned The Jungle Book, never in his wildest dreams could he have imagined that likes of Shere Khan and Mowgli could be transported to the mean streets of London. However, director Poppy Burton-Morgan and the Metta Theatre Company have done just that in this bold, original and lively adaptation of the Kipling classic'. Reviews Hub
Pixel Dust | Edinburgh Festival
“I’m an explorer,” she says, trapped inside her box-like room, where it quickly becomes apparent she means an internet one. Projected behind her, “pixels” fall like rain. Will Reynold’s multi-media design really is beautiful. Sitting among it, Simone James plays Daniella, the kind of online obsessed teenager many parents will be all too familiar with, who adopts various personas online but is bullied in real life. Both her performance and Clare Bayley’s engaging script have a stream-of-consciousness, understated kind of naturalism'. The Scotsman
'Exploring anxieties about the impact of the internet on young people, Pixel Dust is timely and intelligent...Solo performer Simone James delivers the monologue with commitment and sensitivity, conveying a familiar adolescent mix of irreverence and tearful bluster... Will Reynolds’ set seals an untidy bedroom inside a transparent cube, simultaneously claustrophobic and voyeuristic. ...the show poses some intriguing questions about the way identity is constructed both on and offline.' The Stage
'It's easy for adult actors playing teenagers to over-compensate for their actual age by pitching their characters too young, but Simone James skillfully avoids this trap. James convincingly captures the middle teen years where Daniella's not really a child anymore, but isn’t an adult, either. She's facing the pressures of GCSEs and is increasingly independent, but serious incidents show she’s out of her depth in the adult world...James is a compelling performer and Bayley's character is a tribute to young people and the struggles they face growing up online.' Fest Magazine
'Pixel Dust is a rare thing: a piece of theatre about the internet that isn’t utterly technophobic...it’s hugely refreshing to see a piece of theatre that isn’t hell bent on decrying the evils and dangers of social media that we’ve all heard before… Cleverly, it anticipates all the arguments that are levelled against digital natives, namely that we’re addicted to our phones and that Google knows everything about us and throws it back in the faces of Baby Boomers and Gen Xers to show that the exact same criticisms are applicable to them. It actually sets the stage for us to have a meaningful conversation about the internet in all its true complexity… Pixel Dust definitely represents a step in the right direction for the future of theatre and the internet.' Broadway Baby
Wondr | Edinburgh Festival
‘Poppy Burton-Morgan’s pacy verse monologue is beautifully performed by Simone James… insightful observations come thick and fast. A strong idea...Clever.’ (The Scotsman)
‘gut-wrenching...cleverly brings into focus issues of authorship, race and identity...An initially utopian view of the internet as an amplifier for connection is complicated and problematised… brimming with ideas and genre-mashing gusto. Simone James, carrying this complex story on her own, gives a committed and emotionally corrosive performance…A surprising, impressive debut play.’ (The Stage)
'layer after layer is uncovered to give the work a courageous richness which you will just have to buy a ticket for. The language has the poetic flow as a gentle rap or Shakespearean soliloquy. The central performance by Simone James is captivating – and I can’t wait to see her also in Pixel Dust – she is a wondr.' (Chris Grady, Producer and blogger)
2016
Jungle Book | UK Tour
‘Visually stunning…From the very start the audience knew we were in for something a bit special…striking lighting…Jaw dropping…Atmospheric…This is a superb production from a highly-skilled and talented company who have created a refreshing new slant on this endearing tale.’ ★★★★★ Express and Echo
'this sparkling production...Hip-hop, break-dance, rap verses, gymnastics and startling trapeze skills combine in a display of subtle agility and style...thrilling choreography.' ★★★★ Irish Times
‘Gloriously comic…The cast, rich in edgy dance and circus experience, are remarkable. Especially young Natalie’s Mowgli, whose lithe red-clad figure will stay in my mind’s eye a fair while : leaping, rolling, somersaulting, trapezing, clambering up the skewed lamp-posts of the set, duetting on an aerial hoop with Natalie Alison as the most graceful of vultures….Fabulous… Marvellous dancing…every move serves the theatrical narrative.’ ★★★★ Theatre Cat, Libby Purves
‘Stunning…a remarkable experience to watch such talented and energetic performers…deeply moving…eloquently presented…effective staging and imaginative lighting…astonishing dancing…mesmerising…terrific soundtrack…ingenious costumes and puppetry… extraordinary.’ ★★★★Remote Goat
'a very effective reinvention of an already much loved but somewhat outdated tale. Kendra J Horsburgh’s fantastic choreography sees the cast tumbling, soaring and spinning about the stage with wonderful energy. The use of animal physicality is employed beautifully throughout the show with recurring motifs that help the young children in the audience identify each character. Filipe Gomes’ fantastically electric soundtrack serves to further separate the different species, from the clipped staccato of Bagheera’s theme to the hypnotically gliding notes that arise from Kaa’s presence onstage...the moments that include the whole company onstage are among the most impressive; a collective protest against the oppression faced by ethnic minorities and those that go against the grain...While this is certainly a more mature reinvention of Kipling’s classic, the message of the piece is very clear and can certainly be appreciated by children and adults alike. Essentially, this is a show that highlights social injustice and encourages socio-economic inclusion. Using the still under-appreciated art form of street dance, Metta Theatre is certainly a force to be reckoned with, positively bursting with imagination, talent and creativity.' ★★★★ West End Wilma
‘At last: a show for young teenagers that doesn’t talk down to them. Metta Theatre’s Jungle Book has appeal for all ages, but its refreshing mix of hip-hop, circus, rap and street dance seems sure to be a hit with the 9-14 age group. The production loses no time in exploding into life, introducing a vibrant cast of characters…For all its astonishing choreography, the show feels like it has been created with the public in mind – it is for everyone. It speaks unashamedly of the poverty, gangs and fear in urban life, while welcoming its whole audience into the bonds of friendship uniting Mowgli with her jungle family. The cast is universally talented, but eager to share the stage with young performers: the wolf pack are played by local dancers, trained up by the company… truly breath-taking. Watching a friendship develop between Mowgli and homeless girl Vee the Vulture (Natalie Layton-McIntosh) on a spinning hoop, their balances and tricks becoming more and more spectacular as their mutual trust blooms, the audience is captivated. Young trapeze artist Layton-McIntosh also steals the show as the hypnotic serpent Kaa, twisting and tumbling around a streetlight and drawing collective gasps from the audience with her death-defying stunts…It is difficult to choose a highlight, but Shere Khan’s capture by the police is perhaps the most affecting part of the show. Close to the ground, he struggles with powerful staccato moves against impossible odds. Defeated but not broken, shoulders rippling like a caged tiger, Shere Khan whispers his true story.’ ★★★★ Reviews Hub
'Metta Theatre, now in their tenth year, continue to produce some of the most entertaining and intelligent adaptations of literary classics in the British theatre scene… some thrilling jaw-dropping circus... the family audience are regularly stunned into silence by all these fantastic feats… a powerhouse performance… the cast are all so effortlessly cool, and work together beautifully. Burton-Morgan fully utilises the round space of the Wonderground, and it’s great fun to watch the cast run around the audience… The real beauty of this piece is the political and moral edge Burton-Morgan has pulled out of this story. Even Shere Khan’s ending is tragic rather than bad-guy-gets-his-comeuppance satisfactory – another young man behind bars, failed by the state. Metta Theatre have guts to challenge not only the literary history of this classic story, but also make some huge political statements at the same time. More of this in family and children’s theatre please!' ★★★★ Female Arts
‘Impressively acrobatic…Kaa coils up and down a lamppost, sometimes breathtakingly shooting downwards….Shere Khan is startlingly moving…engrossing.’ The Times
‘Highlights here are Matt Knight’s breakdancing Akela and Nathalie Alison’s pole-dancing Kaa…The acrobatic skills are impressive, the choreography inventive.’ The Stage
‘Vibrant, colourful and joyous…a glorious fusion of dance, storytelling, circus and hip hop theatre…The company’s dance and circus skills are to be admired. The stunning red flower scene together with magical work on a suspended ring by Natalie Nicole James and Nathalie Alison as the vulture is both skilful and graceful and deserved the spontaneous audience applause. William Reynolds’s design of angled streetlights and striking lighting is most impressive and adds a further dramatic dimension to the performance. Director Poppy Burton-Morgan’s assured inventive direction is a delight and keeps the pace flowing throughout.’ British Theatre Guide
‘Breathtakingly beautiful…excellent…extraordinary dance and circus skills…it’s great to see a cast that actually reflects the population of the UK in terms of gender and race up on stage… It’s great to see a young, talented, multi-racial cast on stage showing the highest levels of skill in circus and dance. And it’s really good to see so many strong, talented women leading the way in new UK theatre.’ The F Word
‘The shared aerial duet between Mowgli and Vee is a delight, as is the section where Mowgli is taught the languages of the other animals by Baloo and Bagheera. Kloe Dean, and Matt Knight are highly skilled and – most importantly – extremely watchable as (respectively) Bagheera and Akela. Nathalie Alison (Kaa and Vee) is also very good; as confident in the air as she is seductive on the ground. Natalie Nicole James (Mowgli) performs many styles admirably (from commercial to jazz to street to ballet), as well as various tricks and tumbles. She also performs some beautiful aerial work, and – most importantly – performs with a charm and focus that makes us care.’ Afridiziak
‘Combining street dance, rap and circus with banging beats it’s a bold and fast paced show that cleverly weaves the threads of the original into something new whilst adding a little social commentary (‘the suits’ portrayed almost as automatons and the obvious issue of inner city gang culture for instance) into the mix. mighty impressive physical displays…instantly engaging… Beautiful…Brave…expertly directed by Poppy Burton-Morgan Jungle Book’s an invigorating, hip (hop) and smart adaptation that’s littered with lovely subtle touches (Baloo’s broom as a mic stand, his interaction with the audience after the interval and some simple but very effective puppetry behind the baby Mowgli). Trust me on this one, you ‘Khan’t’ afford to miss it.’ The Hearing Aid
‘The skill of the dancers was fantastic, the moves perfectly fitting to the animal that they were playing. Baloo the bear had soft and cuter moves, whilst Kaa the snake slid across the floor and to the top of the lamppost like it was second nature. Truly amazing… a faultless performance. Every move was executed to perfection… a joy to watch. Metta Theatre have produced a very contemporary show, with a fusion of dance styles to enjoy.’ Life Magazine
‘Breathtaking… brilliantly choreographed… Music also played a massive role and the show’s composer and sound designer Filipe Gomes did a fantastic job in creating the perfect soundtrack to summarise each character… One of my favourite parts was a pole dancing sequence from Kaa the snake (Nathalie Alison). Not only did the fluid flow of her body work well to showcase Kaa’s hypnotic but deadly persona, but it also highlighted pole dancing as an art form.’ Slough Observer
‘Mowgli, beautifully performed by Natalie Nicole James, wears red throughout, a bright beacon from whom its hard to tear your gaze…the production is stunning, from the skateboarding feats to the funny tricks of Baloo (Stefan Puxon) to a touching duet on a circus hoop… The lithe and seductive solo by Kaa (Nathalie Alison) brought the house down.’ Maidenhead Advertiser
‘An incredibly visionary interpretation of the Rudyard Kipling classic…very impressive dancing… incredible circus and acrobatic skills… highly entertaining and a brave interpretation of a classic tale. Not many people would have the guts of director Poppy Burton-Morgan and choreographer Kendra J Horsburgh to take such a well-loved story and turn it completely on its head. Literally.’ Muddy Stilettos
‘Radical interpretation…visually stunning…a real joy to behold…poignant…awe inspiring.’ Families Online
2015
Mouthful | Trafalgar Studio 2, London
‘stirring and moving…one of the most riveting conversations I have ever had the privilege of seeing unravel on stage… mesmerising…sophisticated projections and technological wizardry ….a masterclass in collaboration, positively stretching the boundaries of what theatre can achieve’ ★★★★★ London Theatre1
‘Poppy Burton-Morgan’s punchy production pulls out all the stops…William Reynold’s slick, textured design…Pedro Miguel Rozo’s Organica kicks us off to a strong start… Clare Bayley’s The Protectors is a knock-out, five-star dystopia… Heartbreaking… Turned, by Inua Ellams, has to be seen to be believed. Make sure you do.’ ★★★★ The Times
‘astonishing… affecting…slick’ ★★★★ Londonist
‘impressive…visual delights…sparky’ What’s On Stage
‘hard-hitting enough to strike the audience into stillness, played with a beauty and sensitivity to match…tense, exciting and, at times, heart-warming… horrifically mesmerising… triumphant acting…’ A Younger Theatre
‘charmingly serves up food for thought…beautifully realised’ Arts Desk
The King of Tiny Things | UK Tour
‘fantastic…great singing, scintillating puppetry and skilful circus.’ ★★★★ Parenting Without Tears
‘a gentle, graceful performance…exciting’ ★★★★ Theatre Bubble, Verity Healey
‘There’s plenty to charm here’ The Guardian, Lyn Gardner
‘beautiful…gorgeously handled…talented ensemble…free-wheeling inventiveness…effortlessly charming’ Exeunt, Stewart Pringle
‘excellent juggling and superb balancing…a colourful delight’ West End Wilma, Ed Nightingale
‘the colourful set, clever lighting and imaginative costumes and puppetry captivate the children. …full of energy…impressive’ A Younger Theatre, Franciska Ery
‘delightful…a testament to the power of imagination…enchanting show for the whole family to enjoy’ London Theatre 1, Stephanie Caiger-Watson
Cosi fan tutte | New Theatre, Oxford
‘captivating… a triumph… genuinely heart-warming’ Oxford Times
‘an uplifting and refreshing performance…skilful acting…The vocal performances of the artists were wonderfully strong, with wit injected into every syllable’ Oxford Culture Review
2014
Alice | V&A and UK tour
‘Metta Theatre are creating a little bit of magic…Mandy Travis is a delight…beautiful puppetry…stunning use of object manipulation…transforming the ordinary to the remarkable…poignant and bewitchingly magical.’ ★★★★ Mary Halton in Exeunt
‘Extraordinary…both magical and a little disturbing…brilliantly designed… this brief hour will stay with me for a long time, the sadness and strangeness echoing.’ ★★★★ Libby Purves in Theatre Cat
‘Charming and imaginative, Alice intriguingly portrays the madness of war alongside the madness of
imaginations.’ ★★★★ Intermission Bristol
‘magical and moving…atmospheric and poignant’ Natasha Tripney in The Stage
‘Almost unbearably moving…Jack Parker’s Captain Hargreaves is the perfect posh-voiced son and soldier and Mandy Travis just amazing as Alice with a vocal range that is astounding. Poppy Burton-Morgan has made something very special in this Alice, brought together with the help of William Reynolds’ design and lighting, the puppetry design of Yvonne Stone and a carefully matched sound score and some lovely music by Filipe Gomes.’ Howard Loxton in British Theatre Guide
‘both poignant and playful… The production can be measured by its success at exploring issues from warfare to madness through the seemingly innocent and fantastical medium of puppetry.’ Bristol 247
‘a production which confidently straddles light and dark, innocence and experience…sophisticated and intelligent storytelling…imaginatively re-defining what conventional puppetry looks like…Metta Theatre are experts at storytelling, carefully constructing an atmosphere in which shifts in tone can glide into one another, taking the audience on a journey which feels bespoke.’
Tutku Barbaros in The F-Word
‘charming and inventive…Poppy Burton-Morgan combines the surreal fantasy world created by Carroll with the real-life stories of Alice and Alan Hargreaves to great effect…an imaginative, enchanting piece of theatre that is highly recommended.’
Anna Micham in Western Morning News
‘excellent acting…incredible puppetry…The beauty of the puppetry is that it seems so spontaneous…Alice is a delightfully original adaptation of a well-known classic that will impress fans of historical dramas, children’s literature and everything in between.’
Melissa Taylor in In Suffolk
‘intriguing…tender…a thought-provoking tale’ Lesley Anslow in The Bury Free Press
2013
Well | Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds
‘three dancers, haunting sounds and heart stopping acrobatic feats created a stunning and poignant piece of theatre…mesmerizing…amazing. Poppy Burton-Morgan, director, has not only produced a piece of work that is artistically stunning, it is also relevant to today and reminds us that even the best placed motives can unleash a disaster.’
The Bury Free Press
‘a triumph…the unique production, which featured spectacular acrobatics using a rope, a dangling hoop and flowing red cloth, was portrayed by Leyla Rees, Lindsey Butcher and choreographer Shreya Kumar, with skill, dexterity and poise…dazzling… fantastic…poignant.’
East Anglia Daily Times
Monkey & Crocodile | Greenwich & Docklands International Festival & Site-responsive UK tour (Eg
‘utterly irresistible …an enchanting mix of music, circus skills, story-telling and apples…brilliant physicality…genuinely touching. You’d have to be a right old grumpy crocodile not to leave with a smile on your face.’
★★★★ Stewart Pringle in Exeunt
2012
Arab Nights | Soho Theatre & UK Tour
‘exquisite…impressive… the physical wit and economical elegance carry you on into empathy, beyond the daily horror of the headlines.’
★★★★ Libby Purves in The Times
‘Visually inventive… immensely striking… Poppy Burton-Morgan’s production skilfully uses everything from puppetry to hi tech’
Michael Billington in The Guardian
‘an exceptional melding of myth and modern protest…Arab Nights is an unequivocal achievement. With its exciting treatment of current events, its ingenious use of The Arabian Nights’ original qualities and its beautiful acting, it offers an experience at once magical and profound.’
Spoonfed
2011/
2010
The Man With the Flower in His Mouth | Greenwich Theatre/The London Particular
‘this delightful production is another reminder that this is a company to watch….captivating, dangerously spontaneous, and infectious with energy…Weafer and Collings breathe life into every snatch of text, thanks in part to the rich yet subtle symbolic vocabulary of gesture created under Burton-Morgan’s direction.’
Kate Maltby in The Spectator
‘Samuel Collings possesses the intensity and charisma to grasp the audience from his first moments, and with the aid of Burton-Morgan’s appropriately detailed direction, he gives a performance in which his slightest movement is filled with interest and import…with stunning performances and a setting which blends convincing immersion with a disjunctive theatricality, it’s an enthralling hour in New Cross.’
★★★★ Stewart Pringle in Whats On Stage
‘quietly exhilarating…The intimate proximity to the action, worked to create a wonderfully immersive experience… talented performances and experienced directing – a wonderful achievement.’
Carmen Nasr for Extra Extra
Otieno | Southwark Playhouse
‘thrilling immediacy… exciting. Directed with verve…Burton-Morgan’s staging immediately establishes hair-trigger tension and a disturbing sense that horrific violence has become routine… this is a highly effective, imaginative response to the classical play that both grips and stirs.’
★★★★ Sam Marlowe in The Times
‘Designer William Reynolds has put together a deceptively simple set… but it’s the use of torches – the visual equivalent of the flashes of humour in Georges’s script – that really heightens the tension…this is an astute demonstration of the ugly truth that nothing is fair in love or war.’
★★★★ Nina Caplan in Time Out (Critics’ Choice)
‘For anyone who doubts that a modern rewriting of a Shakespearean tragedy can pack the emotional and intellectual punch of its antecedent, this is the one to change your mind… Racism, betrayal, violence and destruction of body and mind are writ large but played with subtlety and authenticity. Director Poppy Burton-Morgan uses this cracking cast to great effect. The direction is smart and slick, playing with light and shadow to increase the dramatic tension.’
Katty Pearce in Fringe Review
‘The whole piece, tightly directed by Poppy Burton-Morgan for Metta Theatre is fast-paced in its minimalist staging, clever use of torches and darkness and efficient controlled explosions…exciting, moving and a compelling theatrical experience.’
Church Times
‘sublime…Using a minimalist setting Poppy Burton-Morgan as director has created a powerful, believable tale of love, power and revenge. The use of minimalist lighting was ingenious… Shakespeare, I think, would have been delighted.’
Susan Rogers in Southwark News
Waiting | Southbank Centre
‘…a haunting Verbatim exploration…the beautiful singing of Anna Dennis and Carole Wilson each telling further tales of womanly woe, both models of clarity as well as musical beauty. Waiting should be compulsory viewing for the politicians who have the power to invoke change.’
Philip Fisher in British Theatre Guide
‘perfect staging…absolutely superb…this must be seen!’
Vanessa Redgrave
‘…hauntingly effective. The portrayal by Simone James of Alexia, a Senegalese refugee, was as majestic and poignant as Juliet Stevenson’s portrayal of Sabah, Jamil el-Banna’s wife, was slowly intense.’
Harmit Athwal in Institute of Race Relation
Blood Wedding | Southwark Playhouse
‘The whole set-up is terrifically relaxing… It’s all spirited and hugely likeable, particularly a number of blood-chillingly beautiful laments that contrast elegantly with the joyful wedding songs.’
Time Out
‘the hard-working cast (doubling up on roles and providing the music) imbue Lorca’s lines with an impressively casual chattiness; and the perplexing, surreal third act is helped by resonances of Caribbean folk tales… strong performances make this a relevant and powerful production.’
**** Siobhan Murphy in Metro
‘Strong Performances and a lively use of the audience add a visceral power to Poppy Burton-Morgan’s Caribbean-British production of Lorca’s sybolist family tragedy.’
**** Metro, Critic’s Choice
‘a text pared down to its passionate, primeval core, connects the violence of the play and its context with contemporary Britain…Director Poppy Burton-Morgan transports the action from rural Spain to a Caribbean black community and in doing so makes the tragedy compelling and immediate.’
Barbara Lewis in The Stage
‘being part of the celebrations makes it impossible not to feel engaged when it all falls apart… strong performances throughout.’
David Trennery in Arts Hub
‘Their energetic, imaginative show captures the symbolism of the original without pretension or at the expense of emotional truth…haunting and unforgettable… Metta Theatre certainly know how to capture and keep an audience’.
Katty Pearce in Fringe Review
2009
The Elephant’s Child & Just So | Trafalgar Studios
‘Jessica Dannheisser’s score is whimsical and playful… This is an intelligent, charming and endearingly rough-and-tumble bit of storytelling.’
Stephe Harrop in londontheatreblog.co.uk
The Elephant’s Child | Arcola Theatre
‘…a production bubbling with creative energy. Metta’s strength lies in director Poppy Burton-Morgan’s eye for the most striking of visual games. But children will be entranced most of all by the lilting soprano of Rebecca Lea, as the eponymous small elephant.’
Kate Maltby in newcultureforum.org.uk
‘The Elephants Child proved to be a delightful adaptation of Kipling’s classic fable, combining dance, song, puppetry and story telling into an effective drama to entrance both young and old.’
Serena Fenwick in musicalpointers.co.uk
La Voix Humaine/La Livre Blanc | Riverside Studios
‘It is quite beautifully sung by Rebecca Lea… A solo piece which is extremely demanding on the performer with three-quarters of an hour of high emotion she had no recourse to obvious histrionics but maintained an intensity of feeling that held the audience…I found the puppets most effective.’
Howard Loxton in British Theatre Guide
2008
Hamlet – A Retelling | White Bear Theatre
‘It is strong, steady and keeps you inside the story throughout…her all female cast give the play softness and fluidity…’
Lalayn Baluch in The Stage
‘It was the sweet and imaginative details that brought it alive.’
Zia Trench in British Theatre Guide
‘This is a beautiful and bold production, full of wonderful detail…one of the best Hamlets I’ve seen in thirty years of theatre-going.’
John Weybridge in thisislondon.co.uk
Hidden Light | Barons Court Theatre & Oxford Playhouse
‘A simple, intelligent production…It is a subtle, elegant performance… genuinely moving.’
Natasha Tripney in The Stage
‘The most impressive performance I have seen here in seventeen years.’
Ron Philips, Artistic Director of the Barons Court Theatre
‘The play manages to present scientific thought and principle in an engaging way by having such an absorbing and convincing character. Emilie seems both of her time and modern…The staging was sparse and simple and the actress‘s movements were limited, which made the skill with which she captivated the audience all the more impressive.’
Hannah Watson in Daily Info
‘One of the best things I’ve ever seen on the London Fringe.’
Kathy Manners in thisislondon.co.uk
2007
The Birds | Merton Chapel
Metta Theatre are to be congratulated for their innovation and courage in mounting this witty and challenging piece of music theatre…interesting and accessible…the production was outstanding. In terms of the vocal performances, they were all excellent.’
Simon Tavener in Daily Info