Robert Lindsay in Onassis at The Novello Theatre

It is two years since Onassis made its debut at The Chichester Festival Theatre under the former title of Aristo. The play, written by Martin Sherman is a kind of biography that obsesses rather too much on far-fetched conspiracy theories, and has obvious and frequent allusions to Greek tragedy.

I did not think much of the play, but am surprised to see the host of one star reviews it has provoked. Despite the material, how so many critics can deem Robert Lindsay’s performance as only worthy of one star is beyond me, as I think he is utterly fabulous as the egocentric lead. I went to school with Lindsay’s daughter, who is now also in the theatre world. I always enjoy watching him perform and feel he has a real ease on stage. As Onassis he is utterly surprising, I couldn’t quite believe it was him. He commands the stage and charms all he touches, how he makes such a brute seem appealing is a miracle. I was particularly impressed by his authentic sounding Greek accent that isn't matched by any of the Greek characters.

Other than Lindsay there is little else to be excited about. I found Tom Austen, who plays Onassis’ moaning son, to be unbearably soppy. Unfortunately his accent is so confused it distracted me from actually watching his performance. Jackie Kennedy is played by Lydia Leonard who seemed fed up throughout and just isn’t a particularly engaging character. The muse Maria Callas is taken on by Anna Francolini who looks almost identical to the famous opera singer. I enjoyed her diva presence and her frantically aggressive interactions with Robert Lindsay.

Sherman’s play comes complete with Greek Chorus who mope about in the background for most of the performance. The two musicians Ben Grove and Graeme Taylor play Ilona Sekacz’s lilting music beautifully on their guitars but there is just a little bit too much of it, and it became boring, especially when the wailing women in the ensemble join in. The set, by Katrina Lindsay, is quite appealing and has a marine slickness about it, with a glistening pool of water at the front that the actors seem to have fun playing about with. Onassis the play isn’t worth seeing, but Robert Lindsay's rendition of the man is.

Onassis continues until 5 February, 2011. Book here.

Bent at The Tabard Theatre

I studied Bent at University so was prepared for the gritty narrative and shocking script. I went to see Martin Sherman’s play at the dinky Tabard Theatre in Chiswick, a theatre I have always wanted to visit.

Bent was written in 1979 and offers an insight into the persecution of gay men in Nazi Germany. The word ‘bent’ was the slang term some Europeans used to refer to homosexuals at the time. The original West End production starred Ian McKellen, and Richard Gere was in the first Broadway show in 1980.

The tiny Tabard is a suitable venue for this gripping play, and being so close to the action makes it almost unbearable to watch at times. Russell Morton gives the performance of a lifetime as the moody Max, he seems completely engrossed in the role throughout. Previously in the year Morton won a best fringe actor nomination with the same production at the Landor Theatre. Steven Butler is endearing as Max’s needy partner Rudy, although I did find myself getting irritated by his whiney voice. David Flynn is striking as Horst and works beautifully on stage with Morton. Flynn adds subtle nuances to his character that makes the two men's relationship even more believable.

The cramped space and dark set makes the whole experience terrifyingly claustrophobic. Barbed wire walls trap the characters on stage and two large Nazis trap the audience in their seats. Despite knowing the play I found this rendition deeply disturbing at times, sometimes almost having to cover my eyes. Director Andrew Keates has done an expert job on Bent bringing out the best qualities of Sherman’s play and adding more. I found the whole production deeply moving and thought-provoking and left the theatre teary eyed.

Although the Tabard is small it houses large talent, with this production of Bent fetching many glowing 4* reviews. With a lovely pub downstairs the whole venue has a friendly atmosphere. Throughout August you can see brilliant comedians like Alex Zane and Al Murray performing at the venue.

www.tabardtheatre.co.uk