STEVE JOHNSON recommends a protest album with a harder edge than many in the genre
Reasons to Stay Alive, Bristol Old Vic
Stylish and often amusing exploration of one man's battle with depression
Mike Noble and Dilek Rose in Reasons to Stay Alive.
[Johan Persson] 
DENNIS BROE finds much to praise in the new South African Netflix series, but wonders why it feels forced to sell out its heroine
CARL DEATH introduces a new book which explores how African science fiction is addressing climate change
In his second round-up, EWAN CAMERON picks excellent solo shows that deal with Scottishness, Englishness and race as highlights
Fiery words from the Bard in Blackpool and Edinburgh, and Evidence Based Punk Rock from The Protest Family
MATTHEW HAWKINS is mesmerised by a performance that dissolves the line between audience and performer
MATTHEW SHARPE recommends the essays of a Renaissance politician that instruct and unnerve after 400 years
MATT HAIG’S best-selling book gets an assured adaptation for the stage by April De Angelis in this production, during which The Older Matt (Phil Cheadle) acts as commentator, calmly taking us through the Younger Matt’s darkest days and gradual emergence from suicidal thoughts and hopelessness.
As the physical incarnation of the voice in his younger self’s head, he’s able to supply the insight to continue living that friends and family cannot.
More from this author
SIMON PARSONS is beguiled by a dream-like exploration of the memories of a childhood in Hong Kong
SIMON PARSONS is taken by a thought provoking and intelligent play performed with great sensitivity
SIMON PARSONS is gripped by a psychological thriller that questions the the power of the state over vulnerable individuals
SIMON PARSONS applauds an imaginative and absorbing updating of Strindberg’s classic
