TONY BURKE reviews new releases from Cheikh Lo, Mishra & Deepa Shakthi, N’Faly Kouyate
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Mansfield Polak
In communities where exploitative warehouses have replaced coal mines, Beth Steel has fashioned an uproarious state-of-the-nation comedy, says MARY CONWAY
DEVASTATING: Sinead Matthews (Sylvia), Lorraine Ashbourne (Aunty Carol), Lisa McGrillis (Maggie) and Lucy Black (Hazel) in Till the Stars Come Down at the National Theatre
[Manuel Harlan] 
Gin Lane by William Hogarth is a critique of 18th-century London’s growing funeral trade, posits DAN O’BRIEN
ANDY HEDGECOCK sees his scepticism lessened by a story is more complex and far-reaching than is initially apparent
MARK TURNER holds on tight for a mesmerising display of Neath-born ragtime virtuosity
ALAN MORRISON introduces a UK poet whose despised daytime occupation provides the subject for his writing
MARK TURNER wallows in the virtuosity of Swansea Jazz Festival openers, Simon Spillett and Pete Long
Till the Stars Come Down
NT - Dorfman
TO watch the National Theatre embracing a play set in Mansfield feels like the nearest thing we’ve seen to levelling up in a long time. And it’s a beautifully crafted piece.
This world premiere by Beth Steel is real, deeply engaging and so uproariously funny that when the hard truth bubbles intermittently to the surface, its devastating and hyperbolic impact hits with exaggerated force.
The play takes place at a family wedding between Sylvia and local Polish worker, Marek.
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