Louise Penn on Muck Rack

Louise Penn

(She/Her)
London
As seen in: BroadwayWorld, Letterboxd, TheReviewsHub, LouReviews, North West End UK, Plays International
Covers:  theatre,arts,exhibitions,books,films,archive television,fringe theatre,musicals,classic cinema
Doesn't Cover: I no longer cover education, having left academia in 2018

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Louise Penn’s Biography

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I am a theatre and arts critic, reviewer, and published writer with a particular interest in contemporary performance, underrepresented voices, and the evolving relationship between theatre and audiences. My work spans reviewing, interviews, criticism, and academic writing, and I regularly cover productions across London’s vibrant theatre landscape as well as digital performances from around the world.

In September 2025, I was invited to join the Critics' Circle, the professional association re…

Louise Penn’s Journalist Portfolio

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Review: COMPAŇÍA MARCO FLORES - RAYUELA, Sadler's Wells East

Review: COMPAŇÍA MARCO FLORES - RAYUELA, Sadler's Wells East

In Reyuela, Flores and his collaborators see flamenco as a game of risk, mischievousness, and arrogance. Reyu…

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Review: ZOONATION YOUTH COMPANY, Royal Ballet And Opera

Review: ZOONATION YOUTH COMPANY, Royal Ballet And Opera

ZooNation Youth Company presents two shows as part of the Next Generation Festival 2026 - a showcase for danc…

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"Pride" by Stephen Beresford London theatre review

"Pride" by Stephen Beresford London theatre review

Louise Penn on the South Bank ★★★★★ 28 June 2026 It's 1984, and the pre-show tunes and slides remind us

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Raindance Film Festival 2026: Whiskey Dixie and the Big Wet Country - The Reviews Hub

Raindance Film Festival 2026: Whiskey Dixie and the Big Wet Country - The Reviews Hub

Director: Amanda Richards Seeking to find a space alongside other cult favourites such as The Rocky Horror Pi…

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"Sinatra: The Musical" starring Joel Harper-Jackson

"Sinatra: The Musical" starring Joel Harper-Jackson

Louise Penn in the West End ★★★☆☆ 25 June 2026 Classic crooner Bing Crosby famously said, "Frank is a singer

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Review: DANCE DIGITAL, Sadler's Wells

Review: DANCE DIGITAL, Sadler's Wells

The Lilian Baylis Theatre and associated spaces next door to Sadler's Wells is full of chatter and excitement…

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Articles

Dances With Films – The Resistance

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By Louise Penn
| LouReviews
The Resistance was one of the short films included in this year’s Dances With Films festival. This proof of concept for TV runs under 15 minutes but is very well made and suggests a strong start for a potential series or longer film. The Resistance is set at the point in time where the Jews were starting to be persecuted in Belgium. The Belgian resistance – made up of Jews and Gentiles – seeks to thwart the Germans in their search for Aryan supremacy.
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Play review: Rika’s Rooms (Theatre at the Tabard)

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By Louise Penn
| LouReviews
The latest collaboration between actor Emma Wilkinson-Wright, author Gail Louw, and director Anthony Shrubsall, Rika’s Rooms is currently playing at the Tabard. Rika is an elderly Jewish woman with dementia, confused about her present but clear about the flashbacks to key times in her life. The play requires Wilkinson-Wright to play Rika from the age of 14 onwards, achieving this with physical and vocal changes. It isn’t an easy watch.
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Edinburgh Fringe preview: Robin Grainger on Lemonade

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By Louise Penn
| LouReviews
Scottish comedian Robin Grainger heads back to the Edinburgh Fringe with a new show this summer. Robin Grainger: Lemonade is “another hysterical show about happiness.” Where: The Crate at Assembly George Square When: 5-31 Aug Ticket link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/robin-grainger-lemonade What can you tell us about your show? What is it about and where did the idea come from? In the past, my shows have had “heavier” themes.
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Interview

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What was your first job as a journalist?

My first article was published in 2000.

Have you ever used a typewriter?

Yes, and I have the RSA level qualifications to prove it

How is social media changing news?

By making headlines happen quickly, whether fake or real.
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