Peter Lathan

There couldn't be a bigger distance between Rat in the Skull and this play, but the production values - a well-written play, strong acting and direction - are the same. It's a "backstage comedy", dealing with the production of a play based on Byron's Don Juan, a production which will involve a nude scene, something which Rebecca, the actress, objects to in principle.

Mr Punch tells the story of Norman, a solitary and now lonely figure of fun, with a dependence for drink and a long life of self-destruction and small mindedness. Norman has returned from a funeral carrying his recent departed father’s life in a suitcase. A father whom he blames for his actions, situations and what the world might call a ‘wasted life’. When a faraway family move in next door – Norman’s attitudes, pity-party and beliefs may have to change. But there’s no show without Punch.

For our 200th episode of the British Theatre Guide podcast, we decided to turn the microphone onto some of our longest serving reviewers to find out about how they joined BTG and some of their highlights from their time as reviewers. However this isn’t all about us, as we also asked them about the current state of theatre in their areas, how it has changed during their time reviewing and how they think it will change in the future.