Our Team

Austin studied English language and literature at Fordham University in the Bronx, and realized her passion for theatre as a student abroad in London. She has worked as journalist at the Newtown Bee (Newtown, CT) and as a researcher for NBC News (New York, NY). She harbors an avid love for William Shakespeare and likes to carry a book with her wherever she goes. Usually found in or around New York City.

Owen Davies was brought up in London but has Welsh roots. He was raised on chapel hymns, Handel oratorios and Mozart arias. He began going to the theatre in the 1960s and, as a teenager, used to stand at the back of the Old Vic stalls to watch Olivier's National Theatre productions. He also saw many RSC productions at the Aldwych in the 1960s. At this time he also began to see operas at Covent Garden and developed a love for Mozart, Verdi, and Richard Strauss. After a career as a social worker and a trade union officer, Owen has retired from paid employment but as a 'mature student' he has recently gained a certificate in Opera Studies from Rose Bruford College.​

Geologist by training. Tutor and I.T. by trade. Theatre reviewer by happenstance. Greek, not prone to tragedy. In perpetual search for a good book, freshly ground coffee and a holiday in the sun.

Aparna Halpé is Sri Lankan violinist, composer, poet, and scholar, living and working in Toronto, Canada. Her doctoral research is on the function of myth in contemporary postcolonial fiction. Aparna’s scholarly work has appeared in numerous scholarly journals, and she is the co-editor, with Michael Ondaatje, of Lakdhas Wikkramasinha (NYRB, 2023). Aparna is also the author of a collection of poems, Precarious (2013) and her creative writing has appeared in many journals including Postcolonial Text and Indialogs. Aparna is a professional tango violinist who performs regularly across North America and has toured with renowned ensembles such as Ensemble Hyperion. She was the composer in residence at the Toronto Heliconian Arts and Letters Club (2022-2023), and she is the founder and director of North America’s first all-woman, diversity-affirming tango ensemble, Solidaridad Tango. Several compositions by Aparna can be found on Solidaridad’s debut album, DISTANCIA (2023). Gaining critical acclaim around the world, DISTANCIA has been described as “an album that is without hesitation placed in the short list of the best albums of the decade” (Paris-Move, 2023).

Lucy Ashe trained at the Royal Ballet School before moving to Oxford University to study English Literature. She is an author and her first novel, a historical fiction thriller entitled 'Clara & Olivia', was published in 2023, with her second novel, 'The Sleeping Beauties' published in 2024. She lives in New York City and she enjoys reviewing all theatre with particular interest in dance.

Rivka Jacobson, founder of playstosee.com. Passion for theatre and years spent defending immigrants and asylum seekers in UK courts fuelled her determination to establish a platform for international theatre reviews. Rivka’s aim is to provide people of all ages, from all backgrounds, and indeed all countries with opportunities to see and review a diverse range of shows and productions. She is particularly keen to encourage young critics to engage with all aspects of theatre. She hopes to nurture understanding and tolerance across different cultures through the performing arts.

Abigail works in ethnographic research, and is inherently fascinated by people, culture, and storytelling in its many forms. She has written about the arts since 2015, reviewing and interviewing in London, Edinburgh and Canada. A background in anthropology and arts & humanities, she is passionate about theatre that asks important questions and provokes nuanced conversation about issues that face society - past, present and future. Other interests include comedy, hiking, good pasta, big dogs and jigsaw puzzles.

Adrian graduated with a degree in English literature, focusing on American Literature and Vladimir Nabokov in his final year. He is an avid reader of reviews of the arts and is hoping to contribute to Plays to See regularly, and to see more new theatre works.

Emily Louizou is a professional theatre director based in London. She trained on the MFA in Theatre Directing at Birkbeck College, University of London and at Drama Centre. Prior to this, she completed her BA English at UCL. Over the past eight years, she has been actively involved in theatre; directing, writing or acting. She is the artistic director and founder of Collide Theatre, a collective of emerging artists producing visually exciting new work and reimagining classics. Her last production - TROY - was a new contemporary opera funded by the Arts Council England and based on a modern Greek text that Emily translated and directed. See more of Emily’s work on her website: https://www.emilylouizou.com

Aleksandra is a content marketing specialist and a former PhD student at the Department of Studies in Culture at Adam Mickiewicz University's Faculty of English. Her theatrical interests revolve around Polish contemporary theatre and post-dramatic theatre. When not thinking about public relations or playing with her giant Maine Coon named Tybalt, she lets her brain be flooded with glitter, sequins, and techno-rock music.

Alessandro, an Italian native with a solid humanistic education, is a passionate enthusiast of opera, music, and theatre. Currently residing in Luxembourg, he has spent the past 20 years immersed in the vibrant cultural scenes of Paris, London, and across Europe. Music has always been integral to Alessandro's life; he has experience as a choir singer and director, and also enjoys playing the piano as an amateur.

Alia Somani has a PhD in English literature from the University of Western Ontario. She specializes in Postcolonial literature and theory, Canadian literature and culture, and Diaspora studies. Having written and directed her own play, Alia has a background in as well as a particular passion for theatre.

Hafiza Butt is the pen name of an academic and writer who works with amazing actors and directors and is always eager to connect with theatre and film producers.

Becca Kaplan is a graduate from the University of Pennsylvania and earned her MA in Film Studies from King's College London. She began reviewing with Plays To See in the fall of 2013 when she moved to London to earn her Masters. Currently, Becca lives in Germany, exploring another international side of theater criticism.

Ben has many years' experience working in the heritage sector, and is currently collections manager with the National Collection of Aerial Photography at Historic Environment Scotland. He is a keen watcher and reader of all things theatrical, particularly at Edinburgh’s intimate Lyceum, and has even been known to occasionally tread the boards himself.

Caroline Perret is a researcher and teacher in the Social History of Art at the University of Westminster. She is particularly interested in the impact of war on culture, from painting and sculpture to poetry and cinema, in which she publishes and gives conferences. She loves unusual artistic performances and theatre plays, anything that might expand her horizons and fulfill her hunger for new experiences.

Chris Bridges is an avid theatre goer who is based in South London. He's been a lifelong theatre fan and loves dramas, musicals and comedy. He is a big fan of Tennessee Williams and has been known to travel extraordinary distances, queue for hours or pay exorbitant amounts to catch anything by Tennessee. Chris is also a vintage fanatic and when not lounging in the stalls in a three piece 50s suit, he can be found lolling on a sofa in his art deco sitting room.

Dr. Enza De Francisci is a Senior Lecturer in Translation Studies at the University of Glasgow, Programme Director of the Glasgow-Nankai (China) double-degree, as well a Visiting Scholar at the Universities of Rome, Catania, Messina, and Palermo. Prior to joining University of Glasgow, she lectured at University College London and worked as an AHRC Fellow at the Victoria and Albert Museum and Linguistic Consultant at the National Theatre (London). Enza has published on theatre translation, dialect theatre, and minority performance cultures. Recent publications include her monograph, A “New” Woman in Verga and Pirandello: From Page to Stage (Oxford: Legenda, 2018), and her co-edited volume Shakespeare and Italy: Transnational Exchange from the Early Modern Period to the Present with Chris Stamatakis (London-New York: Routledge, 2017). BBC programmes include ‘Pirandello: Italian dramatist who brought chaos to the world’ and ‘Eleonora Duse: the first great modern actress’.

Emily Derbyshire is a PhD student at the University of Bristol, researching the representation of geographical spaces, particularly those of early 17th Century London, in plays written by Ben Jonson. She also works as a part-time teacher and tutor, and has been attending plays, and professing opinions loudly about them, from a young age.

Hugo Shapero graduated from The London School of Economics where he studied Modern History. He currently works as a technology researcher and has wide ranging interest in diverse aspects of theatre.

Jad Adams has worked as a television producer and a newspaper journalist. His books include Decadent Women: Yellow Book Lives, Gandhi: Naked Ambition, Women and the Vote: A World History and a novel, Cafe Europa.

James Holloway is a musician with various instruments to his name. He is predominantly a pianist (both solo and as accompanist), was the organ scholar at his old college, and has orchestral experience as a trumpeter. James has conducted choirs and orchestras and, as a keen lover of the genre, enjoys reviewing the London opera scene.

Josi Steinfeld was brought up and lives in London, having been a professional opera singer since the age of 21. She obtained a degree in opera studies with the Rose Bruford College 20 years ago, since when she has been giving opera talks and lectures.

Julie Peakman is a historian and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. She is a frequent contributor to journals, magazines, and television documentaries on history, culture, sex, and feminism. She started life in the theatre as an actress and is currently writing her next book 'Libertine London. Sex in the Metropolis' while working on a musical based on her biography of Peg Plunkett, an C18th Irish brothel-keeper.

A reviewer for Playstosee.com since 2012, Kate’s day job is Development Director at Leeds Community Foundation. She has worked for some years in the arts: Opera North, CEO Axis, (visual artists and makers), Deputy CEO Yorkshire Culture, Head of Development, Theatre Royal, Wakefield. She has also worked in industry: Total oil, B2B Marketing. In 2013, she completed a second degree in English (OU) and an MA in Writing (Novel at Sheffield Hallam).

Kate is a performer/director who studied at the London International School of Performing Arts (LISPA). She has produced and directed a variety of fringe productions, including Glass-Eye Theatre’s ‘The City and Iris’ for Edinburgh Fringe 2010 and Theatre of Inspiration’s bi-monthly scratch night PHYSICAL. Currently, she is working on her first solo clown show for Edinburgh Fringe 2015. Since a wee thing, she has written short stories, song lyrics and poetry, of varying quality, and was even published in a Reader’s Digest anthology with a piece about the death of her first hamster. Reviewing for Plays To See combines two of her primary loves.

Katerina holds a doctorate in Comparative Literature from UCL, her thesis focusing on the reception of Sophocles' Antigone in contemporary Ireland. She has taught English and Drama in Greece and the UK. She loves theatre and performing arts and has always been intrigued by the interrelation of culture, society and politics. When not working, writing or chasing her daughter around, she enjoys baking cupcakes, planning weekend escapes, or strolling in the sun.

Luke Davies is an arts journalist, academic researcher and theatre director who lives and works in London. He also writes for the Times Literary Supplement, Literary Review and Review 31.

Matthew Whitaker. Living in London. Editing to pay the bills. Writing reviews, stories and essays for fun. Tweeting very occasionally from @mathzero.

Canadian-born Mel Cooper first came to the UK to study English Literature at Oxford University and stayed. He was captivated by the culture and history of Britain, which he found to be a welcoming and tolerant country. After working in highly illustrated, non-fiction publishing for over a decade, he founded and edited the magazine Opera Now. Since then he has worked as a consultant to the Japanese broadcaster NHK, a broadcaster on British Satellite Broadcasting, a maker of audio shows and arts critic for several airlines, and as one of the team that started Britain’s first commercial classical music radio station, Classic FM, on which he was both a classical music DJ and creator and presenter of shows like Classic America and Authentic Performance. Throughout this period, he also lectured in music and literature in London and Oxford and published short stories in Canada. After working with the Genesis Foundation on helping to fund arts projects, he continues to write, review and lecture on music and literature. His first novel has just been published as an e-book. The title is City of Dreams. It is the first volume of a projected saga called The Dream Bearers. You can find the Kindle version of the book on Amazon.

An opera lover and a journalist. A member of the Foreign Press Association in London. She contributes her articles to Japanese magazines as well as Plays to See. She graduated with a BA in Opera Studies from Manchester University and received her MA by researching Gender issues and Orientalism in Opera from UCL. She thoroughly enjoys traveling across the globe to visit different opera houses.

Nicola is a graduate of UCL (English Literature BA and Modern Culture MA), who spends her spare time reading, writing, going to the theatre, and watching the same four TV shows over and over again. In addition to reviewing, she is a member of the editorial board and our regional co-ordinator in Yorkshire.

Oliver is a graphic designer for television by day. Hobbyist theatre reviewer by night.

My interests in theatre are wide and varied, although I have perhaps the most experience with Classical tragedians and comedians having spent a good deal of my time at school and as an undergrad studying them. Beckett is another favourite for his bleak humour and linguistic mischief. Currently I live in London, work on writing projects and other odds and ends and have been published as a co-author on a children’s history book.

Paul Richards is a broadcaster, writer and reviewer. His latest book 'How to Write a Parliamentary Speech' is out in October 2024.

Rebecca Coates is an English Literature student at University College London, although she often finds herself writing more reviews than essays. She loves Prince Hal and the staging of Matilda the Musical, and has a soft spot for anachronistic music choices. She can usually be found on the top deck of a London bus, arguing loudly about Shakespeare fancasts.

René Weis is Emeritus Professor of English at University College London. Among his publications are a biography of Shakespeare and editions of Romeo and Juliet, Henry IV Part 2, and King Lear. Other notable works include The Yellow Cross and The Real Traviata: The Song of Marie Duplessis. He is currently editing Wuthering Heights for Cambridge University Press.

Rhys John Edwards is a Welsh writer and publicist. As a media and public relations professional, he has worked for major arts organisations such as the Royal Opera House and Welsh National Opera. He is also a freelance journalist and critic, contributing arts features and reviews to various publications.

Richard McKee is a lawyer, and used to be a judge, but despite that (or because of that) he likes comedy, cabaret and pantomime.  These are the things that he reviews for Plays to See, for which – in view of his great age – he is also a trustee.  He leaves the serious stuff to the young!  But seriously, though, he thinks it is a great idea for young reviewers to hone their critical faculties and communication skills by writing for Plays to See, and feels privileged to be involved in its current expansion.

When he’s not out toiling to pay the mortgage Richard is a fan of all things musical theatre, is a member of Mercury Musical Developments, and has been an active contributor to the Book, Music, and Lyrics Workshop Programme here in London since its inception.

Rowena recently completed her degree at King's College London. She loves art, cinema and all kinds of theatre, from the classics to the experimental, and has a particular fondness for Shakespeare. Rowena has worked with international theatre festival LIFT and won the IdeasTap and A Younger Theatre Edinburgh Young Critics Scheme 2014. She was also selected as one of In Between Time 2015's Festival Writers.

Samantha is a native Malaysian, currently studying English at UCL. She specialises in Renaissance theatre, but also enjoys new writing and pantomimes. She is trying to learn the art of writing succinctly. She also hopes the spirit of Roger Ebert will descend on her when writing.

A couple of years ago Sam resigned to the fact that he was not going to make it as a professional footballer. Now, studying in the final year of his undergraduate degree of English Language and Literature at University College London, he is passionate about a broad range of literature. In particular, he loves the works of Pinter, Stoppard and all of the crazy twentieth century absurdist dramas. Sam also writes and performs poetry around London, and also enjoys making music with his band, Connor’s Yoghurt.

Saskia McCracken studies Modernist Literature at the University of Glasgow. She is passionate about theatre, and her interests range from Aristophanes, Shakespeare and Marsha Norman to fringe projects and new productions by emerging writers. She has published several short stories and is currently writing her dissertation on Virginia Woolf's feminist animal politics.

Sofia Moran is a recent graduate from the London School of Economics, with a bachelor’s degree in Environment and Development. She is an aspiring journalist and lover of the performing arts. She is rather open minded when it comes to shows, drama, comedy is great or even something a little darker. She confesses to having a soft spot for musicals.

Sophia Leuner, born and bred in London, is pursing a career as a writer and director. She currently lives in Dublin, where she is exploring Ireland’s rich theatrical history and launching her production company, Hairpin Productions.

Sophie is a 22 year old English graduate from London, and has been reviewing for Plays to See since she was 15. At UCL, Sophie was the Editor-in-Chief of SAVAGE Journal, UCL’s arts and culture publication and the most popular magazine on campus, and editor of the London branch of Blueprint, a mental health zine. She also enjoys writing about music, and has words in Music Week and music-news.com. In her spare time, when she can, she writes poetry and short stories.

I live in London after studying English Literature at university, and I currently teach and write in my spare time. I was lucky to go to the Edinburgh Fringe with PlaysToSee last summer where I saw some brilliant performances, especially some of the physical theatre. I am very interested in the way space is used in performances, where the imagination of directors, actors and audience work in collaboration.

Thibault Elie studied at Sciences Po Lyon and graduated in history of cinema from the Sorbonne Nouvelle university. He founded the film critic podcast NÉGATIF and worked as journalist for several national medias in France. In 2021, he co-founded MORITURI, focusing on emerging talents in a variety of genres : fiction, documentary, experimental, music video, immersive cinema. In 2024, he will publish the first book about the French war reporter and documentary filmmaker Florent Marcie.

Tom Aitken is a freelance historian and theatre, film and literary critic. He was theatre critic of The Tablet in the early nineteen-nineties and has also published theatre reviews in The Times, The Times Literary Supplement and The Guardian. In an earlier life as a teacher he staged productions ranging from Shakespeare to Oh, What a Lovely War! And his own adaptation of Moby Dick.

Urvashi is currently revising her thesis on Reading (through) Virginia Woolf: an assessment of, and experiment with, her afterlife as a literary icon; in addition to Plays To See, she has written entries for the Routledge Encyclopedia of Modernism and is preparing articles for submission to sundry academic journals. She has been a tutor for ten years, at the brilliant club since 2010, and was most recently employed at the Creative and Support Trust for Women, London.

Yael Shuv has been the chief film critic at 'Time Out Tel Aviv' since the publication of its first issue in 2002. Having graduated from New York University with a master's degree in cinema studies, she teaches film courses at the Open University of Israel. She has served as an artistic advisor for the Israeli Film Fund and as a juror in International film festivals such as Locarno, Venice and Rotterdam. She also loves Verdi, Puccini and Wagner, as well as Gershwin and Sondheim. Her children's book The Ice Cream Princess was published in Israel in 2011.