Holly O’Mahony
@hollyomahony.bsky.social
.Daytime writer/editor for Backstage, StarNow and Mandy
.Nighttime theatre critic, mainly for The Stage
. Sometime writer of cringey first-person essays that may or may not be found in publications like Vogue
.Nighttime theatre critic, mainly for The Stage
. Sometime writer of cringey first-person essays that may or may not be found in publications like Vogue
Pinned
Holly O’Mahony
@hollyomahony.bsky.social
· Dec 13
In today's piece, @hollyomahony.bsky.social explores why so many British theatres have been silent on the conflict - and attends a workshop on how to talk about Palestine ‘in a way that’s meaningful and not defensive’
We need to talk about theatre’s silence on Palestine
Is it sensitivity, or censorship, that’s behind the lack of response on British stages?
open.substack.com
With a big thanks to @hollywilliams.bsky.social for letting me write about this for Exeunt
Reposted by Holly O’Mahony
From January 2026, The Stage will no longer appear as a weekly newspaper but rather as a monthly magazine designed for deeper reading, says Alistair Smith.
Read more 👉 www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/...
Read more 👉 www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/...
November 27, 2025 at 8:02 AM
From January 2026, The Stage will no longer appear as a weekly newspaper but rather as a monthly magazine designed for deeper reading, says Alistair Smith.
Read more 👉 www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/...
Read more 👉 www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/...
Gave The Hunger Games a 4* review that reads like a 3* review but my sentiment is 4* and here it is
★★★★ Review: The Hunger Games: On Stage – Conor McPherson and Matthew Dunster’s stage adaptation of the hit YA story is ambitious and spectacular.
👉 www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/...
👉 www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/...
November 13, 2025 at 9:06 AM
Gave The Hunger Games a 4* review that reads like a 3* review but my sentiment is 4* and here it is
I’m looking to speak to #actors who have camped while touring with a production to save money on digs. Is that you? And are you up for sharing your experiences for a feature? Get in touch: omahonyholly@gmail.com #journorequest
November 11, 2025 at 11:27 AM
I’m looking to speak to #actors who have camped while touring with a production to save money on digs. Is that you? And are you up for sharing your experiences for a feature? Get in touch: omahonyholly@gmail.com #journorequest
Reposted by Holly O’Mahony
There’s cowardice at work with theatres eyeing each other to see who does and doesn’t host before they commit. But what message does that send about creative freedom when organisations act so timidly arguing what is said from a theatre’s stages has no connection to how that organisation operates?
'Artists are showing their solidarity with Gaza – so why are theatres so nervous?', writes Lyn Gardner 👇
Lyn Gardner on theatres' lack of solidarity with Gaza
While some theatres are showing support for Gaza, too many organisations are still distancing themselves from what artists do and say on their stages, says Lyn Gardner
www.thestage.co.uk
November 3, 2025 at 11:06 AM
There’s cowardice at work with theatres eyeing each other to see who does and doesn’t host before they commit. But what message does that send about creative freedom when organisations act so timidly arguing what is said from a theatre’s stages has no connection to how that organisation operates?
Living it up in Salisbury this evening, with not one but two drinks vouchers tucked into an envelope with my name in beautiful golden calligraphy. Might be returning to London with notions…
October 30, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Living it up in Salisbury this evening, with not one but two drinks vouchers tucked into an envelope with my name in beautiful golden calligraphy. Might be returning to London with notions…
Constellations will always and forever be a tough act for Nick Payne to follow IMO but there’s plenty to admire in this and Nicola Walker is a marvel www.londontheatre.co.uk/reviews/the-...
'The Unbelievers' review — Nicola Walker is astonishing as a grieving mother in Nick Payne's new play | London Theatre
Read our review of *The Unbelievers*, directed by Marianne Elliott, now in performances at the Royal Court to 29 November. Read more theatre reviews on LondonTheatre.co.uk.
www.londontheatre.co.uk
October 21, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Constellations will always and forever be a tough act for Nick Payne to follow IMO but there’s plenty to admire in this and Nicola Walker is a marvel www.londontheatre.co.uk/reviews/the-...
I always feel a bit apprehensive sitting down to watch a show by a person or company whose previous work I’ve adored. Bog Witch felt lighter than her other shows, and i found it q light touch on the climate stuff too, but fortunately it’s a hoot
★★★★ Review: Bog Witch – Bryony Kimmings’ new autobiographical show is a funny and irreverent takedown of cottagecore life.
Read The Stage's review 👇
Read The Stage's review 👇
Bog Witch review at Soho Theatre Walthamstow: primeval magic
Read our review of Bog Witch at Soho Theatre Walthamstow: Bryony Kimmings’ new autobiographical show is a funny and irreverent takedown of cottagecore life
www.thestage.co.uk
October 16, 2025 at 1:02 PM
I always feel a bit apprehensive sitting down to watch a show by a person or company whose previous work I’ve adored. Bog Witch felt lighter than her other shows, and i found it q light touch on the climate stuff too, but fortunately it’s a hoot
I also spoke to their fellow Emmy nominee Sharon Horgan all about Bad Sisters Season 2 (and came away with a massive girl crush obviously) www.backstage.com/video/sharon...
Sharon Horgan on ‘Bad Sisters’ Season 2
The Emmy-nominated actress and writer opens up about shaping bold storylines, introducing new characters, and navigating the emotional weight of letting others go — all while leading the series on-scr...
www.backstage.com
September 16, 2025 at 8:38 AM
I also spoke to their fellow Emmy nominee Sharon Horgan all about Bad Sisters Season 2 (and came away with a massive girl crush obviously) www.backstage.com/video/sharon...
Using the fact Adolescence won big at the Emmys on Sunday to belatedly share a couple of interviews I did - first with the show’s creator, writer and star Stephen Graham(!)
www.backstage.com/video/stephe...
www.backstage.com/video/stephe...
Stephen Graham on the Terrible Relevance of ‘Adolescence’
The actor, writer and executive producer opens up about making one of the most talked about shows of the year.
www.backstage.com
September 16, 2025 at 8:32 AM
Using the fact Adolescence won big at the Emmys on Sunday to belatedly share a couple of interviews I did - first with the show’s creator, writer and star Stephen Graham(!)
www.backstage.com/video/stephe...
www.backstage.com/video/stephe...
A family drama with not enough drama IMO, but all round solid performances www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/the-...
The Gathered Leaves review at Park Theatre: upper-class family drama lacks clout
Read our review of The Gathered Leaves review at London’s Park Theatre. Directed by Adrian Noble, this upper-class family drama has all the right ingredients but lacks clout
www.thestage.co.uk
August 20, 2025 at 10:50 AM
A family drama with not enough drama IMO, but all round solid performances www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/the-...
Well, I fell under the charms of Brigadoon
★★★★ Review: Brigadoon —This new take on Lerner and Loewe’s rarely staged Scottish Highlands-set musical is a charmingly whimsical treat 👇
Brigadoon at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre: fairy magic
Read our review of Brigadoon at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, London: this new take on Lerner and Loewe’s rarely staged Scottish Highlands-set musical is a charmingly whimsical treat
www.thestage.co.uk
August 12, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Well, I fell under the charms of Brigadoon
Reposted by Holly O’Mahony
Today's newsletter is our first roundup from the Edinburgh fringe - featuring reviews of OHIO, CONSUMED, RED LIKE FRUIT, and FUSELAGE
exeuntmagazine.substack.com/p/edinburgh-...
exeuntmagazine.substack.com/p/edinburgh-...
Edinburgh round-up: Ohio, Consumed, Red Like Fruit, Fuselage
Reviews of some shows at the fringe
exeuntmagazine.substack.com
August 5, 2025 at 9:52 AM
Today's newsletter is our first roundup from the Edinburgh fringe - featuring reviews of OHIO, CONSUMED, RED LIKE FRUIT, and FUSELAGE
exeuntmagazine.substack.com/p/edinburgh-...
exeuntmagazine.substack.com/p/edinburgh-...
Bit late sharing this but still plenty of time to see them all. My round up of @edfringe.bsky.social highlights for @theipaper.com: inews.co.uk/culture/arts...
August 4, 2025 at 7:28 AM
Bit late sharing this but still plenty of time to see them all. My round up of @edfringe.bsky.social highlights for @theipaper.com: inews.co.uk/culture/arts...
I spoke to some buskers for the i!
🎸 From Covent Garden to Glasgow, the UK's top street performers lift the lid on the community - and how much money they actually make
➡️ Read more: https://trib.al/iuwDIzT
➡️ Read more: https://trib.al/iuwDIzT
July 29, 2025 at 3:10 PM
I spoke to some buskers for the i!
And for the i, some practical measures and blue-sky thinking on ways to improve the Edinburgh Fringe inews.co.uk/culture/arts...
Edinburgh Fringe is an elitist playground. Here is how to fix it
It has evolved into a juggernaut attraction selling more than two million tickets, but there are problems – not least rising costs for crowds and entertainers
inews.co.uk
July 16, 2025 at 3:47 PM
And for the i, some practical measures and blue-sky thinking on ways to improve the Edinburgh Fringe inews.co.uk/culture/arts...
Got all excited about this one - it’s the most inventive and entertaining production (or duo of productions) I’ve seen in ages
★★★★★ Review: The Comedy of Errors/A Company of Rascals – Ambitious, inventive and immaculately timed, this double bill pairing a Shakespeare with a promenade companion comedy is a triumph 👇
The Comedy of Errors/A Company of Rascals review at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford
Ambitious, inventive and immaculately timed, this double bill pairing a Shakespeare with a promenade companion comedy is a triumph
www.thestage.co.uk
July 16, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Got all excited about this one - it’s the most inventive and entertaining production (or duo of productions) I’ve seen in ages
Had a lovely chat with Till the Stars Come Down cast members Sinead Matthews and Julian Kostov ahead of its West End opening ✨ www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news...
The stars align for Julian Kostov and Sinead Matthews in 'Till the Stars Come Down' | London Theatre
*The White Lotus* star Julian Kostov joins Sinead Matthews in Beth Steel’s play *Till the Stars Come Down*, which sees family drama erupt on the day of their wedding. Read more on LondonTheatre.co.uk.
www.londontheatre.co.uk
July 8, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Had a lovely chat with Till the Stars Come Down cast members Sinead Matthews and Julian Kostov ahead of its West End opening ✨ www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news...
Like everyone, I found this really charming! And Samira Wiley is so SO good
★★★★ Review: Intimate Apparel – Lynette Linton’s richly textured revival of Lynn Nottage’s 2003 play is charming and poignant @donmarwarehouse.bsky.social 👇
Intimate Apparel review at Donmar Warehouse: Lynn Nottage revival is poignant
Lynette Linton’s richly textured revival of Lynn Nottage’s 2003 play, starring Samira Wiley and Kadiff Kirwan, is charming and poignant
www.thestage.co.uk
June 27, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Like everyone, I found this really charming! And Samira Wiley is so SO good
I wasn’t sold on the production as a whole, but Ruth Wilson gave hands down one of the best performances I’ve seen this year www.londontheatre.co.uk/reviews/a-mo...
'A Moon for the Misbegotten' review — Ruth Wilson and Michael Shannon are heart-wrenching in Eugene O'Neill’s rarely seen play | London Theatre
Read our review of *A Moon for the Misbegotten*, directed by Rebecca Frecknall, now in performances at the Almeida Theatre to 16 August. Read more theatre reviews on LondonTheatre.co.uk.
www.londontheatre.co.uk
June 27, 2025 at 4:46 PM
I wasn’t sold on the production as a whole, but Ruth Wilson gave hands down one of the best performances I’ve seen this year www.londontheatre.co.uk/reviews/a-mo...
4.48 Psychosis was more calmly pensive - even muted - than I expected (I’d only seen clips of BFF’s far more confronting take before this) but still think it’s very cool to get to watch basically the original production of such a monumental work 25 years on. www.londontheatre.co.uk/reviews/4-48...
'4.48 Psychosis' review — Sarah Kane's deeply personal swansong is a monumental event in recent theatre history | London Theatre
Read our review of *4.48 Psychosis*, starring Daniel Evans, Jo McInnes and Madeleine Potter, now in performances at the Royal Court to 5 July. Read more theatre reviews on LondonTheatre.co.uk.
www.londontheatre.co.uk
June 19, 2025 at 9:21 AM
4.48 Psychosis was more calmly pensive - even muted - than I expected (I’d only seen clips of BFF’s far more confronting take before this) but still think it’s very cool to get to watch basically the original production of such a monumental work 25 years on. www.londontheatre.co.uk/reviews/4-48...
I found this profoundly moving www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/miss...
Miss Myrtle’s Garden review at Bush Theatre, London
Blisteringly beautiful exploration of dementia, community and connection in a rapidly changing London
www.thestage.co.uk
June 9, 2025 at 11:09 AM
I found this profoundly moving www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/miss...
A real honour to speak to The Freedom Theatre’s general manager Mustafa Sheta for this
Mustafa Sheta ran The Freedom Theatre in a refugee camp in Jenin - then he was arrested by Israeli forces in 2023. Just a month after his release, their show Return to Palestine opens in London...
@hollyomahony.bsky.social interviews Sheta about the realities of making theatre under occupation
@hollyomahony.bsky.social interviews Sheta about the realities of making theatre under occupation
'I hope we can return to our theatre – to what remains of it'
Mustafa Sheta ran The Freedom Theatre in a refugee camp in Jenin - then he was arrested by Israeli forces in 2023. Just a month after his release, their show Return to Palestine opens in London
exeuntmagazine.substack.com
May 30, 2025 at 9:42 AM
A real honour to speak to The Freedom Theatre’s general manager Mustafa Sheta for this
Reposted by Holly O’Mahony
Great to speak to @hollyomahony.bsky.social of @thestage.co.uk about developments in theatre accessibility, including my recent visit to Sydney to see a live demonstration of Bluetooth’s Auracast technology, and the beauty of creative captioning.
Technology is improving accessibility for theatre audiences
Holly O’Mahony explores the technological innovations that theatres are using to make shows more inclusive to audience members who are deaf or hard of hearing
www.thestage.co.uk
May 30, 2025 at 6:55 AM
Great to speak to @hollyomahony.bsky.social of @thestage.co.uk about developments in theatre accessibility, including my recent visit to Sydney to see a live demonstration of Bluetooth’s Auracast technology, and the beauty of creative captioning.
I had some fascinating conversations for this 👇 very grateful to everyone who spoke to me for it.
‘Access is quite fashionable right now. There’s definitely been an attitudinal shift’
Holly O’Mahony explores how theatres are using tech to make their shows more inclusive to audience members who are deaf or hard of hearing 👇
Holly O’Mahony explores how theatres are using tech to make their shows more inclusive to audience members who are deaf or hard of hearing 👇
Technology is improving accessibility for theatre audiences
Holly O’Mahony explores the technological innovations that theatres are using to make shows more inclusive to audience members who are deaf or hard of hearing
www.thestage.co.uk
May 28, 2025 at 2:19 PM
I had some fascinating conversations for this 👇 very grateful to everyone who spoke to me for it.
A v promising debut!
★★★★ Review: Derry Boys – Impressively taut, pleasingly unpredictable debut play about Northern Ireland’s peace babies growing up in the smouldering aftermath of conflict 👇
Derry Boys review at Theatre503, London: Impressively taut
Read our review of Derry Boys at Theatre503, London. Pleasingly unpredictable play about Northern Ireland’s peace babies growing up in the aftermath of conflict
www.thestage.co.uk
May 28, 2025 at 2:09 PM
A v promising debut!