Have you ever enjoyed a school drama production when the cast hasn’t included your own children? That is the question. ‘All or Nothing’ throws music, comedy and Shakespeare into the mix of what is essentially a Drama Boys variety show. A surprisingly convincing Hamlet, occasional bursts of cheeky wit and a brilliantly farcical tribute to Mathew Vaughn notwithstanding, I had real trouble stomaching the distinctly amateur PTA-style direction and writing. I’m sure it went down a storm in a Cornish village hall and if piano led jazz hands and “Please Miss” school sketches are your thing then you’ll have a hoot. But ultimately this is the largest cultural festival in the world and youth only has so much currency.

theSpace on North Bridge, until 10 Aug (not 4), 4.05pm.
tw rating 3/5 | [Andrew Pollard]