May Theatre Reviews: Highly intimate evening with Cole Porter and friends

Nixon in China ★★★★★☆

With Chinese-American relations very much in the spotlight, John Adams’ opera was an inspired choice by John Fulljames, the Royal Danish Opera’s artistic director, who brought warm and entertaining tones, exerting complete control over his stage. Credit is also due to stage director Dick Bird for his minimalist approach. Images from historical archives provided an effective backdrop, giving the audience a sense of authenticity. Conductors Alexander Vedernikov and Ian Ryan, meanwhile, presented a melodic masterpiece. The jazz saxophones were a great touch. (LB)

Oh Baby – It’s Cole ★★★★★☆


There’s an effortless chronology underpinning London Toast’s new musical ‘Oh Baby – It’s Cole’, which is playing at Krudttønden almost every day until June 1. Telling the life of composer Cole Porter, creator Vivienne McKee has crafted a seamless tribute to one of the music world’s true geniuses. The overall result is worthy of a much bigger theatre! It’s a highly intimate experience sitting there – by the end of the performance, there’s a sense you’ve really shared something with the performers. The show will no doubt convert many more of us into Porter enthusiasts. (BH)

The Goat ★★★★★☆


Brilliantly performed, Edward Albee’s darkly comical ‘The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?’ is not for the faint of heart. With a lurking elephant — or, really, a goat — in the room, the audience is thrown headfirst into the most emotionally intimate moments of a great marriage gurgling down the garbage disposal. But while it largely relies on shock value to drive the drama, its true strength comes from the compelling performances – particularly Vanessa Poole as the long suffering wife. She gives a strongly nuanced portrayal of a once happy woman quickly sliding into insanity. (EY)

Dark Noon ★★★★★☆


When one of the first things you’re told before entering a theatre is “sit wherever you like and move around throughout the play”, you know you’re in for a surprise, if not an appearance on stage! And upon entering, the surprises come thick and fast, from the unusual sight of red soil on the floor to the audience’s benches encircling the ‘sahara-esque’ landscape. Under Tue Biering’s direction, a Johannesburg crew of seven white powder-faced actors narrate the story. It’s a historical storyline told from an unexpected perspective that gives us a different sense of Western civilization. (LB)




  • The Lynch Interviews: Fergal O’Byrne

    The Lynch Interviews: Fergal O’Byrne

    English-Australian writer and theatre director Stuart Lynch contributes a monthly column titled “The Lynch Interviews”. In this series, he engages with prominent internationals residing in Denmark or Danish individuals with a global perspective. For April, he interviews Irish playwright and writer Fergal O’Byrne, fresh from an acclaimed season of a new English-language play in Copenhagen.

  • Why your talented internationals aren’t moving up the ladder – and what to do about it

    Why your talented internationals aren’t moving up the ladder – and what to do about it

    Many internationals find it difficult to advance in their new workplaces, and some quietly leave. It’s not because they lack talent. In Denmark, careers are shaped not only by skills but also by cultural understanding, informal networks, and social signals. However, internationals may not be familiar with this system or know how to navigate it

  • The international behind Donkey Republic: how a Turkish systems thinker reimagined urban mobility in Denmark

    The international behind Donkey Republic: how a Turkish systems thinker reimagined urban mobility in Denmark

    Erdem Ovacık, co-founder of Donkey Republic, built one of Europe’s leading bike-sharing companies from Denmark — but success as an international entrepreneur hasn’t come easy

  • Denmark hits 66.2 million overnight stays: what’s fueling the rise?

    Denmark hits 66.2 million overnight stays: what’s fueling the rise?

    In 2024, Denmark saw 1.5 million more overnight stays than in 2023, bringing the total to 66.2 million staying in hotels, holiday centers, campsites, and youth hostels. It’s clear: after COVID-19, traveling is now back on the table. But the question is: why are people choosing Denmark?

  • World Cup in Ice Hockey will face off in Herning

    World Cup in Ice Hockey will face off in Herning

    As in 2018, Denmark will co-host the Ice Hockey World Championship. And once again, Herning and Jyske Bank Boxen will be the hosts. Denmark is in Pool B and starts tonight with a match against the USA, which, given the political tensions between the two countries, may be an icy affair.

  • Diplomatic tensions between US and Denmark after spying rumors

    Diplomatic tensions between US and Denmark after spying rumors

    A Wall Street Journal article describes that the US will now begin spying in Greenland. This worries the Danish foreign minister, who wants an explanation from the US’s leading diplomat. Greenlandic politicians think that Trump’s actions increase the sense of insecurity

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.