Wow what a bumper month. Not only did I squeeze in 12 plays (and I'm not counting the Flying KB or the ballet) but it's proved a month of rich theatrical pickings. Three plays earned five star ratings but what was number 1? Bloody Richard of course and good job because I'm off to see it again on Wednesday. But here's how the top three/four looked:

1. Richard III, Hampstead Theatre 87% - simply bloody brilliant

=2 Much Ado About Nothing, Wyndhams Theatre 85% - benefited from less hysteria and bedding in on second visit.

=2 Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, Theatre Royal Haymarket 85% - up there alongside my favourite plays ie those I'll happily see time and time again.

3. The Emperor and The Galilean, Olivier at the National Theatre - the flawed but excellent epic

And my least favourite? Faith, Hope and Charity at the Southwark Playhouse which got 49%. It dragged the average down slightly 69.7% but still the second highest scoring month this year.

So what is there to look forward in July? Well I've already given the first play of the month five stars which is a great start. I'm really looking forward to seeing The Village Bike at the Royal Court Upstairs and Journey's End at the Duke of Yorks which I've heard glowing things about.

This month will also see me venture further afield, once again, with @polyg to Sheffield to see The Pride. The cast have got a slight disadvantage because it was the play I travelled to New York to see Ben Whishaw in last year.