Category: Reviews
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The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe | Lowry, Salford
Playing at Lowry until Sunday 11th January, further information and booking details can be found here. Tickets kindly gifted from the theatre.
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Sleep Can Wait! | Unity Theatre, Liverpool
“Sleep Can Wait!” at Liverpool’s Unity Theatre is a whimsical, family-friendly production directed by Elinor Randle. It features engaging performances by young actors and a vibrant backdrop of innovative design. The play encourages creativity without screens, highlighting the magic of the holiday season. Running until December 23rd, it promises joy…
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Unfortunate | Lowry, Salford
Unfortunate, a musical parody of Ursula from Disney’s The Little Mermaid, received critical acclaim post-Edinburgh Fringe. With vibrant characters, sharp wit, and catchy tunes, it combines nostalgia and modern cheekiness. While staging can be overly busy at times, standout performances and bold design elements ensure an entertaining experience. The show…
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Robin Hood | Opera House, Manchester
Panto season is back at Opera House Manchester- Oh, yes it is! This year, Robin Hood takes to the stage, but does it score the bullseye? Or does it close one eye, hope for the best, shoot and get lost in the hedge? Led by Opera House favourite, comedian and…
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Singin’ in the Rain | Royal Exchange, Manchester
Singin’ in the Rain splashes onto the stage at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester with charm, nostalgia and a palpable fizz of energy. This revival leans confidently into the classic MGM-era spirit: big smiles, bigger choreography and a warm, generous glow that feels like stepping into a golden-age picture house: nostalgic…
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Stocking Fillers | Royal Court, Liverpool
Christmas at the Royal Court Studio features the annual Stocking Fillers showcase, presenting seven short plays by emerging writers. The performances blend humor and melancholy, showcasing a talented cast that handles diverse characters and genres. While some pieces lack impact and transitions feel awkward, the overall experience remains heartwarming and…
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Tina the Musical – Palace Theatre, Manchester
The jukebox musical “Tina” delivers a compelling portrayal of Tina Turner’s life, expertly crafted by Katori Hall and directed by Phyllida Lloyd. Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy embodies Turner with emotional depth, while David King-Yombo’s Ike is complex and engaging. Despite minor technical issues, the production shines with strong performances and thoughtful…
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Top Hat | Opera House, Manchester
The Chichester Festival Theatre’s revival of Top Hat celebrates its 1935 origins with Art Deco style and Irving Berlin’s timeless music. Despite its polished staging, the production struggles with choreography constraints, limiting its dynamism. Highlights include Amara Okereke’s nuanced portrayal and Sally Ann Triplett’s electrifying performance, making it a charming,…
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Blood Brothers | Lowry, Salford
“Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers” is a powerful narrative set in Liverpool that explores the conflict of nature versus nurture through the lives of twin brothers separated at birth. This emotionally-charged production, directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright, showcases a stellar performance by Vivienne Carlyle as Mrs. Johnstone, marking her…
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The Talented Mr. Ripley | Lowry, Salford
Patricia Highsmith’s Tom Ripley franchise, notably adapted into the 1999 film and the 2024 Netflix series, celebrates its 70th anniversary with Mark Leipacher’s new stage production. The Talented Mr. Ripley explores the complex character of Tom Ripley, portrayed compellingly by Ed McVey, who oscillates between charming and sinister. The production’s…
