Category: Reviews
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The Haunting of Hill House | Palace Theatre, Manchester
Shirley Jackson’s classic ghost story, The Haunting of Hill House, has been adapted by Stef Smith into a new touring stage production directed by Martin Constantine, currently playing at Manchester’s Palace Theatre. The plot centers on Dr. Montague and a group of individuals, including the vulnerable Eleanor, exploring the unsettling…
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The Mousetrap | Opera House, Manchester
Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is celebrating its 75th anniversary at Manchester’s Opera House, showcasing its status as the world’s longest-running play. Originally a radio play, it has captivated audiences since its West End debut in 1952 with its intricate plot and secretive nature. The story revolves around strangers trapped in…
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English National Ballet – Romeo & Juliet | Palace Theatre, Manchester
The English National Ballet’s revival of Rudolf Nureyev’s Romeo and Juliet captures the timeless story of young love through exquisite dance and a dramatic score by Sergei Prokofiev. First premiered in 1977, the production is noted for its lavish visuals and intricate choreography that highlights the psychological depth of Shakespeare’s…
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Sylvia | Lowry, Salford
The musical “Sylvia,” currently on its UK debut tour, explores the suffragette movement through the life of socialist Sylvia Pankhurst, emphasizing themes of love, family, and the pursuit of equality. Directed and choreographed by Kate Prince, with a dynamic score by Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, the predominantly sung-through production…
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Little Shop of Horrors | Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
Hope Mill Theatre presents its annual horror musical with Howard Ashman and Alan Menken’s thrilling production, Little Shop of Horrors. Set in a rundown flower shop on Skid Row, the story follows Seymour, played by Jed Berry, who discovers a strange plant, Audrey II, that brings him fame and disastrous…
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The Silence of the Lambs | Lowry, Salford
The Lowry’s stage adaptation of The Silence of the Lambs, directed by Nikolai Foster, is an ambitious and highly accomplished production. Mollie Gallagher shines as Clarice Starling, matching wits with John Partridge’s charming yet menacing Hannibal Lecter. Their intense, psychological chemistry forms the production’s strongest weapon. While the committed ensemble…
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Unsinkable | Hope Street Theatre, Liverpool
The sinking of R.M.S. Titanic in 1912 remains a notable maritime disaster, largely due to the enduring impact of James Cameron’s film. Matthew Reynolds’ play, Unsinkable, examines the lead-up to this tragedy, focusing on J. Bruce Ismay’s controversial survival. The two-act adaptation explores various survivor perspectives, including those of Margaret…
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High Society | Lowry, Salford
High Society is a touring musical production returning to Salford’s Lowry, adapted from Philip Barry’s play and originally a 1956 film. The story follows Tracy Lord, who is navigating her upcoming wedding complicated by ex-husband Dexter Haven and a journalist, Mike Connor. Directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, Helen George portrays a…
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Letter to Brezhnev | Royal Court, Liverpool
“Letter to Brezhnev,” adapted from Frank Clarke’s 1985 film, is a poignant depiction of love and self-discovery set against Liverpool’s unemployment crisis. Directed by Nicole Behan, the story follows Elaine and her best friend Teresa, who meet two Soviet sailors, transforming their lives. Clarke’s authentic dialogue resonates with working-class experiences,…
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Jersey Boys | Palace Theatre, Manchester
“Jersey Boys” revolutionized musical theatre by centering a production around the music of a pop group, setting the standard for later jukebox musicals. Two decades later, its anniversary tour at Manchester’s Palace Theatre showcases a talented cast led by Luke Baker as Frankie Valli, whose falsetto captivates audiences. The performances…
