Category: Reviews
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Double Indemnity | Opera House, Manchester
Based on James M. Cain’s 1943 novel, the noir thriller, Double Indemnity arrives in Manchester promising to bring to life the gripping source material, deemed one of the greatest crime novels of the 20th century. While there are moments of enthral in Tom Holloway’s adaptation, there’s ultimately a lack of…
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Conteh | Royal Court, Liverpool
Aron Julius writes and stars in a theatrical biopic about John Conteh, a celebrated British boxer and WBC light-heavyweight champion. Directed by Mark Womack, the production highlights Conteh’s journey from humble beginnings to fame, featuring a talented cast and impressive production design. It captures Liverpool’s rich heritage while engaging audiences.
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Carlos Acosta’s Carmen | Opera House, Manchester
Carlos Acosta’s reimagining of Carmen transforms the classic tale into a lean, two-act ballet infused with Cuban rhythms. While the choreography shines, blending classical ballet with Latin nuances, emotional connections falter, particularly in Act 1. The production captivates with vibrant energy but ultimately lacks the depth needed for its tragic…
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Matilda the Musical | Palace Theatre, Manchester
Roald Dahl’s musical adaptation of Matilda celebrates imagination and resilience against oppression, featuring a witty book by Dennis Kelly and a captivating score by Tim Minchin. Strong performances, particularly by Bonnie Harper and Richard Hurst, enhance the emotional depth, making it a must-see production for all audiences. Tickets available until…
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Verdi’s La Traviata | Opera House, Manchester
There is something admirably unfussy about La Traviata as presented in Manchester Opera House on Ellen Kent’s farewell tour. For over three decades, Kent has built a reputation for bringing Eastern European opera talent to UK audiences, often favouring a traditional, reverent approach. Here, that commitment is both the production’s…
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The Battle | Opera House, Manchester
In 1995, UK music saw a clash between Oasis and Blur, embodying a North-South divide amid boybands’ dominance. The production “The Battle,” directed by Matthew Dunster, attempts to capture this rivalry but falters with a lackluster script and uninspired design, despite solid performances from the cast. Overall, it disappoints fans.
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Soul by Diversity | Empire Theatre, Liverpool
Ashley Banjo and the Diversity dance group present “Soul,” a touring production that skillfully intertwines vibrant choreography and a narrative on technology’s impact on human connection. The show features dynamic music, striking visuals, and precise routines, balancing celebration with moments of reflection, though some audience distractions hinder its message. Overall,…
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Ballet Nights | Opera House, Manchester
Ballet Nights at Manchester Opera House features a unique program of short works by international dancers, showcasing both contemporary and classical styles. Compere Jamiel Devernay-Laurence guides the event, which highlights diverse performances, including standout pieces like Atlas and Splice. While production design is simple, the focus remains on exceptional talent,…
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Mean Girls | Opera House, Manchester
Mean Girls, the 2017 musical adaptation of one of the most quotable and iconic films of the 21st century, has opened at Manchester’s Opera House as part of its first U.K. tour, bringing enough of the sharp one-liners from screenwriter Tina Fey to keep purists satisfied but ultimately lacking in production value to be totally fetch. Mean Girls follows socially…
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Operation Mincemeat | Lowry, Salford
SpitLip’s “Operation Mincemeat” premieres its world tour at Lowry, Salford, showcasing a flawless blend of comedy and emotional depth within a true WWII story. Under Robert Hastie’s direction, the talented cast delivers sharp performances, while clever writing and inventive design elements create a vibrant and unforgettable theatrical experience.
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