Category: Dance
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Slava’s Snowshow | Opera House, Manchester
Slava’s Snowshow, which premiered in 1993, aims to evoke childhood dreams and provide an escape from adult life. Directed by Viktor Kramer and Slava Polunin, the production elicits polarized reactions from audiences. While children may laugh and adults may be captivated or bored, the production combines classic clowning with impressive…
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Matthew Bourne’s The Midnight Bell | Lowry, Salford
Matthew Bourne’s ‘The Midnight Bell’ at Lowry, Salford, is a poignant exploration of yearning and connection in 1930s London, inspired by Patrick Hamilton. The production features dynamic choreography, atmospheric design, and haunting performances that capture the complexities of the characters’ lives, ultimately illustrating a world of longing and unfulfilled desires.
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Blip! | Aquarius Centre, Manchester
A big focus of Stagey Reviews is to give a platform to not only large-scale productions with price tags to match, but also to affordable theatre. We were recently invited to the run of Blip!, as part of the Chorlton Arts Festival, where it played for one night ahead of…
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Mergaliyev’s Swan Lake | Opera House, Manchester
Mergaliyev Classical Ballet returns to Manchester in 2025 with their version of ‘Swan Lake,’ featuring a timeless score by Tchaikovsky. While the performances display strong talent, particularly from Nilay Tahiroğlu and Cristo Vivancos, the production sometimes lacks the necessary energy and finesse. Despite this, the appreciation for classical ballet endures.
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Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake | The Lowry, Salford
Matthew Bourne’s reinvented Swan Lake, now marking its 29th year, replaces female swans with an all-male ensemble, infusing fresh life into Tchaikovsky’s score. This production explores themes of identity and repression, showcasing powerful choreography and stellar performances. Its universal themes and striking visuals redefine ballet, appealing to all audiences.
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English National Ballet’s Giselle | The Palace Theatre, Manchester
The English National Ballet’s production of Giselle offers a faithful retelling of the classic tale, blending dance and mime to create emotional depth. Julia Conway shines as Myrtha, while Erina Takahashi captivates as Giselle, showcasing remarkable technique. Simplicity in design enhances the storytelling, making it a memorable experience. The production…
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Danesha | The Lowry, Salford
Stefanie Reynolds’ play “Danesha” is a modern coming-of-age story set in Preston, exploring themes of black culture, queerness, and self-discovery. Despite strong performances, particularly from Kelsie Gordon-Harrison, the play struggles to deeply engage with its vast themes within a short runtime, ultimately leading to an underwhelming conclusion.
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A Chorus Line | The Lowry, Salford
A Chorus Line, visiting the UK after a successful run in Leicester, offers a bold reimagining with minimal set design and powerful choreography. The ensemble cast delivers synchronized, standout performances, with notable portrayals by Redmand Rance and Chloe Saunders. Jocasta Almgill shines in the iconic ‘What I Did for Love’.…
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Edward Scissorhands | The Lowry, Salford
“Edward Scissorhands” is a modern take on the classic Frankenstein story, brought to life through dance and music by Sir Matthew Bourne. The production features whimsical choreography, a hybrid soundtrack, and visually captivating set and costume designs. While some narrative moments felt rushed, the show’s themes of tolerance, acceptance, and…
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