Category: Musicals
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The Bodyguard | Palace Theatre, Manchester
The Bodyguard musical returns to Manchester’s Palace Theatre, marking its fourth UK tour. While it attempts to honor Whitney Houston’s legacy, the production struggles with narrative depth and direction. Although the cast shows potential, the overall execution sometimes undermines emotional intimacy, leaving the audience craving a more polished tribute to…
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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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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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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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Miss Saigon | Palace Theatre, Manchester
The UK tour of Miss Saigon at Manchester Palace Theatre showcases the timeless drama and stunning score by Claude-Michel Schönberg, directed by Jean-Pierre van der Spuy. This production retells the tragic love story set during the Vietnam War, featuring powerful performances and orchestral depth under Graham Hurman’s musical guidance. While…
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It’s a Wonderful Life | Royal Court, Liverpool
Old Fruit Jar Productions has revived its successful adaptation of “It’s a Wonderful Life” at Liverpool’s Royal Court, featuring a fresh cast. Directed by Alex King and written by Mary Elliott Nelson, this rendition captures the film’s sentimentality and whimsy. It centers on George Bailey, portrayed by Sean Radford, who…
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Fiddler on the Roof | Palace Theatre, Manchester
The latest UK tour of Fiddler on the Roof revitalizes the beloved musical with a fresh adaptation from Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Set in Anatevka, the narrative follows Tevye, a struggling milkman, as he confronts his traditions while his daughters pursue their own choices in love. Director Jordan Fein…
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Sunny Afternoon | Palace Theatre, Manchester
Sunny Afternoon, opening at Manchester’s Palace Theatre, is an Olivier Award-winning musical portraying the journey of The Kinks from humble beginnings to fame in the 1960s. Directed by Edward Hall, the show highlights the balance between success and personal turmoil through the music of Ray Davies. A talented cast, especially…
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