Category: Musicals
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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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Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Musical | Palace Theatre, Manchester
“Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical,” directed by Ian Talbot, is a vibrant production that polarizes audiences. While it offers escapism and entertainment through camp performances and colorful design, its thin narrative and pacing issues detract from depth. Despite flaws, it serves as important LGBTQ+ representation and provides a…
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Send in the Clowns: Unpopular | Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
Fatt Projects’ “Unpopular” returns with its unique blend of chaos and talent, showcasing drag culture through powerful vocals and humor. The show satirizes mega-musicals like “Wicked” and features engaging performances despite occasional missed cues. Entertaining and insightful, it runs at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre until February 18, before touring further.
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Barnum | Palace Theatre, Manchester
The 2026 UK tour of “Barnum” at Manchester’s Palace Theatre showcases energetic performances but lacks dramatic depth. Despite a talented cast and impressive moments, Mark Bramble’s book limits character development. While the production features vibrant visuals and skilled circus acts, it falls short of emotional resonance, ultimately leaving audiences wanting…
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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,…
Stagey Reviews 