Category: Musicals
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Annie | Palace Theatre, Manchester
Annie, a heartwarming musical, arrives in Manchester, portraying the iconic orphan’s journey from hardship to hope. The production, directed by Nikolai Foster, features standout performances, particularly from Victoria Alsina as Annie and La Voix as Miss Hannigan. While some musical numbers falter, the overall experience offers joy and nostalgia for…
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Waitress | Palace Theatre, Manchester
At Manchester’s Palace Theatre, the production of Waitress, directed by Diane Paulus, combines warmth and emotional depth, anchored by Carrie Hope Fletcher’s poignant portrayal of Jenna. The score by Sara Bareilles enhances the storytelling, revealing characters’ inner struggles. Despite occasional sentimentality, the production’s compassion for ordinary lives resonates throughout, creating…
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The Karate Kid: The Musical | Palace Theatre, Manchester
The Karate Kid: The Musical offers a lively adaptation of the iconic 1984 film, capturing its underdog essence. While the story remains familiar, the performances, particularly by Sharon Sexton as Lucille, add depth. Despite a lack of memorable songs, the production balances nostalgia and sincerity, delivering an enjoyable experience for…
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Bank of Dave | Lowry, Salford
“Bank of Dave” is a humorous rags-to-riches musical directed by Nikolai Foster, depicting Dave Fishwick’s quest to establish a community bank against elite bankers. With a witty book and lyrics by Rob Madge, the show earns laughs through relatable characters and catchy tunes, despite occasional sound mix issues. A heartfelt,…
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The Choir of Man | Opera House, Manchester
The Choir of Man presents a lively, unconventional theatrical experience set in a fictional pub, focusing on entertainment over narrative depth. With nine performers engaging the audience through music, tap dancing, and camaraderie, it highlights themes of connection and mental health while fostering a communal atmosphere. Despite minor flaws, it…
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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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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.
Stagey Reviews 