Category: Musicals
-
Sister Act | The Palace, Manchester
“Sister Act: The Musical” is a riotous production celebrating the power of sisterhood. Deloris, a disco diva turned undercover nun, embarks on a hilarious journey filled with divine vocals. The ensemble cast’s energy and synergy shine, supported by toe-tapping tunes, lively choreography, and seamless costume design. This heavenly blend of…
-
Pretty Woman | The Palace, Manchester
The stage adaptation of Pretty Woman, faithful to the original plot, adds depth to characters with music and lyrics by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. Paige Fenlon’s portrayal of Vivian Ward brings impeccable growth and vocal prowess, while the ensemble impresses despite some weaker moments. The production captures the ’90s…
-
Unfortunate | The Lowry, Salford
“Unfortunate” takes a bold and campy twist on “The Little Mermaid” tale, with Ursula stealing the show. The production’s powerhouse vocals, versatile ensemble, and bold design make for a memorable experience. Although not for the faint-hearted, it offers a fresh and humorous take on the classic story, guaranteed to leave…
-
Madagascar the Musical | Opera House, Manchester
Madagascar the Musical, based on the DreamWorks animated film, falls short of adding new value to the original story. Despite energetic performances, the heavily streamlined production lacks depth. The set and costume designs have noticeable flaws, but the high-energy cast and lively musical numbers provide a “roar-some” experience, especially for…
-
The King & I | The Lowry, Salford
Bartlett Sher’s Lincoln Center production of the classic musical “The King and I” has returned to The Lowry in Salford, receiving mixed reviews. While the timeless music and talented cast impressed, some found the plot and subplots outdated. The production’s exquisite design and performances make it an engaging experience, despite…
-
Brief Encounter | Royal Exchange, Manchester
Sir Noël Coward’s timeless storytelling shines in Emma Rice’s adaptation of ‘Brief Encounter’, creating a charming and heartfelt production. The Royal Exchange theatre’s immersive ambiance perfectly complements the play’s elegant simplicity. With a talented ensemble cast and purposeful music, this feel-good production captivates audiences with its warmth and charm. ★★★★
-
Jack and the Beanstalk | Opera House, Manchester
Fee-fi-fum-fo- if you need a laugh, go see this show! Panto season is back with beans at Opera House Manchester (oh, yes it is!) as Jack and the Beanstalk takes to the stage. This year’s festive fayre stands tall against the plethora of seasonal stagey treats on offer this Christmas…
-
Hamilton | The Palace, Manchester
‘Hamilton’- The ground-breaking theatrical masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences worldwide- has finally started its highly anticipated run in Manchester. Since its induction in 2015, it has garnered consistent five-star reviews from audiences and critics alike. Does the regional premiere live up to its stellar reputation? Set against the backdrop…
-
Private Peaceful | The Capstone Theatre, Liverpool
This evening, I was invited to review the opening performance of Private Peaceful, performed by the students of Dixons Broadgreen Academy. Originally a 2003 novel by Michael Morpurgo, the plot tells the story of Thomas “Tommo” Peaceful, who is looking back at his life from childhood to warfare and the…
Stagey Reviews 