Category: Reviews
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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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Road | Royal Exchange, Manchester
The Royal Exchange Theatre’s 50th anniversary is marked by the revival of “Road,” directed by Selina Cartmell. This immersive production highlights themes of community and resilience, capturing the essence of northern working-class life. With powerful performances and evocative design, it balances humor and tragedy, breathing new life into a classic…
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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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The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me | Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
Hive North’s latest adaptation of The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me, directed by Adam Zane, showcases a powerful performance by Gabriel Clark in this one-man play. It explores the history of LGBTQ+ struggles against persecution, notably through strong visuals and poignant storytelling. The production, running until February 14, is a…
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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 Memory of Water | Octagon, Bolton
Shelagh Stephenson’s The Memory of Water is one of those plays that wears its intelligence lightly. First staged in the mid-1990s, it arrives at Bolton’s Octagon Theatre not as a dusty museum piece but as an assured revival, directed by Lotte Wakeham with confidence and restraint. The play’s blend of caustic humour and emotional…
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The Execution of Private Slovik | 53Two, Manchester
Old Fruit Jar Productions’ The Execution of Private Slovik at Manchester’s 53Two is a powerful, tightly wound piece of theatre that lingers long after the stunned silence of its final moments. Set in France in 1945, in the final months of the Second World War, the play places us in…
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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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Sleep Can Wait! | Unity Theatre, Liverpool
“Sleep Can Wait!” at Liverpool’s Unity Theatre is a whimsical, family-friendly production directed by Elinor Randle. It features engaging performances by young actors and a vibrant backdrop of innovative design. The play encourages creativity without screens, highlighting the magic of the holiday season. Running until December 23rd, it promises joy…
Stagey Reviews 