Category: Reviews
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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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The Talented Mr. Ripley | Lowry, Salford
Patricia Highsmith’s Tom Ripley franchise, notably adapted into the 1999 film and the 2024 Netflix series, celebrates its 70th anniversary with Mark Leipacher’s new stage production. The Talented Mr. Ripley explores the complex character of Tom Ripley, portrayed compellingly by Ed McVey, who oscillates between charming and sinister. The production’s…
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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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The Scouse Christmas Carol | Royal Court, Liverpool
The Royal Court’s reputation for Scouserfying a classic tale for their annual Christmas show precedes them, and this year’s outing of an adapted A Christmas Carol is no different. On paper, you have a more-than-qualified creative team- written by the Court’s executive producer, Kevin Fearon, directed by panto veteran Mark Chatterton, and some…
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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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Fawlty Towers – The Play | Opera House, Manchester
Fawlty Towers has been adapted for the stage with John Cleese’s approval, combining three classic episodes into a two-hour farce under Caroline Jay Ranger’s direction. Following a successful West End run, the production is now touring the UK, featuring Danny Bayne as Basil and Joanne Clifton as Polly. While it…
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Slava’s Snowshow | Opera House, Manchester
Slava’s Snowshow, which premiered in 1993, aims to evoke childhood dreams and provide an escape from adult life. Directed by Viktor Kramer and Slava Polunin, the production elicits polarized reactions from audiences. While children may laugh and adults may be captivated or bored, the production combines classic clowning with impressive…
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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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