Category: Reviews
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Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift | Opera House, Manchester
Since 1997, Midsomer Murders has been a cozy crime staple for households across the globe. It follows a group of detectives investigating a surprisingly (and often unbelievable) number of homicides across the fictional county of Midsomer- you can only imagine their council tax rates. Now, writer and director, Guy Unsworth…
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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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Double Indemnity | Opera House, Manchester
Based on James M. Cain’s 1943 novel, the noir thriller, Double Indemnity arrives in Manchester promising to bring to life the gripping source material, deemed one of the greatest crime novels of the 20th century. While there are moments of enthral in Tom Holloway’s adaptation, there’s ultimately a lack of…
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Conteh | Royal Court, Liverpool
Aron Julius writes and stars in a theatrical biopic about John Conteh, a celebrated British boxer and WBC light-heavyweight champion. Directed by Mark Womack, the production highlights Conteh’s journey from humble beginnings to fame, featuring a talented cast and impressive production design. It captures Liverpool’s rich heritage while engaging audiences.
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Carlos Acosta’s Carmen | Opera House, Manchester
Carlos Acosta’s reimagining of Carmen transforms the classic tale into a lean, two-act ballet infused with Cuban rhythms. While the choreography shines, blending classical ballet with Latin nuances, emotional connections falter, particularly in Act 1. The production captivates with vibrant energy but ultimately lacks the depth needed for its tragic…
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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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Verdi’s La Traviata | Opera House, Manchester
There is something admirably unfussy about La Traviata as presented in Manchester Opera House on Ellen Kent’s farewell tour. For over three decades, Kent has built a reputation for bringing Eastern European opera talent to UK audiences, often favouring a traditional, reverent approach. Here, that commitment is both the production’s…
