Category: Reviews
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Send in the Clowns: Little Flop of Horrors | Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
Fatt Projects brings a vibrant blend of camp humor, activism, and live vocals in their latest show, Send in the Clowns: Little Flop of Horrors. Led by the charismatic Fatt Butcher, the performance challenges perceptions and captivates audiences with powerful vocalists like Blü Romantic and Dahliah ‘Slut’ Rivers. The two…
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Private Lives | Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Tanuja Amarasuriya won the Peter Hall Director Award, allowing her to direct Noël Coward’s Private Lives, a satirical play exploring the complexities of relationships. The production features vibrant performances and strong character journeys, blending humor with darker themes, alongside effective set and sound design, despite some rhythmic flaws. A lively…
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Yen | Octagon, Bolton
Anna Jordan’s play Yen, set in a council flat, explores the harsh realities of life through the lens of two brothers, Hench and Bobbie, embodying raw co-dependency amid poverty. The characters, including their mother, are portrayed with depth as generational trauma unfolds in a gripping, intimate narrative that resonates powerfully.
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Here & Now | Opera House, Manchester
Here & Now is a vibrant jukebox musical featuring Steps’ music, centered on friendship and love among colleagues at a bargain store. Directed by Rachel Kavanaugh and written by Shaun Kitchener, the show blends humor with heartfelt moments, offering fresh arrangements of well-known tracks. Despite slight flaws, it captivates fans…
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Canal Street Lonely Hearts Club | Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
The review discusses Jonathan Harvey’s updated production of Rupert Street Lonely Hearts Club, set in 2025, focusing on five characters seeking connection in modern society. The play balances humor and emotional depth, although some humor feels dated. The performances are strong, with powerful themes on mental health and community support.…
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Moulin Rouge! | Palace Theatre, Manchester
Moulin Rouge! dazzles at Manchester’s Palace Theatre, delivering a vibrant spectacle filled with catchy songs, impressive choreography, and stunning visuals. Despite its entertaining surface, the narrative and character development often feel shallow. However, standout performances, particularly by Verity Thompson and Josh Rose, elevate the production, leaving audiences enchanted through its…
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The Diana Mixtape | Lowry, Salford
The Diana Mixtape combines drag queens, iconic queer anthems, and the legacy of Princess Diana, aiming for a vibrant prelude to Manchester Pride. However, the production struggles on a large stage, facing technical issues and inconsistency. Despite its flaws, the entertaining show has potential for refinement and a more captivating…
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Trainspotting | Theatre Royal, Ramsbottom
The review of Jon Walker’s adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s Trainspotting praises the immersive production set in Manchester, blending elements of Welsh’s Skag Boys. The performance, characterized by sensory overload, strong direction, and powerful acting, captivates the audience. Walker and The Summerseat Players create an unforgettable theatrical experience, redefining the original…
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The Legend of Rooney’s Ring | Royal Court, Liverpool
The Legend of Rooney’s Ring, currently at Liverpool’s Royal Court, is a delightful comedy that blends mischief and magic. Featuring standout performances, especially by John May and Keddy Sutton, the show captures the essence of Liverpool with sharp, relatable humor. Its heartfelt script ensures a must-see experience filled with laughter…
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Magic & Sex | The Kings Arms, Salford
Almost a year ago, we were lucky enough to see Kathryn Haywood bring her one-woman-show, Yoga & Sex… For Women (Over 40) to Manchester before heading to Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival. The play packed such a punch, particularly with Haywood’s comedic performance, that she was named our blog’s ‘Performer of the…
Stagey Reviews 