Category: Reviews
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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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Young Frankenstein | Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
Hope Mill Theatre celebrated its 10-year Anniversary with an exuberant production of Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein, a musical adaptation of the 1974 comedy. The story follows Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (Ore Oduba) as he inherits his grandfather’s castle in Transylvania and is encouraged by Igor (Curtis Patrick) to continue his grandfather’s…
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Lost Atoms | Playhouse, Liverpool
For its 30th anniversary, Frantic Assembly partners with acclaimed playwright Anna Jordan to present “Lost Atoms,” a memory play exploring the complex relationship of Robbie and Jess. Directed by Scott Graham, the production features Frantic Assembly’s hallmark physicality and inventive staging, highlighting Jordan’s unique storytelling ability. The non-linear narrative mirrors…
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Snake in the Grass | Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Alan Ayckbourn’s “Snake in the Grass” captivates audiences at the Octagon Theatre in Bolton with its blend of psychological tension and dark humor. Directed by Francesca Goodridge, the play delves into family trauma, revealed through the unsettling reunion of two estranged sisters after their father’s death. The performances, especially by…
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The Anfield Apocalypse | Royal Court, Liverpool
The Anfield Apocalypse, currently playing at The Studio in The Royal Court Liverpool, is a zombie comedy that promises The Court’s classic Scouse wit and undead chaos- and while it doesn’t always hit the mark, it offers a lively, if uneven, night out. From the outset, the show wrestles with…
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13 Going On 30 | Opera House, Manchester
The musical adaptation of the beloved 2004 film, 13 Going On 30, evokes mixed feelings about its necessity despite nostalgia. Written by the film’s creators, the story follows Jenna Rink, who wishes to become “30, flirty and thriving” at her 13th birthday, leading to a chaotic realization of her desires.…
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