Category: Reviews
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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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The Woman in Black | Storyhouse, Chester
Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black, adapted by Stephen Mallatratt, has captivated audiences for years. At Chester’s Storyhouse, the production, directed by Robin Herford, features strong performances from John Mackay and Daniel Burke, who effectively navigate its play-within-a-play format. However, the adaptation may detract from the novel’s intensity, failing to…
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Stags & Hens – The Remix | Theatre Royal, Ramsbottom
At the Theatre Royal, Ramsbottom, The Summerseat Players take on Willy Russell’s Stags & Hens this week- but remixed. The play follows two groups of friends on a big night out- the stags in the gents and the hens in the ladies. Here, though, the action is moved from its…
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The Derby-Days | Royal Court, Liverpool
Ian Salmon’s play, The Derby-Days, explores the impact of football rivalry on family dynamics through the lens of Chloe Derby-Day, who has a divided allegiance at home. Directed by Nicole Behan, the performances shine as Sarah White and Dominic Carter portray a couple in conflict with exceptional chemistry. Elliott Kingsley…
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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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