Category: Reviews
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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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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…
Stagey Reviews 