Category: Reviews
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Come Fall in Love | Opera House, Manchester
Thirty years after Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge took World Cinema by storm, Aditya Chopra brings his much-loved Bollywood romance to the UK stage with Come Fall in Love– a vibrant, full-hearted musical presented as part of the ‘Manchester Gets It First’ campaign. But how does it translate to the stage?…
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Dear England | Lowry, Salford
James Graham’s Dear England returns, blending drama and satire to explore identity and masculinity through the lens of England’s football team. Starring Gwilym Lee as Gareth Southgate, the play addresses mental health and racism while raising questions about its target audience. It reflects on England’s evolving identity, offering a thought-provoking,…
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Jock Night | Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
Jock Night, a two-act play by Adam Zane, transcends typical gay stereotypes, showcasing five human characters. Set against a detailed backdrop, it blends humor with significant gay community issues. While some pacing and dialogue moments feel contrived, the performances, particularly Gabriel Clark’s, stand out. The production runs at Hope Mill…
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Blip! | Aquarius Centre, Manchester
A big focus of Stagey Reviews is to give a platform to not only large-scale productions with price tags to match, but also to affordable theatre. We were recently invited to the run of Blip!, as part of the Chorlton Arts Festival, where it played for one night ahead of…
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Rocky Horror Show | Palace Theatre, Manchester
The Rocky Horror Show, now in its 50th year, remains a vibrant yet nostalgic production directed by Christopher Luscombe. While it features star performances and classic songs like ‘Time Warp,’ it feels more like a preserved relic than a revolutionary experience. Despite its joyful message, it lacks reinvention in today’s…
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Making It! | Royal Court, Liverpool
Making It!, a play by Cath Rice and Stephen Fletcher, has evolved from a solo performance to a two-hander. Starring Bev (Rice) and Andrew Schofield, the show explores showbiz challenges and personal journeys through humor and caricature. While visually appealing, it lacks depth compared to similar works, resulting in emotional…
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A Knight’s Tale: The Musical | Opera House, Manchester
‘A Knight’s Tale: The Musical’ is a bold adaptation of Brian Helgeland’s film, combining medieval themes with a playlist of pop hits and humor. The narrative centers on William Thatcher, a squire aspiring to knighthood. With vibrant choreography and eclectic sound design, the production is campy and entertaining, capturing audiences…
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Death of a Salesman | Lowry, Salford
Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman,” directed by Andy Arnold, struggles to fully engage audiences despite its timeless themes. While David Hayman’s portrayal of Willy Loman shines in present scenes, the production’s overthought direction and cluttered staging detract from the narrative. Daniel Cahill’s performance as Biff stands out amidst confusion…
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Mary Poppins | Palace Theatre, Manchester
The new UK tour of Mary Poppins revitalizes the classic with sophistication and creativity. Stefanie Jones shines as Mary, balancing warmth and strength, while Jack Chambers’ Bert brings charisma and energy. The production impresses with fluid set transitions, heartfelt performances, and thoughtful themes, making it a captivating theatrical experience.
