Category: Plays
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The Haunting of Hill House | Palace Theatre, Manchester
Shirley Jackson’s classic ghost story, The Haunting of Hill House, has been adapted by Stef Smith into a new touring stage production directed by Martin Constantine, currently playing at Manchester’s Palace Theatre. The plot centers on Dr. Montague and a group of individuals, including the vulnerable Eleanor, exploring the unsettling…
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The Mousetrap | Opera House, Manchester
Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is celebrating its 75th anniversary at Manchester’s Opera House, showcasing its status as the world’s longest-running play. Originally a radio play, it has captivated audiences since its West End debut in 1952 with its intricate plot and secretive nature. The story revolves around strangers trapped in…
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Unsinkable | Hope Street Theatre, Liverpool
The sinking of R.M.S. Titanic in 1912 remains a notable maritime disaster, largely due to the enduring impact of James Cameron’s film. Matthew Reynolds’ play, Unsinkable, examines the lead-up to this tragedy, focusing on J. Bruce Ismay’s controversial survival. The two-act adaptation explores various survivor perspectives, including those of Margaret…
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Letter to Brezhnev | Royal Court, Liverpool
“Letter to Brezhnev,” adapted from Frank Clarke’s 1985 film, is a poignant depiction of love and self-discovery set against Liverpool’s unemployment crisis. Directed by Nicole Behan, the story follows Elaine and her best friend Teresa, who meet two Soviet sailors, transforming their lives. Clarke’s authentic dialogue resonates with working-class experiences,…
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Of All These Friends and Lovers | The Hope Street Theatre, Liverpool
The author expresses a surprising lack of enthusiasm for The Beatles, despite acknowledging their monumental impact on music and Liverpool. Their interest is sparked by the ITV drama “Cilla,” focusing on Brian Epstein, The Beatles’ manager. The review discusses “Of All These Friends and Lovers,” a speculative two-hander play set…
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Take Me Home County Road | Royal Court, Liverpool
Take Me Home, County Road canters into Liverpool’s Royal Court theatre and marks the writing debut of its long established on-stage talent, Adam McCoy. Shelly (Helen Carter) is a forty-something woman from County Road who has settled into a comfortable but perhaps slightly unfulfilled life with her husband Mick (Lenny…
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I F*cking Love F*cking Someone I F*cking Hate | 53Two, Manchester
Foundations presents their debut dark comedy play, I F*cking Love F*cking Someone I F*cking Hate, written and performed by Hannah Mullen with direction from Eliza Beth Stevens. The play explores modern love’s complexities and bisexuality through five distinct characters who navigate their desires and connections. A text mishap leads to…
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Taking the Piste | Royal Court, Liverpool
The review discusses “Taking the Piste,” a play by Kieran Lynn inspired by a true story about the construction of a ski slope in Kirkby during the 1970s. Due to technical issues during the performance, the review focuses on the story, cast, and set design. Directed by John Young, the…
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Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift | Opera House, Manchester
Since 1997, Midsomer Murders has been a cozy crime staple for households across the globe. It follows a group of detectives investigating a surprisingly (and often unbelievable) number of homicides across the fictional county of Midsomer- you can only imagine their council tax rates. Now, writer and director, Guy Unsworth…
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Double Indemnity | Opera House, Manchester
Based on James M. Cain’s 1943 novel, the noir thriller, Double Indemnity arrives in Manchester promising to bring to life the gripping source material, deemed one of the greatest crime novels of the 20th century. While there are moments of enthral in Tom Holloway’s adaptation, there’s ultimately a lack of…
