Category: Plays
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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…
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Conteh | Royal Court, Liverpool
Aron Julius writes and stars in a theatrical biopic about John Conteh, a celebrated British boxer and WBC light-heavyweight champion. Directed by Mark Womack, the production highlights Conteh’s journey from humble beginnings to fame, featuring a talented cast and impressive production design. It captures Liverpool’s rich heritage while engaging audiences.
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The Battle | Opera House, Manchester
In 1995, UK music saw a clash between Oasis and Blur, embodying a North-South divide amid boybands’ dominance. The production “The Battle,” directed by Matthew Dunster, attempts to capture this rivalry but falters with a lackluster script and uninspired design, despite solid performances from the cast. Overall, it disappoints fans.
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Road | Royal Exchange, Manchester
The Royal Exchange Theatre’s 50th anniversary is marked by the revival of “Road,” directed by Selina Cartmell. This immersive production highlights themes of community and resilience, capturing the essence of northern working-class life. With powerful performances and evocative design, it balances humor and tragedy, breathing new life into a classic…
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