Category: Plays
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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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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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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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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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Trainspotting | Theatre Royal, Ramsbottom
The review of Jon Walker’s adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s Trainspotting praises the immersive production set in Manchester, blending elements of Welsh’s Skag Boys. The performance, characterized by sensory overload, strong direction, and powerful acting, captivates the audience. Walker and The Summerseat Players create an unforgettable theatrical experience, redefining the original…
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