Category: Plays
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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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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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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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Abigail’s Party | Royal Exchange, Manchester
Abigail’s Party, directed by Natalie Abrahami, is staged at Royal Exchange, Manchester. Mike Leigh’s work remains relevant, exploring themes of validation and character depth. Kym Marsh shines as Beverly, enhancing the performance with strong staging and design. Despite minor sound issues, the production offers a captivating night at the theatre.
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Handbagged | The Lowry, Salford
Laura Buffini’s play Handbagged presents a comedic yet flawed portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II and Margaret Thatcher’s imagined conversations at Buckingham Palace. Despite strong performances and witty dialogue, the script’s repetitive nature and reliance on exposition hinder its potential. While intriguing for political enthusiasts, it ultimately lacks significant impact.
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Willy Russell’s Shirley Valentine | Everyman Theatre, Liverpool
Willy Russell’s iconic character Shirley Valentine is revitalized in the Everyman Theatre production, showcasing her journey from a mundane kitchen life to vibrant self-discovery. Helen Carter’s remarkable performance and the impeccable direction reveal Shirley’s transformation, resonating with audiences and illustrating timeless themes of ambition and freedom, proving the play’s enduring…
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Glorious! | Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
Peter Quilter’s Glorious!, showcasing Florence Foster Jenkins’ amusing yet poignant story, has premiered at Hope Mill Theatre. While Wendi Peters delivers a dynamic performance, the script lacks depth and purpose, missing opportunities to explore Jenkins’ resilience. Despite its shortcomings, the production captivates with strong performances and themes of courage and…
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Ghost Stories | Lowry, Salford
‘Ghost Stories’ captivates audiences with its suspenseful storytelling and strong performances. Professor Goodman, played by Dan Tetsell, debunks supernatural claims while immersing viewers in nightmarish realities. The production excels in sound, lighting, and special effects, creating an unsettling atmosphere. Despite some comedic elements, it’s a thrilling experience worth attending.
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