Abigail Pendlebury, Author at North West End UK

19Aug

By Abigail PendleburyNo Comments

North West

Mean Girls – Winter Gardens Blackpool

Mean Girls the Musical is a sensational, high-energy production that delivers everything you could hope for in a modern day musical, with its sharp humour, outstanding performances and visual style, it radiates energy from start to finish, creating a relatable story that audiences can connect with. This is a show that feels both fresh and faithful to the original story, and the Winter Gardens provides the perfect backdrop for such a vibrant, fast‑paced production it’s rare to see a production that balances comedy, heart and contemporary storytelling so seamlessly, but this one achieves it with style. One of the standout strengths of this production is the cast, who bring enormous personality and precision to every moment. Vivian Panka commands the stage as Regina George with a remarkabl...

Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes – The Lowry

26Nov

By Abigail PendleburyNo Comments

North West

Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes – The Lowry

Matthew Bourne’s production of The Red shoes is a true masterclass in storytelling. Directed and choreographed by Bourne, it enchants audiences and speaks volumes without a single word being spoken. From the opening moment, the stage is charged with a dramatic intensity that pulls audiences in to a world of passion, ambition and a life in the 1940s. The staging is a work of art and a credit to designer Lez Brotherston, A single stage curtain on a proscenium arch creates the starting and ending backdrop to this story of a young dancer dreaming to make it, who’s passion for dancing becomes an obsession, torn between two men, her tragic fate was sealed the moment she put the red shoes on. It’s as if we are watching a ballet, but also a life imitation, and the revolving curtain is framing t...

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical – Liverpool Empire

15Aug

By Abigail PendleburyNo Comments

North West

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical – Liverpool Empire

From the opening notes of ‘Simply the Best’ and the curtain rising into the sky, you know you’re in for a rollercoaster of a night. Tina: The Tina Turner Musical delivers a powerful evening of storytelling and soul, bringing the extraordinary yet deeply intense life of Tina Turner to life. This heart-wrenching yet highly energetic performance had audiences cheering Tina on her journey from the very start. Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi sensationally portrays the role of Tina, embodying her every move and likeness to a tea. Her vocal prowess is something to be rivalled; she really brought Tina’s vulnerability and powerful nature to the audience. Her ability to maintain vocal composure whilst depicting the raw and emotional scenes of the domestic violence Tina went through really allows for audienc...

1Aug

By Abigail PendleburyNo Comments

North West

Missed Calls – Hallè St Peter’s

“Missed Calls” is like someone took every unread message, ghosted text, and late-night “are you up?” call and turned it into theatre that actually understands what it's like to be young, a little lost, and trying to connect in a world that’s constantly online but emotionally offline. This beautiful piece brought together movement, silence, and unanswered voicemails to create a thought-provoking masterpiece. Audiences listen to the dialogue through headphones while the two lovers we hear from move and dance around us. Through a series of contemporary movements and mime, they tell their story without speaking. The only time the actors speak is at the end, after a time jump. This moment adds a new dimension to the performance and brings the entire story to a poignant close. Througho...

8Jul

By Abigail PendleburyNo Comments

North West

Sounds of the East – Bridgewater Hall

Under the baton of Principal Conductor Kahchun Wong, Sounds of the East at Bridgewater Hall offered a thrilling musical journey that blended tradition, and innovation with striking cohesion. Featuring the Hallé Orchestra and guest musicians from the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, the program offered a wide range of musical magic that could be enjoyed by all. The evening started with a wonderful pre-concert talk with conductor Kahchun Wong and composer Chinary Ung, which featured in great detail how both Wong and Ung create their masterpieces. Particular attention was on Chinary Ung’s Grand Spiral (Desert Flowers Bloom), a piece that was having its European Premiere at the Bridgewater Hall. It was particularly interesting to hear how he named the piece, and also how he created such a beaut...

Dear Evan Hansen – Grand Opera House, York

25Jun

By Abigail PendleburyNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

Dear Evan Hansen – Grand Opera House, York

An emotional and thought-provoking masterclass. Dear Evan Hansen at the Grand Opera House York, was one of the most emotionally resonant and beautifully staged productions I've ever seen. From the moment the lights dimmed and the opening chords of “Waving Through a Window” echoed through the theatre, it was clear we were in for something special. The cast delivered powerful, nuanced performances that held the audience in rapt attention from start to finish. Ryan Kopel’ portrayal of Evan brought a vulnerability and raw honesty to the role that made his journey incredibly moving as well as hugely relatable to most audiences. His vocal performance was both delicate and commanding, effortlessly navigating the show’s emotionally charged score, and the sensitivity of Evan trying to find hi...

6Jun

By Abigail PendleburyNo Comments

North West

Grease The Musical – Blackpool Grand

Grease is back in Blackpool, and it's bringing all the nostalgic charm and infectious energy that fans adore. This co-production between Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Blackpool Grand Theatre delivers a fresh take on the classic, blending dynamic performances with a live on-stage band to create an immersive experience. From the very first announcement the audience were transported back to the 1950s world of Rydell High. The cast's enthusiasm is obvious from their smiles and energy as they take the stage, with standout performances that breathe new life into beloved characters. Blythe Jandoo shines as Sandy, showcasing the character’s innocence throughout the show, delivering a beautiful and heartfelt rendition of "Hopelessly Devoted to You," while Alexander Service's portrayal of Danny ...

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – Blackpool Grand

29May

By Abigail PendleburyNo Comments

North West

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – Blackpool Grand

In a bold and brilliant move to celebrate their 75th anniversary, Blackpool & Fylde Light Opera Company (BFLOC) brought Everybody’s Talking About Jamie to the Grand Theatre—and what a celebration it was. This amateur production proved that local theatre can deliver just as much heart, polish, and power as the West End, especially when powered by an immensely talented cast of teenagers and young adults. At the heart of the story is 16-year-old Jamie New, a Sheffield schoolboy with drag queen dreams and the courage to chase them. Playing Jamie was Seb Holbert, a NODA award-winning young performer whose charisma, emotional depth, and vocal control lit up the stage. Holbert captured both Jamie's flamboyant confidence and his inner vulnerability with remarkable maturity for such a young ...

17Apr

By Abigail PendleburyNo Comments

North West

Guys and Dolls – Blackpool Grand

The Blackpool Grand Theatre's 2025 production of Guys and Dolls, presented by the Blackpool Operatic Players, delivers a vibrant and heartfelt rendition of this classic musical. The show beautifully captures the essence of 1950s Broadway with its dynamic performances and memorable score. Set against the bustling backdrop of Damon Runyon's New York, the narrative follows the escapades of gamblers, showgirls, and missionaries. The very talented Leo Appleton plays Nathan Detroit, ever the schemer, who seeks to organize the city's biggest craps game while evading the watchful eyes of his long-time fiancée, Adelaide, played by Claire Gaskell. Gaskell adds some well-timed humour and glamour as Adelaide, who just wants her beloved Nathan to marry her and give up the game. Neil Mcknight’s port...

Birmingham Royal Ballet: Cinderella – The Lowry

7Mar

By Abigail PendleburyNo Comments

North West

Birmingham Royal Ballet: Cinderella – The Lowry

A Magical Evening of Dance and Storytelling. Birmingham Royal Ballet's production of Cinderella at The Lowry was a captivating and enchanting performance, blending classical ballet with stunning visuals, exquisite choreography, and a timeless tale. It was a tale of 3 acts that had the audience enraptured with its charm and elegance. Choreographed by the renowned David Bintley, this retelling of the classic fairy tale offered an imaginative and fresh take on the beloved story, while staying true to the traditional charm that has made Cinderella a favourite among ballet enthusiasts. The production was a visual masterpiece, with enchanting costumes designed by John Macfarlane, that added depth and fantasy to each character. From Cinderella’s tattered rags to her stunning ballgown, ev...