Brian Madden, Author at North West End UK

13Mar

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

Frankenstein – The Lowry

imitating the dog's production of Frankenstein at The Lowry Theatre in Salford attempts a daring fusion of Mary Shelley's classic gothic tale with the personal journey of a modern couple on the brink of parenthood. While this ambitious endeavour promises a fresh interpretation of a timeless story, the execution ultimately falls short, resulting in a bewildering narrative experience that leaves much to be desired. The decision to intertwine the lives of the modern couple with the character of Victor Frankenstein proves to be a double-edged sword. On one hand, the juxtaposition of Shelley's cautionary tale with the intimate struggles of impending parenthood holds promise for a thought-provoking exploration of creation, responsibility, and the human condition. However, in practice, the ble...

28Feb

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

Twelve Angry Men – The Lowry

The production of "Twelve Angry Men" at The Lowry Theatre in Salford, directed by Christopher Haydon, delivers a captivating and thought-provoking theatrical experience, earning a solid four-star rating. Adapted from Reginald Rose’s classic screenplay, the narrative unfolds in the intense setting of a New York jury room, where twelve jurors must decide the fate of a 16-year-old boy accused of murdering his father. While the overall production impresses with its compelling narrative and masterful direction by Haydon, there were occasional instances of overacting from some cast members. While overacting can be forgiven if emotionally connected to the character, there were moments where believability faltered, and made some of the stronger characters appear like they were crazy. Despite...

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World – The Lowry

8Dec

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World – The Lowry

"Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World," playing at The Lowry, is a musical celebration of history's most influential women, set against an impressive and dynamic backdrop that blends traditional and modern theatrical elements. A standout aspect of the show is the music, which involves the talent of Miranda Cooper, known for penning hits for girl groups like Girls Aloud and Sugababes. Her influence is evident in the catchy, sassy songs that form the backbone of the musical. These numbers, characterised by a strong group dynamic, are one of the production's most significant strengths. The choruses, where the cast sings together, are particularly impactful, showcasing a harmonious and energetic unity that outshines the individual performances. Elena Breschi's roles as Marie C...

I Should Be So Lucky – Opera House, Manchester

15Nov

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

I Should Be So Lucky – Opera House, Manchester

I Should Be So Lucky, penned by Debbie Isitt, is a jukebox musical that takes its audience on a nostalgic journey through the hits of Stock Aitken Waterman. Starring Lucie-Mae Sumner as Ella and Billy Roberts as Nathan, the musical places its primary focus on the music rather than the plot, creating a vibrant but sometimes superficial experience. The story, centred around the rocky relationship between Ella and Nathan, unfolds with Nathan leaving Ella at the altar. However, it quickly becomes apparent that the musical's main draw is its soundtrack, not its narrative. Ella's rapid forgiveness of Nathan in Act 2 seems more a product of the musical's rush to showcase another hit song rather than a thoughtful character decision. The cast, including Kayla Carter as Bonnie, Jessica Daley a...

The Shawshank Redemption – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

16Sep

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

The Shawshank Redemption – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

Upon entering the Altrincham Garrick, I was immediately drawn into the chilling confines of the Shawshank Prison. The stage, impressively transformed for an amateur theatre, mirrors the grim atmosphere of a bleak, metallic prison block, further intensified by dim lighting. This ambiance, paired with the methodical procession of prisoners, sets an undeniable authentic tone. I definitely wouldn’t want to be there, and Director; Joseph Meighan has done an excellent job is creating this dirty world, where new inmates dare not step a foot out of line for fear of receiving brutal consequences. This rendition of "The Shawshank Redemption" offers a fresh perspective on Stephen King's iconic narrative, a tale that resonates with themes of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. A lengthy s...

15Sep

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

Census – Contact Theatre

Census, set in North Manchester, is a commendable theatrical endeavour that aims to break stereotypes, shining a light on a community's spirit through personal interviews and historical narratives. Located in a rapidly evolving working-class area of Manchester, this unique project is both ambitious and captivating. The evening is orchestrated by Malandra Jacks, with Chloe and Josh from Moston taking the lead. The show kicks off with a bus journey from Manchester City Centre to Moston. As they pass Harpurhey market, it's evident that the place is brimming with characters, and there's a distinct emphasis that there's only one way to pronounce "Harpurhey". This bus journey segment, while filled with humour, felt like a play for laughs. With a local audience that seemed to relate to every j...

Foxdog Studios: Robo Bingo – The King’s Arms

2Aug

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

Foxdog Studios: Robo Bingo – The King’s Arms

Set to dazzle audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, "Robo Bingo" provides a unique spin on traditional entertainment. This show, hosted by a dynamic duo of tech enthusiasts, Lloyd and Pete, seamlessly blends technology and comedy with interactive gameplay. Distinctly designed for introverts, "Robo Bingo" offers a refreshing take on audience participation. Show-goers get the opportunity to interact with robotic elements integrated into the performance, creating an immersive and memorable experience. This isn't your standard bingo night, and Lloyd and Pete's wit and charm are at the heart of the show's appeal. Their comedic timing and tech-infused narratives bring a fresh and enjoyable dynamic to the performance. As "Robo Bingo" gears up for its stint at the Edinburgh Frin...

12Jul

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

Enough – The King’s Arms, Salford

"Enough," a thought-provoking production by Moonstone Theatre, plunges into the harsh realities of systemic misogyny and sexism within UK police forces. Written by Emily Hunter and inspired by the heart-wrenching Sarah Everard case, the play delivers an essential message, though its predictability somewhat hampers its impact. The script showcases the experiences of Constable Irie Dayton, a role brought to life with remarkable emotional depth by Riah Amelle. However, at times, the dialogue leans towards predictability, reducing the punch that such a profound topic merits. Despite this Fringe production's minimalistic setting, the performances are noteworthy. Emily Hunter, taking on the role of Constable Chris Dash, brings a marked intensity to the play, particularly during a pivotal i...

Vardy v Rooney – The Wagatha Christie Trial – The Lowry

11Jun

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

Vardy v Rooney – The Wagatha Christie Trial – The Lowry

We all remember that day in October 2019 when Colleen Rooney posted that now infamous line on social media "It's......Rebekah Vardy's account". After a turbulent court case, the transcript has now found its way on stage. While Lisa Spirling's adept direction lends a captivating dynamism to the court scenes, as attorneys demonstrate their prowess in a thrilling simulation of a tennis match, it's hard to ignore the signs of rushed production in "Vardy V Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial". Despite its moments of brilliance, the production bears the unmistakable marks of hasty assembly and never really distinguishing if it's a comedy or drama. This theatrical piece offers a fresh take on a tale that has already etched itself into the public consciousness. However, it fails to seize the opp...

The Commitments – Opera House, Manchester

6Jun

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

The Commitments – Opera House, Manchester

The Commitments Musical, stopping off at the Opera House in Manchester on its nationwide tour, takes on the daunting task of bringing a classic film to the stage. The result is a performance that might be aptly described as 'Commitments Lite', yet it is filled with sensational soul and a cast rich in talent. The story is simple. Jimmy, played by James Killeen, forms a soul band from a group of unlikely characters in the town who draw on the essence of being Dubliners to create their original sound. The band experiences a fleeting moment of massive success before falling apart. This narrative is supported by a plethora of fantastic numbers, performed by an array of talented actor-musicians. James Deegan stands out as Deco, a character brimming with charisma and a voice that rises to a s...