Brian Madden, Author at North West End UK

13Aug

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

The Addams Family – The Lowry

Attending The Addams Family at The Lowry in Salford is a curious experience—part charming gothic comedy, part family-friendly farce—but it never quite reaches the deliciously dark heights it hints at. It’s a pleasant night out, but one that fades quickly from memory. The cast is strong across the board. Morticia (Alexandra Burke) and Gomez (Ricardo Alfonso) share an easy chemistry, with their tango being the evening’s clear highlight—sultry, stylish, and perfectly timed. Alistair David’s choreography gives the undead ensemble moments of real flair, with slick formations and physical comedy that suit the show’s eccentric world. Diego Pitarch’s set design also deserves praise: grand, shadowy, and dripping with Addams-style atmosphere. Kara Lane steals scenes as Alice Beineke, bringing ...

When You Die – Anthony Burgess Foundation

23Jul

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

When You Die – Anthony Burgess Foundation

When You Die pitches itself as a Gothic horror comedy exploring the afterlife through the lens of undead housemates—but despite a promising concept, the show is let down by sluggish pacing, underwhelming humour, and several frustrating production choices. Finn, Yuri, Devon, and Boby are sharing a flat in death, trying to get along in the afterlife when their already turbulent dynamic is disturbed by the arrival of a mysterious briefcase. With the help of the cryptic Lazlo, they must uncover who—or what—is behind the growing sense of threat. It’s a quirky setup with potential, and the cast give it their all, but the execution falls flat. The first half drags considerably. There’s far too much time spent establishing the characters’ personalities and routines, with little dramatic ...

12Jun

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

Pride and Prejudice – Octagon Theatre

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is celebrated for its wit and insight into gender and class. Kate Hamill’s stage adaptation reframes Austen’s story through a fast-paced, farcical lens — one that’s lively and inventive, if not always emotionally resonant. The plot is familiar: Elizabeth Bennet is one of four unmarried daughters in a financially precarious household. Her sharp wit and scepticism about marriage bring her into conflict — and ultimately connection — with the aloof but wealthy Mr. Darcy. Meanwhile, younger sister Lydia throws herself into romantic entanglement with the roguish Mr. Wickham, while Jane, the eldest, quietly pines for Mr. Bingley. Hamill’s script leans heavily into broad comedy and slapstick. Some choices are entertainingly bold; others verge on caricature. ...

Totally Improvised Musical – Greggs: The Great Takedown – King’s Arms, Salford

7Jun

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

Totally Improvised Musical – Greggs: The Great Takedown – King’s Arms, Salford

Performed without a script and built entirely on audience suggestion, Totally Improvised Musical at the King’s Arms in Salford delivered an inventive and riotously funny 45-minute whirlwind of spontaneous storytelling, songs, and surreal humour. The night’s improvised show—brilliantly titled Greggs: The Great Takedown—centred around a dystopian northern England where the beloved high street bakery chain had collapsed, leaving the nation starved of sausage rolls, steak bakes, and purpose. What unfolded was a musical odyssey of longing, resistance, and puff pastry politics. Original numbers like the haunting The North Is Barren and the stirring anthem The Heart of England showcased the cast’s quick wit and vocal chops. Each song, conjured on the spot, was surprisingly tuneful, cleverly...

22May

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

Little Shop of Horrors – The Met, Bury

Prestwich Amateur Dramatic & Operatic Society performed Little Shop of Horrors at The Met, Bury this May. The rock-horror musical’s dark humour and catchy songs make it a fun but challenging choice for an amateur company. While some performances stood out, the production as a whole felt uneven and lacking polish. Kit Phillips was among the stronger cast members as Seymour. He captured Seymour’s awkward charm well, delivering solid vocals and an emotional arc. His chemistry with Audrey felt sincere, and he navigated Seymour’s struggles with subtlety. Isobel Cunliffe played Audrey with warmth and vulnerability. Her rendition of “Suddenly Seymour” alongside Phillips was a highlight — emotional and well-sung. Izzi Smith voiced Audrey II, the man-eating plant, which was one of ...

Jesus Christ Superstar – Buxton Opera House

18Apr

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

Jesus Christ Superstar – Buxton Opera House

Buxton Opera House’s staging of Jesus Christ Superstar offers a visually striking and musically impressive take on the iconic rock opera. With memorable performances and thoughtful design choices, this production successfully captures the emotional and thematic weight of the story—while still leaving room for refinement. Louis Moore shines as Jesus, with “Gethsemane” standing out as the emotional high point of the evening. His performance in this pivotal number is both vocally and emotionally powerful, showcasing his ability to convey the vulnerability at the heart of the role. Ross Clifton brings vocal strength and stage presence to the role of Judas, and while his singing is commendable, at times the acting across the cast felt slightly stilted. A touch more naturalism in delivery ...

Now That’s What I Call a Musical – Liverpool Empire

5Mar

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

Now That’s What I Call a Musical – Liverpool Empire

NOW That’s What I Call a Musical promises a nostalgic trip back to the 80s, but what it delivers is more like a chaotic tribute night with a flimsy story tacked on. Following best friends Gemma and April, the show jumps between their teenage years in 1989 and their reunion in 2009, exploring how life — and friendship — doesn’t always turn out the way we expect. It’s a familiar premise, but the story itself never really finds its feet. The biggest issue is the script, which feels like an afterthought, existing purely to glue together as many 80s hits as possible. Jukebox musicals often lean on their soundtrack, but this one takes it to extremes. Songs like “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” and “Sisters Are Doing It for Themselves” feel clumsily wedged into scenes, rarely adding anything to the...

12Feb

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

The Girl on the Train – The Lowry

Bringing a psychological thriller to the stage should create an atmosphere of tension and intrigue, but The Girl on the Train struggles to maintain the suspense that made the novel so compelling. While the adaptation is faithful to the source material and the performances are solid, the production lacks the gripping intensity needed to keep audiences engaged. The script efficiently condenses the book’s plot, ensuring that key events unfold at a steady pace. However, the rapid transitions between scenes leave little room for suspense to build. The mystery remains intact, but it feels more like a retelling of events rather than a story unravelling in real time. Moments that should feel tense or shocking often pass without much weight, making it difficult to feel fully invested in the twis...

24Jan

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

Animal Farm – Octagon Theatre

George Orwell’s Animal Farm comes to life in a vivid and unsettling adaptation that thrusts the audience into the heart of a revolution. The barnyard is transformed into a stage where animals overthrow their human oppressors, driven by dreams of equality and justice. Yet, as Orwell so keenly observed, power has a way of corrupting even the noblest intentions. What begins as a hopeful uprising soon unravels into a chilling reflection of authoritarianism, manipulation, and the rewriting of truth. Olivia Chandler stands out in her dual roles, first as Mollie, the delightfully vain mare who steals the audience’s attention with her superficial charm, and later as Moses, the revivalist raven whose flamboyant performance oozes charisma and false hope. Meanwhile, Shoroosh Lavasani's portrayal o...

26Nov

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

Chicago – Regent Theatre

If you’re a fan of musical theatre, Chicago at the Regent Theatre in Stoke is an absolute must-see. This iconic production, currently on tour, is nothing short of sensational. From the moment the overture begins, the packed theatre buzzes with excitement, setting the stage for a night of pure theatrical magic. Set in the roaring 1920s, Chicago plunges audiences into a world of jazz, scandal, and sensationalism. Against the backdrop of Prohibition and a media frenzy that transforms criminals into celebrities, we follow Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly—two women locked up for murdering their lovers. The show’s gritty glamour, sharp wit, and intoxicating music transport you straight to the heart of Jazz Age Chicago. A minimalist yet striking set design instantly captures attention. A lone cha...