Brian Madden, Author at North West End UK

Amy Webber: No Previous Experience – The King’s Arms

12Jul

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

Amy Webber: No Previous Experience – The King’s Arms

Ambitious opera graduate Amy Webber brings a delightful blend of music, role-play, and a hint of job-hunting to the King’s Arms theatre with her stand-up routine. Webber opens with a playful sing-through of her CV, interspersed with anecdotes that keep the audience laughing throughout. Her ad-libbed lyrics and charming fumbles on her mini keyboard are reminiscent of a genre-bending act you’d see at Eurovision, mixing humour and talent seamlessly. With an energetic and quick-witted persona, Webber enacts various occupations, from teacher to therapist, and engages in tongue-in-cheek audience interaction. Among the interesting careers in the audience were an engineer and a skyscraper window cleaner, to whom she offered some frivolous networking pointers. A humorous stint with a volu...

5Jun

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

2:22 A Ghost Story – The Lowry

I recently had the pleasure of watching "2:22 - A Ghost Story," and I can confidently say it was an enthralling experience that kept me on the edge of my seat. The premise revolves around a woman determined to uncover the truth behind the strange occurrences in her home. To prove to her sceptical husband, Sam, that she’s not imagining things, she convinces a couple who came over for a dinner party to stay up until 2:22am to witness the phenomena for themselves. The show’s pacing is impeccable, making the entire performance feel swift and engaging. One of the standout features is the use of digital clocks, which progressively heighten the tension as they tick closer to the pivotal moment. This clever device not only builds suspense but also drives the narrative forward, constantly remind...

30May

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

Judy & Liza – Hope Mill Theatre

What an absolute joy and honour it was to attend "Judy & Liza" at the Hope Mill Theatre. And what a show! "Judy & Liza" is like the concert many have dreamt of but never had the chance to see. This vaudeville-style production revisits the brief but iconic history of Frances 'Baby' Gumm and her daughter, Liza May Minnelli, marking 60 years since they last performed together at the London Palladium. The show is so well-crafted and thoughtfully executed that you could almost forget you were watching actors and not the legends themselves. Helen Sheals as Judy and Emma Dears as Liza were the perfect pair, making the audience feel welcomed and at ease. Neither outshone the other; each had ample time to shine individually and together in numerous duets. Their performances were fille...

25Apr

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

Bonnie & Clyde – The Met, Bury

Bonnie & Clyde," performed by PADOS (Prestwich Amateur Dramatics and Operatic Society), is a thrilling ride through the tumultuous lives of America's most notorious outlaw couple. With a haunting score by Frank Wildhorn and a gripping book by Ivan Menchell, this musical adaptation brings the tragic love story of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow to the stage with passion and intensity. The cast of "Bonnie & Clyde," all non-professionals, deliver powerhouse performances that captivate from start to finish. Both leads, Matt McGoldrick as Clyde and Izzi Smith as Bonnie showcase impressive vocal prowess and emotional depth. However, while the singing soars, there are moments when the acting doesn't quite reach the same level of excellence. Some performances feel slightly disconnected o...

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...