Brian Madden, Author at North West End UK

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...

23May

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

The Way Old Friends Do – The Lowry

"The Way Old Friends Do," written by Ian Hallard, is an engaging, light-hearted comedy that playfully straddles the line between homage to iconic pop band ABBA and an exploration of significant societal themes. Balancing the frivolity of a tribute band with weightier undertones of male friendship, homophobia, and familial relationships, the play invites audiences to a narrative filled with laughter and introspection. The story pivots around Peter (played by the writer; Ian Hallard), a middle-aged former librarian and ABBA superfan who reunites with his old school friend, Edward (James Bradshaw). Their coincidental reunion leads them to form half of a gender-reversed ABBA tribute show, alongside the prim Mrs. Campbell (Triyé Peterside) and the endearingly anxious Jodie (Rose Shalloo). Th...

10Mar

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

Ladies Day – Octagon Theatre

Ladies Day, a play by Amanda Whittington, is a delightful and engaging production that had me thoroughly entertained from start to finish. I had the pleasure of seeing the play at the Octagon Theatre in Bolton, and it was an absolute joy to watch. The play tells the story of four women who work at a fish processing plant in Hull and decide to take a day off to go to the races. As they prepare for the big day, they share their hopes, dreams, and struggles with each other, forming a bond that transcends their working-class backgrounds. One of the things that struck me about this play was how well the characters were developed. Each of the four women had a distinct personality and backstory, and I found myself invested in their lives and rooting for them to achieve their goals. Their in...

21Feb

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

The Rocky Horror Show – Opera House

"The Rocky Horror Show" is a classic musical that has captivated audiences for over four decades. As someone who recently had the pleasure of attending a live performance of the show at the Opera House in Manchester, I can confidently say that it is a truly unforgettable experience. From the moment the show begins, you are transported into a world of science fiction and horror, complete with catchy music and outrageous costumes. The cast of characters is eccentric and colourful, and the audience is encouraged to participate in the show by shouting out lines and using props. This creates an atmosphere that is both lively and engaging, making it a truly unique theatrical experience. The musical numbers are a true highlight of the show, with memorable songs such as "The Time Warp" and "...

20Oct

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

Jersey Boys – Opera House, Manchester

The swinging 60s, what a time to be alive! The first man walked on the moon, England won the World Cup, and of course Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons became international sensations. However, their journey to fame wasn’t always as slick as their harmonies, as is presented in the stage musical, Jersey Boys. As the curtain goes up, the audience are greeted with a rendition of the classic ‘Oh What a Night’, which really sets the tone for the evening. However, this has a more contemporary twist on the classic hit. On this night Frankie Valli was played by Ryan Heenan, who I was surprised to learn was the understudy for the role. He was absolutely sublime and a perfect fit for the character. Singing mostly in falsetto is very difficult, especially for a male, but he did a great job and...

Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch – The Lowry, Salford

13Sep

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch – The Lowry, Salford

Many musicals have now been inspired by Wicked - creating a spin-off of a well-known tale and flipping it on its head. Unfortunate is similar, where it takes the story of The Little Mermaid and makes Ursula (the villain) the protagonist. She is now a feminist and self-confessed ‘tough bitch’ to give the character a backstory. The musical was first performed at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe Festival and has now been revamped into a full-length production. Before going into the review, I must state on press night the role of Ursula was played by Allie Dart due to cast illness. Dart was absolutely fantastic; you’d never know she was an understudy. She completely embodied Ursula and made her a wickedly likable character. And perhaps she wasn’t evil after all and just misunderstood? Anyon...

25Aug

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

Family Tree – Kings Arms, Salford

Peripeteia Theatre Company have created a show with a worthy cause at its heart - a same sex couple wanting to bring a baby into already overpopulated and polluted world. This is a strait-laced two-hander play which is inspired by Lungs written by Duncan Macmillan. When I arrived at the Kings Arms and was greeted to individual tables with fairy lights and a good soundtrack, I had high expectations. However, when the baby-faced actors (Layla Hopps and Rebecca Gray) stepped on stage there was just no energy and sadly it never really picked up. Perhaps it was a case of first night nerves? While the plot is good and writer (Adam Cachia) gave the team lots to work with, sadly a lot of this potential was not realised. The synopsis in the program included words like ‘political unrest’, ...