Emma Wild, Author at North West End UK

13May

By Emma WildNo Comments

North West

Spamalot – Blackburn Empire

It is always a privilege to return to beautiful, Blackburn Empire Theatre. On a Tuesday evening, sitting in the auditorium, with the footlights highlighting the plush red curtains (under the exquisite proscenium arch). The fourteen-strong band strikes up and the magic begins! Spamalot, also known as Monty Python’s Spamalot: A New Musical (lovingly) ripped off from the motion picture Monty Python and the Holy Grail, proved to be a fabulous choice of show for Blackburn Musical Theatre Company. This historic company (dating back to 1912) appears to be going from strength to strength. With an ensemble made up of over 30 people (of all different ages), this show gave every single individual the chance to shine. With sparkling dance routines, stilt walking, beautiful harmonies, hilarious ...

Calendar Girls – Blackburn Empire Theatre

18Sep

By Emma WildNo Comments

North West

Calendar Girls – Blackburn Empire Theatre

What an absolute privilege and pleasure to return to beautiful, Blackburn Empire Theatre, for Blackburn Drama Club’s first play of the 2025/2026 season, and what a cracker of a show to kick off with! Calendar Girls, based on the true story of eleven members of the Rylstone and District Women’s Institute, who, back in 1998 came up with the somewhat shocking idea of posing nude for a charity calendar. W.I. member, Tricia Stewart, was inspired by her friend’s husband, John Baker, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, and who sadly passed away aged just 54, to create an unconventional calendar to raise funds to buy a new sofa for visitors, at the local hospital where John was receiving treatment. John’s wife, Angela Baker, said they discussed the idea of the nude calendar with John b...

22May

By Emma WildNo Comments

North West

The 39 Steps – Blackburn Empire

Well, what an absolutely wonderful, joyful evening at the theatre! The 39 Steps, performed by multi award-winning, Blackburn Drama Club, had all the elements for a fabulous show… Firstly, the stunning home of this historic Drama Club, Blackburn Empire Theatre, which has a wonderful blend of traditional and modern decor, including exposed brick walls, an exquisite red proscenium arch decorated with ornate gold details, a beautiful plush red curtain, as well as carefully laid out seating, ensuring all an excellent view. There could not have been a better location for this production, which is set in 1935, but has a modern twist! From the off, the auditorium was used to full effect, with actors using the sides and the seated area to heighten the desperation and urgency of Annabella Schm...

1May

By Emma WildNo Comments

North West

North by NorthWest – HOME Mcr

Adapting a film for the stage is no mean feat, especially if the film is an MGM blockbuster of its time, by hugely successful, iconic director and producer, Sir Alfred Hitchcock. These are certainly big shoes to fill. A challenge taken on by multi-award winning director, Emma Rice, in the world première adaptation of North by Northwest. How would Rice’s theatre company, Wise Children, translate Hitchcock’s use of masterful focus, suspense and tongue-in-cheek humour to the stage? Well, the resulting show did not disappoint and was an absolute joy to behold! Visiting HOME in central Manchester was a privilege and a pleasure, vibrant and buzzing with energy on the outside, and, as the name suggests, warm and welcoming on the inside. A comfortable, modern, spacious auditorium, the perfect s...

3Apr

By Emma WildNo Comments

North West

Cluedo 2 – The Lowry

Cluedo, the family favourite board game, celebrates 75years since it was first produced in the UK and America. This enduring game is filled with intrigue, mystery and fun. Did this show live up to the appeal of this classic game? Cluedo 2, a sequel to the hugely popular first play, which toured the UK in 2022, has a host of re-invented characters, a different, intriguing storyline and is set in a whole new mansion. Cluedo 2 has all the potential to be a sure fire hit, with the hugely talented director, Mark Bell (best known for directing The Play That Goes Wrong) and successful stage and screen comedy writers Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran. I was hoping for a night filled with laughter whilst acting the sleuth, however, I only chuckled a few times throughout the evening. Set in the ...

Peter Pan Goes Wrong – Opera House, Manchester

28Mar

By Emma WildNo Comments

North West

Peter Pan Goes Wrong – Opera House, Manchester

Well, what a night! This show will live long in the memory for all the right reasons! The ‘Cornley Drama Society’ (Mischief Theatre) have visited Cornley Polytechnic (The Opera House Manchester) to put on their production of Peter Pan (which is most definitely NOT a pantomime!). Cornley Drama Society is full of endearing characters, including over-ambitious wannabes, all of whom are hilarious, under-rehearsed, prop, stunt and line-bumbling amateur thespians. The programme (which is an absolute hoot!) informs that Members of the Cornley Youth Theatre have the honour of joining the ‘real near-professional actors and directors’ of the adult section of the Society, (whether they want to or not!) for this disastrous production of J.M. Barrie’s classic story about a mischievous boy from Never...

21Mar

By Emma WildNo Comments

North West

Jekyll and Hyde – Hyde Festival Theatre

Hyde Festival Theatre proved to be the ideal location for Hyde Musical Society’s production of Jekyll and Hyde the Musical. Not only are there the obvious parallels with the name of the theatre but this historic building, which dates back to the early 1900’s, is the perfect setting for this atmospheric story which begins in 1888. With gas fixtures still in place from the original gas lighting and a beautiful ornate original balcony, I cannot praise this gem of a theatre enough. On arrival, the outside was appropriately illuminated red and white, this attention to detail extended throughout the theatre and to the upstairs bar which was beautifully decorated with creative centrepieces matched to the show. Tom Williams (in his first leading role with the Society) presented the audience wit...

The Girl on the Train – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

16Jan

By Emma WildNo Comments

North West

The Girl on the Train – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

It is with much anticipation that I attended the opening night of The Girl on the Train at Altrincham Garrick Playhouse, after all, Paula Hawkins’ novel is one of my favourite books. An addictive page turner, unputdownable, gripping until the end. Did the play deliver this level of intensity? In places, yes. Firstly, this small cast of seven actors were all first-rate. Ruth Moore as Rachel Watson was incredible. Moore convincingly portrayed the character of Rachel, divorcee, alcoholic on the brink of eviction and certainly at the lowest point in her life. Moore brought much needed light and shade to the role, with a few key funny lines making the audience laugh yet maintaining a level of desperation - a need to be heard, seen and believed. Moore was engaging to watch, keeping the audien...

Dick Whittington and the Pirates – Waterside Arts

14Jan

By Emma WildNo Comments

North West

Dick Whittington and the Pirates – Waterside Arts

On arrival, a buzz of excitement filled the air as the welcoming volunteers enthusiastically encouraged the young pirates in the audience to wear hats and eye patches. I was slightly concerned at this point that this panto was going to be aimed solely at the younger audience members, however, myself and my slightly cool teenage son, laughed, shouted “behind you” and found ourselves joining in with the actions to the pirate song! With a cleverly written script by Terry Hollinshead (updated by Ross Douglas), there were cheeky innuendos and political jokes for the adults whilst plenty of slapstick kept the younger audience members chuckling. Truly something for everyone to enjoy. This joyous, colourful, rags to riches tale filled with pirates, mermaids, a hairy fairy, talking animals an...

Home, I’m Darling – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

3Oct

By Emma WildNo Comments

North West

Home, I’m Darling – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

Opening night for Home, I’m Darling at the divine Altrincham Garrick Playhouse and the audience are presented with a phenomenal set (designed by Charlotte Leigh) of a beautiful 1950’s inspired interior. The stairs, centrally placed, lead up to a simple bedroom, painted in hot pink. Downstairs, on the one side, the yellow kitchen (with a superb Smeg refrigerator) and monochrome chequered floor, on the other, a green living room complete with a 1950’s fireplace and minibar! The set construction team (with Mandy Cooke as Scenic Artist) have excelled in the creation of this authentic looking abode. The aesthetics in this show are key to creating the initial allure of the 1950’s and the costumes did not disappoint; a range of colourful 50’s inspired dresses and suits were worn throughout by ...