Luke Stephenson, Author at North West End UK

14Jul

By Luke StephensonNo Comments

North West

Waitress – Winter Gardens Blackpool

Tonight’s review comes from Blackpool Winter Gardens and viewing the tour of Waitress starring Les Dennis as Old Joe and Carrie Hope Fletcher as Jenna. Jenna is a waitress in Joe’s cafe that sells 27 pies, all of which are of Jenna’s creation influenced by her mother. She is the cog in so many people’s lives that people go to for advice and a slice of the daily special. However, behind closed doors Jenna is trapped in an abusive relationship with her husband Earl (Mark Willshire) who takes her money and mentally manipulates her. Jenna often day dreams of a better life and makes up pie names in the process. As the show develops she becomes sick and after a pregnancy test it becomes positive. She’s unsure what to do about the baby especially as home life isn’t the perfect place to bring u...

9Jul

By Luke StephensonNo Comments

North West

Moulin Rouge – Liverpool Empire

Ever wondered what it would be like to enter Paris and be enthralled within a world of Freedom, Beauty, truth and love? Well, now you cancan can. Moulin Rouge the world tour has descended in the iconic Liverpool empire. From the moment they opened the house doors you were immersed from having the house open call in French to entering an auditorium that made you feel like you time travelled to Paris. Having seen the real place myself there wasn’t much that was different every intricate detail was adhered to. The musical by John Logan based of the iconic film by Baz Luhrmann, set in 1899 in the bohemian district of Paris. Where at the club it has a star attraction Satine (Verity Thompson). Where common folk and aristocracy flock to see the beauty and wonder she beholds at the club. The club ...

11Dec

By Luke StephensonNo Comments

North West

Cinderella – Epstein Theatre

Panto has returned to the Epstein Theatre in Liverpool. This year’s offering is Cinderella by Regal Entertainment who also have Dick Whittington in St Helens Theatre Royal. This production was under the direction of Kay Nicholson and is fronted by Coronation Street and Hollyoaks actress Katie McGlynn playing the title role. Cinderella lives at home with her two step sisters Mounjaro Hardup (Shania Pain) and Ozempic Hardup (Brenda LaBeau) who are evil and quite frankly horrid to poor Cinderella. On the other side of the town The Prince known as Prince Charming (Micheal Nelson) and his faithful assistant Dandini are looking for a wife for the prince. However, worried people wouldn’t treat him like a normal human being he and dandini swap roles and then they go out to the town to find the bri...

Dick Whittington – St Helens Theatre Royal

4Dec

By Luke StephensonNo Comments

North West

Dick Whittington – St Helens Theatre Royal

It’s December and that can only mean one thing: it’s almost Christmas—well, two things, because now it’s panto season. Last night’s offering was Dick Whittington at St Helens Theatre Royal, who regularly put on four pantos per year. However, they go all out for their Christmas pantomime. It’s a Regal Entertainment production, written by David Phipps-Davis and directed under the helm of Chantelle Joseph. For those who are unfamiliar with the story, Dick Whittington (Matthew Wolfenden) has walked the long journey to the bright lights of the English capital, London, all the way from Yorkshire—specifically Emmerdale Farm. His adventure comes with many a twist and turn. Firstly, he gains a little pussy cat called Tommi (Jenna Sian O’Hara), who has spent many a year at the circus because she ...

Speedo Mick The Musical – Liverpool’s Royal Court

5Jun

By Luke StephensonNo Comments

North West

Speedo Mick The Musical – Liverpool’s Royal Court

It feels amazing to be back writing for North West End UK again and to kick off my first review of 2025, I was invited to watch ‘Speedo Mick The Musical’ written by John May, music by Boff Whalley and directed by Conrad Nelson, at the iconic Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre. For those who don’t know Speedo Mick, otherwise known as Micheal Cullen. Raises money for charity by walking in all weathers and even in sub-zero temperatures all in his pair of blue Speedo’s and not forgetting his Everton scarf. Raising over a million pounds for selected charities. So quite rightly this story had to be told and give him the recognition he deserves and more. The show opens with Johnny (Lenny Wood) at the top of the building, unable to see the light and wanting to end his life. This is until he is ...

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – St Helens Theatre Royal

5Dec

By Luke StephensonNo Comments

North West

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – St Helens Theatre Royal

Panto season has landed upon us in the North West. Last night’s offering was Snow White and the seven dwarfs. Held at the Theatre Royal St Helens. A production produced by Regal Entertainments. This was a star studded cast bringing Christmas festivities this season. The show opened with the Wicked Queen (Maureen Nolan), wondering who the fairest of the land is. The Queen then summons ‘The Mirror’ (Leanne Campbell). The Queen (at least for now) was the fairest of the land. But only until Snow White (Chantelle Morgan) turns 18. This would lead to an evil plan to make sure The Queen remained the fairest of the land. Meanwhile, The Prince (Emrhys Cooper) of Coronationville, has been set out to find his new Princess and his first love has led him to Snow White. To keep the audience entertain...

21Mar

By Luke StephensonNo Comments

North West

Come Together – Liverpool’s Royal Court

Liverpool came together last night at the Royal Court Theatre to hear the Lennon and McCartney songbook. Written by Tom Connor and Mark Newnham who were playing The Beatles frontman, they came on to the stage and immediately included the audience with their relaxed approach and engaged with us as if we were all friends on the famous rooftop having a chat about how the lads came up with the songs that are famous among the Liverpool streets and the world. The lads gave us an insight into how Epstein was an influence on their career as well as how the songs almost sounded before Epstein tweaked it for example, ‘love me do’ Lennon was meant to sing the titled line. However, John couldn’t play the harmonica and sing it at the same time so gave the line to Paul and the rest is as they say his...

Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch – Liverpool Playhouse

6Mar

By Luke StephensonNo Comments

North West

Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch – Liverpool Playhouse

Unfortunate, a musical parody by Robyn Grant and Daniel Foxx, has officially opened at the Liverpool Playhouse last night, telling the untold story of Ursula the sea witch from the Disney movie The Little Mermaid. Now I must say from the off that is absolutely not a story for younger audience members. I imagine those who attended last night may have received a shock, especially the parents. So, to the synopsis of the story. This musical started out at the Edinburgh fringe with a huge success. Now it is touring, it is a story of Ursula (Shawna Hamic from Orange is the New Black) narrating us through how she came to be the evil sea devil she is known for. After falling in love with Triton (Thomas Lowe) and a few raunchy episodes in the bathroom Triton wishes to ask her to be his wife and ...

Haunted Scouse – Liverpool’s Royal Court

16Feb

By Luke StephensonNo Comments

North West

Haunted Scouse – Liverpool’s Royal Court

A new play was upon us at the Liverpool Royal Court Theatre. Haunted Scouse by Gerry Linford, is a tale about husband Charlie (Michael Starke) who has sadly passed away, and he can’t complete his journey to the other side as there is something he needs to deal with first at home. His widow Molly (Lyn Francis) has turned to the bottle something she never used to do she feels alone as their son is in Australia. Molly blames herself for Charlie’s untimely death. All Charlie wants to do is give Molly a kiss and a hug just one more time as he is struggling with being on the other side but his guardian angel or should I say his auntie Peggy (Helen Carter) is on hand to guide him through to what he needs to do to get on to the other side. Charlie doesn’t like the fact that there is another gentle...

24Jan

By Luke StephensonNo Comments

North West

Pretty Woman – Liverpool Empire

It was opening night last night of Pretty Woman, a show with extremely limited tickets throughout its run so it was lovely to have been invited to do a review for this show. Upon arrival at the theatre and taking our seats we were made aware that there was a cast change for this week. The role of Vivian Ward was to be played by Elly Jay. Now I must admit I know of the film Pretty Woman, but I have never seen it. So, for those who do know, please bear with me while I explain. It's set in LA when Billionaire Edward Lewis (Oliver Savile) is about to shut down a company and make millions with his lawyer. He gets lost in his lawyer’s car and ends up meeting a lady of the night known as Vivian Ward (Elly Jay) Edward offers to pay for Vivian but not in the way you might think. He hires her to dri...