Max Eden, Author at North West End UK

16Dec

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Stick Man – The Lowry

Freckle Productions’ stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Stick Man is a delightful treat for families, bringing laughter, joy, and a touch of magic to The Lowry. With live music, clever puppetry, and plenty of fun songs, this energetic performance captures the heart of the original story while adding its own unique theatrical touch! The talented cast of three delivers a captivating performance, effortlessly switching between characters, instruments, and puppeteering. Their enthusiasm is infectious, drawing the audience into Stick Man’s adventurous quest to reunite with his “Stick Lady Love” and their children. The puppetry is particularly inventive, with a combination of props, movement, and creative staging breathing life into Stick Man and his ever-chan...

Only Fools and Horses The Musical – Opera House

13Nov

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Only Fools and Horses The Musical – Opera House

Only Fools and Horses - The Hit Musical is a five-star masterpiece that brings the beloved TV classic to life with laughter, warmth, and a toe-tapping soundtrack! Created by Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan, and directed by Caroline Jay Ranger; for me, the production perfectly captures the charm and humour of Peckham’s most famous family. It’s a feel good trip down memory lane, but also lets a new audience experience the Trotters for the first time! The outstanding cast delivers pitch-perfect performances that honour the iconic characters while not trying to Carbon-copy them. Sam Lupton is a stand-out as Del Boy, exuding charisma, sharp wit, and infectious optimism that draws the audience in from the start. Tom Major, as Rodney, offers a delightful blend of innocence and awkwardn...

The Wizard of Oz – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

29Oct

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

The Wizard of Oz – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

Altrincham Garrick’s latest production of The Wizard of Oz is a tour de force! I can say with confidence that it’s one of the most impressive productions I’ve seen in recent months. Running until Sunday, November 3rd, this show has been brought to life under the talented direction of Joseph Meighan. The level of detail in every aspect of this production is remarkable, from the lavish costumes to the dynamic set design and breathtaking special effects that fully immerse the audience in Oz’s magical world; including digital projection, lighting and pyro! The cast delivered a polished, professional performance that rivalled any big-touring production. Ciara-Alexandra Booker shone as Dorothy, bringing warmth, innocence, and undeniable talent to the role. Her voice was powerful and filled wi...

Lord of the Dance: A Lifetime of Standing Ovations – Blackpool Opera House

18Sep

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Lord of the Dance: A Lifetime of Standing Ovations – Blackpool Opera House

Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance latest touring show ‘A Lifetime of Standing Ovations’ is currently at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens as part of its UK Tour and its a breathtaking celebration of Irish dance, tradition, and high quality entertainment. With an exceptional cast and the spirit of Flatley himself woven into the performance, this show truly lives up to its iconic status. Cassidy Ludwig, who plays the enchanting Little Spirit, delivers a mesmerizing performance. She guides the audience through the story with grace and ethereal beauty, adding a magical touch to the narrative. Conor Rodgers, as the Lord of the Dance, is nothing short of phenomenal. His energy, precision, and charisma captivate from start to finish, making every leap and tap a spectacle in itself. Erin Lear...

1Aug

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

101 Dalmatians – Palace Theatre

Another Disney classic has been brought to the stage; and 101 Dalmatians - The Musical is a delightful reimagining of the beloved classic, bringing together a talented cast and a visually captivating production. The show blends the timeless story with fresh energy and charm and is currently at Manchester Palace Theatre as part of its UK Tour starring Kym Marsh as the iconic Cruella De Vil. Kym Marsh delivers a standout performance as Cruella, embodying the villain with a perfect mix of menace and camp. Her presence on stage is both commanding and entertaining, adding a unique flair to the role. Samuel Thomas as Tom and Jessie Elland as Danielle bring warmth and earnestness to their roles, making the audience root for the beloved dalmatians’ safe return. The show shines in its comedic...

13Jul

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

& Juliet – Opera House, Manchester

When this Musical first debuted in Manchester in 2019; I became an immediate fan and I was over the moon when &Juliet announced a UK Tour this year with its first stop at the Manchester Opera House. The vibrant reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic is such a feel good musical, you can’t help but love it as it takes you on an exhilarating journey that is both uplifting and deeply entertaining, powered by an incredible back catalogue of hits penned by the legendary Max Martin. From the opening number to the final curtain and cancelling to Justin Timberlake hit ‘Can’t Stop the Feeling’, & Juliet is a joyous celebration of self-discovery and empowerment throughout! This new tour features a brand new cast; with Matt Cardle as the Bard himself and the sensational Gerardine Sacdal...

29May

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Sister Act – Buxton Opera House

Sister Act, the hit musical comedy directed by Bill Buckhurst is touring the UK and this week is at the beautiful Buxton Opera House. The larger than life production delivers an evening of joyous entertainment and powerful performances. Based on the beloved 1992 film, this production brings together a stellar cast, bright and bold staging and impeccable comedic timing. Former Coronation Street star Wendi Peters shines as Mother Superior, bringing a perfect blend of stern authority and underlying warmth to her role. Her comic timing and vocal prowess add depth to the character, making her a memorable anchor for the show. Landi Oshinowo as Deloris Van Cartier is a revelation. Her portrayal of the nightclub singer turned nun on the run is both heartfelt and hilarious. Oshinowo’s powerfu...

27Apr

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Evita – Buxton Opera House

There’s always a warm welcome at the beautiful Buxton Opera House, and their current amateur production of Evita delivered a spellbinding theatrical experience that left Friday night’s sold-out audience captivated from start to finish. The production boasted an extraordinary amateur cast whose performances breathed new life into the iconic characters. Catherine Pugh’s portrayal of Eva Perón was a tour de force, displaying a remarkable range of emotion and commanding the stage with her presence. Opposite her, Ross Clifton delivered a powerful performance as Juan Perón, capturing the character’s authority and complexity with finesse. Luke Clayton brought depth and charisma to the role of Che, serving as a compelling narrator throughout the production, while Steve Sheppard charmed audience...

The Vicar of Dibley – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

27Feb

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

The Vicar of Dibley – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

Altrincham Garrick Playhouse’s The Vicar of Dibley transported audiences back to the quirky charm of the beloved TV series, delivering an evening of uproarious laughter and heartwarming moments. Directed by Pete Brassington, the production showcased the talents of a remarkable cast of amateur performers who breathed new life into the iconic characters. Meg Brassington shone as the irrepressible Geraldine Granger, infusing the role with wit, warmth, and a touch of sass. Opposite her, Hugh Everett embodied the pompous yet endearing David Horton, while Dan Ellis captured the bumbling charm of Hugo Horton. Helen Swain charmed as the sweet-natured but somewhat dim-witted Alice Tinker, eliciting plenty of laughs with her comedic timing. Christine Perry brought Letitia Cropley to life w...

7Feb

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Funny Money – Daneside Theatre

The Congleton Players' production of Funny Money by Ray Cooney, under the direction of David McCaddon and Wendy McKie, was an absolute delight from start to finish. Staged in the Daneside Theatre in Congleton, the production has a fantastic cast led by Angela McIntyre-Harrison as Jean Perkins and William Vickers as Henry Perkins, every moment was filled with laughter and charm. Jake McCaddon's portrayal of Bill brought a refreshing energy to the stage, while Andrew Salmon's Davenport added a touch of intrigue to the storyline. Claire Morris as Slater, Crystal Holford as Betty Johnson, Chris Brady as Vic Johnson, and Paul Berridge as the passerby rounded out the ensemble with precision and comedic timing. Photo: Judie Tingle Photography The quality of the production was evident in ...