Max Eden, Author at North West End UK

17Jan

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Calendar Girls The Musical – The Lowry

Sunflowers aplenty, Calendar Girls: The Musical has arrived at The Lowry in Salford Quays with an updated production that beautifully blends humour, heart, and a touch of poignant storytelling. Crafted by the talented duo Gary Barlow and Tim Firth, the musical resonates with a perfect harmony of Yorkshire wit and emotion, transferring the show from the big screen to the stage by being different. Under the skilful direction of Jonathan O'Boyle, the cast's chemistry shines through, drawing the audience into the world of the WI in Yorkshire. Laurie Brett as Annie delivers a stellar performance, capturing the essence of her character's journey with sincerity and grace. Each member of the cast, including Liz Carney as Marie, Maureen Nolan as Ruth, Lyn Paul as Jessie, Helen Pearson as Celia, ...

18Dec

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Cinderella – Buxton Opera House

Buxton Opera House's annual pantomime is always a highlight in the festive calendar and this year’s production of Cinderella might be the very best one yet! Directed by Paul Kerryson and produced by Sarah Kell, this year’s pantomime is an enchanting spectacle that has all the ingredients of the perfect panto! The star-studded cast, featuring the hilarious James Holmes as Tess (returning due to phenomenal demand), larger than life David Dale as Claudia, the talented Georgia Gallagher as Cinderella, the charming Ross Clifton as Prince, Charlotte Hannah Jones delivering powerhouse vocals as the fairy godmother, and the loveable Aidan Bailey as Buttons, all delivering a performance that was nothing short of magical, backed by an incredible ensemble of dancers, Buns the Rabbit played by F...

14Dec

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Lost and Found – Factory International

Nestled in the heart of the city, a brand new arts venue stands proud as a testament to Manchester’s rich cultural legacy; Factory International is the new kid on the block, a cutting-edge venue that is establishing itself as a hub for artistic expression and entertainment. With a wide variety of productions and shows booked, staging everything from live rock concerts to immersive family productions, it’s a venue for everyone! I’m here for the latter, seeing the beautifully whimsical ‘Lost and Found’ - an adaptation of Oliver Jeffers' tale, which is an absolute triumph in immersive storytelling and tells such a heartwarming tale which introduces little ones to live theatre in just the right way, under the skilful direction of Will Brenton, a loveable cast and very clever traditional tri...

The Drifters Girl – Opera House, Manchester

12Oct

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

The Drifters Girl – Opera House, Manchester

The Drifters Girl musical is currently touring the UK after its original West End run and it's arrived at Manchester Opera House and what a show it is! It is an absolute showstopper, with the talented Loren Anderson taking centre stage as Faye Treadwell, the determined and resilient manager of the iconic music group, The Drifters. This production is a delightful journey through the tumultuous history of one of the most beloved bands in the world, and it’s brought to life by an outstanding cast. Loren Anderson’s portrayal of Faye Treadwell is nothing short of remarkable. She embodies the strength and grace of a woman who fought against all odds to protect and nurture the career of The Drifters. Anderson’s powerful vocals and heartfelt performance carry the emotional weight of the stor...

20Sep

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

The Mousetrap – Buxton Opera House

The Mousetrap directed by the talented duo of Ian Talbot and Denise Silvey, is an absolute delight for any ‘whodunit’ fan! The production currently touring the UK boasts an outstanding cast, with Rachel Dawson as Mollie Ralston, Michael Lyle as Giles Ralston, Todd Carty as Major Metcalf, Shaun McCourt as Christopher Wren, Catherine Shipton as Mrs Boyle, Leigh Lothian as Miss Casewell, Steven Elliott as Mr Paravicini and Garyn Williams as Detective Trotter. Together, they bring Agatha Christie's iconic murder mystery to life in a way that captivates and entertains from start to finish. First and foremost, it’s currently at Buxton Opera House until Saturday 23rd September and the theatre serves as the perfect venue for this classic ‘whodunit’. Celebrating its 120th anniversary this yea...

14Sep

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Jesus Christ Superstar – Palace Theatre

It’s a musical institution, and it’s been given a brand new lease of life..Jesus Christ Superstar at Manchester's Palace Theatre as part of this UK Tour, starring the incredible Ian McIntosh as Jesus, is unquestionably the most creative rendition of this iconic musical that I have ever had the privilege of witnessing. From the moment the logo emblazed curtain rose, we were presented with a cast of awe-inspiring talent and jaw-dropping theatricality.Directed by Timothy Sheader; this reimagined Rock Opera composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice delivers a totally different experience than I was expecting; it’s modern and refreshed, it feels like I’m watching the musical for the very first time again.Ian McIntosh's portrayal of Jesus was nothing short of divine. His powerful voice and ca...

Shrek the Musical – Opera House, Manchester

3Aug

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Shrek the Musical – Opera House, Manchester

Shrek the Musical is mesmerising extravaganza that is a great way to introduce children to the theatre and performing arts. Shrek the Musical has arrived at Manchester Opera House and is an absolute delight that brings the beloved ogre and his endearing companions to life on stage in an unforgettable theatrical experience. The cast is an absolute tour de force, with each actor embodying their iconic character with undeniable charm and flair. Shrek played by Anthony Lawrence has a warmth and energy that the audience immediately connect with and perfectly captures the grumpy yet lovable demeanour of everyone’s favourite ogre. Lawrence has a great on stage chemistry with Joanne Clifton who plays Princess Fiona with a great stage presence. Brandon Lee Sears as Donkey and James Gillan ...

28Jul

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Message In a Bottle – The Lowry

Based on the songs of Sting; Message in a Bottle is a breathtaking dance production that immerses its audience in a captivating narrative of hope, resilience, and human connection. It is really quite incredible! From the opening scene to the final curtain call, this show delivers an emotional rollercoaster that will leave your heart so full, following the story of one family and their three teenage children as they are uprooted and displaced by civil war and go through the harsh reality of fleeing for safety. The choreography by Kate Prince is nothing short of extraordinary. Every movement, every gesture, and every leap conveys a profound story, captivating the audience and creating a powerful visual spectacle. The dance sequences are executed flawlessly, blending contemporary ...

Greatest Days – Palace Theatre, Manchester

20May

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Greatest Days – Palace Theatre, Manchester

What a time to be a Take That fan! Just weeks after Take That’s incredible performance at the Coronation Concert; the bands own musical; Greatest Days arrives in Manchester, delivering a heart-warming story alongside those all important Take That hits. Greatest Days is so cleverly written by Tim Firth, it’s a story which is not only relatable, it’s emotional and moving without being far fetched or fantasy - it’s winning formula is that it’s about ordinary people, the fans and not about the stars themselves - and by doing this - you find yourself rooting for the cast throughout. Greatest Days is a refreshed version of the 2017 Musical; The Band which featured a TV contest; Let it Shine in the lead up to find the 5 boys to be in the band. This time around, it’s a different cast feat...

10Mar

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Opera North: Tosca – The Lowry

Opera North’s return to the Lowry this month is reason indeed to celebrate; even more so with the revival of Edwin Dick’s acclaimed production of Tosca being part of this year’s touring programme. Written over 120 years ago; Puccini’s Tosca is still just as thrilling, as captivating and gives you much more drama than anything you’d find on Netflix. The heroine is a renowned prima donna, her hero an artist, and the villain the corrupt head of the secret police. With everything from love and blackmail, to revenge and even murder… Tosca really will leave you questioning just how far you would go to save the ones you love. Giselle Allen returns as Floria Tosca alongside Ukrainian Tenor; Mykhailo Malafii as Mario Cavardossi, Both deliver powerhouse performances throughout with chemistr...