Maani Way, Author at North West End UK

Beetlejuice The Musical – Prince Edward Theatre

29May

By Maani WayNo Comments

London

Beetlejuice The Musical – Prince Edward Theatre

Based on Tim Burton’s iconic film of 1988, Beetlejuice bursts onto the West End in musical form with an all-star cast and presents a unique and thrilling piece of theatre. This eagerly awaited stage adaptation has been highly anticipated since its US debut in 2018 and does not disappoint. This is the story of Beetlejuice, the title character: a pale-faced ghoul dressed head to toe in a black-and-white suit, complete with outrageous green hair, trapped between the real world and the afterlife, affectionately known as “The Netherworld”. Beetlejuice has one goal: to be seen and no longer feel invisible. His plan to achieve that involves killing a seemingly ordinary couple and haunting the new occupants of their home. However, it is not until he meets Lydia, the daughter now living in the h...

17Feb

By Maani WayNo Comments

London

The Bodyguard – New Wimbledon Theatre

This romantic thriller, adapted from the 1992 film of the same name starring Whitney Houston, returns to the stage this year, reviving her iconic music for a new audience. It follows former Secret Service agent Frank Farmer (Adam Garcia), hired to protect global superstar Rachel Marron (Sidonie Smith) from a dangerous threat. While the pair anticipate a clash of personalities, neither expects their professional relationship to give way to an unexpected and compelling romance. This show is bursting with energy from the start, a loud bang jolting the audience straight to attention at the beginning. The jump scares do not cease, and they present themselves at later points in the show, which work well, particularly when the threat is introduced to us as an obsessed stalker (James-Lee Ha...

Jo The Little Women Musical – Theatre Royal Drury Lane

27Jan

By Maani WayNo Comments

London

Jo The Little Women Musical – Theatre Royal Drury Lane

A story known for its bold, vibrant and defined characters, Louisa May Alcott’s beloved “Little Women” are brought to life once more in this new musical adaptation. With music by Dan Redfeld and book and lyrics by Christina Harding and John Gabriel Koladziej, bringing this staged concert to life with its innovative and magical material will be a comfortable task. The orchestra are flawless, and the astonishing arrangements add to the magic of this story. The score elevates the story and encapsulates the underlying themes. Ensemble vocalists are used at times, providing power and elevation to the number. Each sister’s musical parts have been written to reflect their personality and there are beautiful arrangements between the four girls, particularly in the opening number “The Pickwick P...

Fawlty Towers The Play – New Wimbledon Theatre

22Oct

By Maani WayNo Comments

London

Fawlty Towers The Play – New Wimbledon Theatre

John Cleese’s iconic Fawlty Towers begins its UK and Ireland tour in Wimbledon following its record-breaking sold-out run in the West End and it does not disappoint. The nostalgia is evident from the start. The iconic opening theme track plays as the audience settle down into a completely immersive and true to style sequence at Fawlty Towers. The set is eye catching and captures the essence of the series completely. The familiar reception and dining area are the perfect spaces for the dialogue and humour to play out and the characters float effortlessly between the two sets, providing the perfect backdrop for the chaos to unfold. What makes this show standout is the performances from each cast member, their impeccable acting skills and comedic timing which is a true joy to experience...

8Aug

By Maani WayNo Comments

London

War Horse – New Wimbledon Theatre

Based on the acclaimed novel by Michael Morpurgo, War Horse is the enchanting tale of Albert and his extraordinary horse, Joey, who, at the outbreak of the First World War is shipped to France, sold to the Cavalry, and finds himself fighting for both sides. Albert, from rural Devon whose life is his beloved horse, though not old enough to enlist, embarks on a treacherous journey to find and save Joey and bring him home. The most notable aspect of this show is the puppetry and the effortless artistry that goes into directing the animals. Joey and Topthorn are the two stars of the show, puppeteered by Rianna Ash, Chris Milford and Samuel Parker and Tom Quinn, Michael Jean-Marain and Michael Larcombe respectively. The transitions are smooth, and the horses’ movements are detailed so that e...

Noughts & Crosses – Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

9Jul

By Maani WayNo Comments

London

Noughts & Crosses – Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

What means more to you: being someone or making a difference? Based on the acclaimed novel by Malorie Blackman and adapted by Dominic Cooke, Noughts & Crosses tells the story of two star-crossed friends-to-lovers who learn to grow and adapt together in this Romeo & Juliet-esque love story. In this world, there is a divide between the Noughts and the Crosses. Callum, is from a Nought family and Sephy, from a Cross family. Their worlds have intertwined since childhood, with Callum’s mother working for Sephy’s family and the two becoming firm friends. However, Noughts and Crosses are not to be seen together. After many meet ups on their secret beach, as teenagers their world is turned upside down when Callum gets accepted at Sephy’s prestigious Cross school. The play focuses ...

4Jun

By Maani WayNo Comments

London

Little Women – Richmond Theatre

Louisa May Alcott’s beloved ‘Little Women’ is back, telling the celebrated and heartwarming story of four sisters, their mother and their friends as they navigate the twists and turns of life and what it has to offer. The stage is set as a quaint living room, adorned with a twinkling Christmas tree and centrepiece piano. This set is unobtrusive yet provides a whimsical feel, adding to the theme of the sisters’ hopes and dreams in the first Act of the show. Fitting props and staging create two main scenes – in the first Act, the March’s home and surrounding areas and in the second Act, the addition of bookcases show time has passed and sets the scene for Jo working at the boarding house. Lighting is used beautifully throughout the play, particularly when paired with the fake snow f...

21Mar

By Maani WayNo Comments

London

Dear England – National Theatre

Dear England, written by James Graham, tells the story of the ‘New’ England football team and centres on the origin story of Gareth Southgate as Manager of the England team between 2016 and 2024. Gareth is determined to bring life and heart back to the squad and we are immersed in his journey, striving for solidarity and a better England. The lighting, sound and projection work of this production is exceptional, as is the set by Es Devlin. As the audience enters, they see a circular stage with a semi-circle above it lit up, representing a football stadium. There is a low hum of the crowd that can be heard which builds anticipation. The semi-circle becomes a space for powerful projection which aids the progression of the show. The revolving stage is used throughout the performance, never...

6Mar

By Maani WayNo Comments

London

12 – Studio at New Wimbledon Theatre

“I’m fine”. ‘12’ is the one-woman show that tells the story of Mel, a woman in her late 20s, trying to navigate the complications of everyday life as well as her OCD and intrusive thoughts. From the moment she starts her day, she is bound by the fact that she must touch everything twelve times to prevent anything bad from happening. The studio is perfect to create the intimate setting required and the limited props and staging allow Catrin Mai Edwards to shine in her portrayal of Mel, using her vocal and acting skills to tell the story of the “quirky” character. Edwards is believable, likeable and depicts a character suffering with OCD well, making the audience want to root for her and her recovery. She blocks the entirety of the space, making dynamic choices in her movements and phy...

21Dec

By Maani WayNo Comments

London

Ballet Shoes – National Theatre

Based on the well-loved novel by Noel Streatfeild, Ballet Shoes is the heartwarming story of three orphans who, in twists of fate, find themselves as sisters with the unlikely but chosen surname of “Fossil”. Pauline, Petrova and Posy make a vow to put their name in the history books and make a living to support their unconventional but loving family. Before we meet the Fossils, we are told of Sylvia (Pearl Mackie), who finds herself orphaned and taken to live with her only living relative, Great Uncle Matthew (Philip Labey), or more affectionately known as “GUM”. GUM is a collector of fossils and a devoted geologist, who adventures around the world looking for the next gem. The three treasures he happens to bring home are the three orphan sisters, much to the dismay of Sylvia’s Nana (Je...