Paul Downham, Author at North West End UK

3Oct

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

Heathers The Musical – Sheffield Lyceum

Heathers: The Musical offers a darkly comic take on American high school culture, that whilst not asking to be taken too seriously successfully manages to dismantle the nihilistic allure of teenage angst with bopping, in-your-face musical numbers. Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe’s musical adaption of the 1989 film by Daniel Waters has impressed audiences initially in the mid to late 2010’s. This production demonstrates it has no signs of growing stale. Set in the misery-inspired yet typically relatable school of Westerberg, the plot follows new girl Veronica as she navigates numbskull jocks and the notorious ‘Heathers’ - three girls of the same name who offer very little in individuality but plenty in toxic reputation management. On her journey, Veronica runs into the mysterious JD, a...

20Sep

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

Made in Dagenham – Morley Town Hall

In the beautiful surroundings of Morley Town Hall, Morley Amateur Operatic Society brought Made in Dagenham to the stage, their last show in the venue for a while due to venue refurbishments. Judging by tonight’s performance they will be missed. Made in Dagenham is a fun musical that will have you laughing, crying and cheering – all in one unforgettable night! Based on the true story of the 1968 Ford sewing machinists' strike, Made in Dagenham is an emotional roller-coaster of a show that celebrates courage, unity and justice. After having their pay downgraded and deemed not to be skilled workers the ladies of Ford rebel against their employers and go out on strike with the aim of having their pay matched to sister factories, and in the end petitioning management for equal pay. Ha...

19Sep

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

North West

The Book of Mormon – Palace Theatre

The Book of Mormon rekindled its romance with Manchester and the Palace Theatre on Wednesday evening as it opened its 2nd UK tour in the city, as it did the first tour back in 2019. And as in 2019, a sold-out audience embraced the show cheering from the pre-show announcement to the curtain call. Not without controversy from the day it opened on Broadway in 2011 (where it is still running 23 years later) The Book of Mormon is one of, if not the funniest musical out there. Written by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone alongside Avenue Q composer Robert Lopez the show pulls no punches laced with foul language and taboo subjects it is definitely not one for the kids. Adam Bailey and Sam Glen play Elders Price and Cunningham respectively in this latest production. They are a m...

Barista the Musical – The Capitol Horsham

13Sep

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

London

Barista the Musical – The Capitol Horsham

Barista is the latest hit musical that beautifully blends romance, humour, and vibrant culture. The show tells the captivating love story between expat Isabella, played by the ever-charming Sara Bartos and a coffee entrepreneur, portrayed by the charismatic George Crawford. Their chemistry forms the emotional heart of the production, set against the backdrop of coffee, culture, and unexpected connections. The performance kicks off with high energy, featuring powerful vocals, dynamic choreography, and an infectious sense of humour that sets the tone for the entire show. Right from the opening number, the pacing is swift and seamless, with each scene flowing naturally into the next, never allowing a dull moment. It's a refreshing change of pace, offering a story set between the contrastin...

Full Casting Announced for Ghost the Concert

13Sep

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

NEWS

Full Casting Announced for Ghost the Concert

Full casting has been announced for the special one-off concert performance of Ghost the Musical as it makes its return to the West End at the Adelphi Theatre on the 1st October. Lovers Sam and Molly find themselves in danger walking back to their apartment one night, leaving Sam tragically murdered and trapped between this world and the next. Unable to leave Molly and worried about the ongoing peril she now faces, Sam attempts to communicate with her through the help of dubious psychic Oda Mae Brown. Joining the previously announced Lucie Jones and Oliver Tompsett as Molly and Sam respectively are Moya Angela (Ghost Broadway, Dreamgirls, Lion King and Newsies) as Oda Mae Brown and David Seadon Young (An American in Paris) as Carl Bruner. Returning to the Ghost family, Lisa Da...

Meet the Essex Girls Who Changed the World

9Sep

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

NEWS

Meet the Essex Girls Who Changed the World

Morley Amateur Operatic Society returns to the stage this month marking their 97th year treading the boards. After the success of their last summer show, ‘My Fair Lady’, they are fast forwarding in time to the swinging sixties. Prepare to be captivated by the incredible story of the Essex girls who sparked a revolution! Inspired by true events, ‘Made in Dagenham’ follows Rita O’Grady as she leads a group of fearless women in a battle for equality at the Ford factory. As tensions rise and sacrifices are made, watch Rita’s determination and courage ignite a movement that changes history. Don't miss this empowering tale of resilience, solidarity and triumph! This show contains language and references considered appropriate for the time. Recommended age 12+ (bad language) 18th- 21...

5Sep

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

North West

SIX: Teen Edition – Heald Green Theatre

As a reviewer, I find it easier to write reviews of shows that do not quite hit the mark as you have something to criticise specifically, and harder to write glowing reviews without gushing too much over what you’ve just seen on a stage. This review is going to be VERY hard to write. SIX written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss began its life at the Edinburgh Fringe back in 2017. In just 7 short years it has arguably become one of the greatest success’ of the Fringe now being performed worldwide to sell out audiences by professionals and youth groups. I can best describe this show as the Tudor X-Factor. In a concert setting each of Henry 8th six wives compete to see who is the most popular each performing solo numbers to win over the audience’s vote. There is nowhere to hide in this s...

28Aug

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

NEWS

Production images released for brand new Ghost the Musical UK tour

Bill Kenwright Ltd has release the production images for the globally acclaimed Ghost the Musical. Which began its tour on 22nd August 2024 at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre ahead of a major national tour continuing into 2025. It stars Rebekah Lowings (The Sound of Music) and Jacqui Dubois (People, Places and Things) reprising their iconic roles, having previously captivated audiences as Molly Jenson and Oda Mae Brown respectively. Josh St. Clair (Frozen) as Sam Wheat and James Mateo-Salt (Bonnie and Clyde) as Carl Bruner. Joining them is the legendary entertainer, Les Dennis playing the contrasting roles of Hospital Ghost and Lionel Ferguson. Known to audiences through his extensive screen credits, including being a regular face of Saturday Night television thorough the 80s and 9...

Ghost The Musical – Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

23Aug

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

London

Ghost The Musical – Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

The stunning Aylesbury Waterside Theatre last night hosted the opening night of the latest UK tour of Ghost the Musical which extends into 2025. This musical will forever be judged against the original production which began in Manchester in 2011. Sadly, in today’s climate it will never be possible to tour this show in that original format due to the ever-rising costs and the logistical complexities the show displayed. In this production, slightly updated from its last tour the set serves its purpose but no more and audiences need to accept that. Based on the hit movie Ghost is a story about Sam Wheat who is murdered on his way home from visiting his girlfriend Molly’s art exhibition and becomes trapped between this world and the next. His subsequent journey teaches him the circumsta...

Bonnie & Clyde – Knutsford Little Theatre

15Aug

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

North West

Bonnie & Clyde – Knutsford Little Theatre

Tonight was my first visit to both Knutsford Little Theatre and Together For Theatre Productions to witness their latest offering Bonnie & Clyde. This is a musical rarely performed by amateur societies as it is tough to stage with the story moving so fast from one location to another and the underscore not allowing much wriggle room. The story of Bonnie & Clyde needs little explanation, bad boy meets good girl, and good girl turns bad due to the blindness of love. It doesn’t end well for our lead actors as is highlighted at the very start of the show. Together For Theatre have had no issues attracting a stellar cast to perform this gem of a musical which should be performed so much more. The score is stunning, the story compelling, everything points to a West End an...