Paul Downham, Author at North West End UK

26Apr

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

North West

All Shook Up – Daneside Theatre

For those who know me, know I am not the biggest fan of jukebox musicals, so would a trip to see the very same genre tonight in Congleton change my opinion? The short answer is no, however tonight was one of the best productions I have seen of the genre with powerhouse performances coming from the stage in rapid succession. I must start by mentioning the visuals created by Simon Matthews, who also directs the show. 8 video walls places across the stage left you in no doubt as to where the on-stage action was taking place. From an American street complete with moving bus to a disused fairground nothing on show tonight would have looked out of place on a West End Stage. Cleverly designed lighting from Nick Walker complemented the screens however at times a little more face light could hav...

20Apr

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

Home, I’m Darling! – Sheffield Lyceum

Clever, humorous, warm – Laura Wade’s Olivier-award winning comedy Home, I’m Darling! appropriately leans into the mythologised tonal tropes of the 1950’s. Jessica Ransom, Neil McDermott, Matthew Douglas, Cassie Bradley and Shanez Pattni all excel in this fun and fresh text.Despite its comedic sensibilities, oftentimes Wade’s piece translates better as a drama than a comedy. Of course, the two are not mutually exclusive, but Wade’s commentary is at its best and most biting when it’s polemical and astute. Feminism is often framed expertly against the backdrops of 1950’s nostalgic delusion, #MeToo, gender roles and even against itself when the validity of feminism is questioned (if feminism is about making choices, is the choice to play a role that supports patriarchy still feminism as it is...

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels – The Zodiac, Frodsham Community Central

23Mar

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

North West

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels – The Zodiac, Frodsham Community Central

If we ever needed a reminder of just how much the world of theatre was tipped on it’s head by Covid, then the fact that it’s taken three years for Zodiac’s production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels to reach the milestone of opening night will do just that. Retaining many of the original cast, it’s clear from the opening number, Give Them What They Want, that the cast, under the direction of Neil Silcock, are thrilled to finally immerse the audience into the French Riviera, where we meet the debonair Lawrence (Seb Farrell), a sophisticated swindler who charms and disarms several of the female holidaymakers each year, aided by his ‘bodyguard’ (and the town’s Chief of Police), Andre (Phil Murray). He soon takes the vulgar, young upstart Freddy Benson (Chris Doyle) under his wing to teach hi...

Cast announced for the 1st London revival of Betty Blue Eyes

14Mar

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

NEWS

Cast announced for the 1st London revival of Betty Blue Eyes

Premiering in 2011, ‘Betty Blue Eyes’, Book by Ron Cowen & Daniel Lipman, Music by George Stiles, Lyrics by Anthony Drewe based on the film ‘A Private Function’ by Alan Bennett and Malcolm Mowbray, received nominations for ‘Best New Musical’ in the Olivier Awards, The Evening Standard Awards and the WhatsOnStage.com Awards. It is 1947, war has ended but Britain’s citizens are suffering under the burden of food rationing, high unemployment and the coldest winter for decades. The only bright spark on the horizon is the impending marriage of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Enter Betty, an adorable pig who is being illegally reared to ensure local dignitaries of a small community in Yorkshire can celebrate the Royal Wedding with a lavish banquet whilst the local population make...

Award-Winning play How Not to Drown comes to Oldham Coliseum

14Mar

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

NEWS

Award-Winning play How Not to Drown comes to Oldham Coliseum

The award-winning Manchester based theatre company ThickSkin returns to the city for the Oldham dates of performer Dritan Kastrati’s real-life story. Set in 2002 at the end of the Kosovan War, this impactful andcompelling play follows Dritan as an 11-year-old who was sent on the notoriously perilous journey across the Adriatic accompanied by a gang of people smugglers to a new life in Europe. Relying on young wit and charm on his journey to the UK, Dritan’s fight for survival continues when he finds himself caught within the British care system, struggling to cling onto his identity and sense of self. Dritan plays himself at various points in the play which has been co-written with playwright Nicola McCartney, who is herself a foster carer, following 60 hours of recorded interviews betw...

Spring/Summer 2023 with British Youth Music Theatre

13Mar

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

NEWS

Spring/Summer 2023 with British Youth Music Theatre

The UK’s leading new musical theatre company for young people 11-21 years old has announced their 2023 season of Easter & Summer performances led by new Chief Executive and Creative Director Emily Gray, who has ensured the voices and ideas of BYMT’s Young Company Panel are at the heart of the programme choices. This new season is filled with brand new musicals, returning BYMT favourites, and dance led work. Following prior popularity, Angry Salmon, a fin-tastic new show set in an underwater world of both farmed and wild fish returns for a second year, led by writers Jordan Clarke & Ali James (Showstoppers). Other season highlights include the first creation of a grime musical, written by the pioneering Thabo Stuck, with music producers including Dark Star; telling a historical s...

The Phantom of the Opera extends bookings until 2024

12Mar

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

NEWS

The Phantom of the Opera extends bookings until 2024

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at Her Majesty’s Theatre announces today that booking is now extended until Saturday 2nd March 2024. With new production images also released. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA currently stars Earl Carpenter as The Phantom alongside Holly-Anne Hull as Christine Daaé, Matt Blaker as Raoul, Kelly Glyptis as Carlotta, Matt Harrop as Monsieur Firmin, Adam Linstead as Monsieur André, Greg Castiglioni as Ubaldo Piangi, Francesca Ellis as Madame Giry and Ellie Young as Meg Giry. At certain performances the role of Christine Daaé is played by Paige Blankson. From Monday 3rd April Jon Robyns joins the company as The Phantom. The cast is completed by Hollie Aires, Connor Carson, Corina Clark, Michelle Cornelius, Edward Court, Lily De-La-Haye, Hywel Dowsell, Serina Faul...

27Feb

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

NEWS

Brand New Musical Comedy Twice Nightly Performs Again This Spring Featuring Joe Pasquale

A sparkling new stage musical about the golden age of variety theatre, set in the 1930's is hitting the road again this spring with a tour visiting venues across the UK. After premiering and captivating audiences at Liverpool Theatre Festival, winning best new production, Twice Nightly will open for three nights at Liverpool's Royal Court from 27th-29th April before heading to the new Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot, the historic Victoria Hall in Settle, Theatre On The Steps in Bridgnorth, Gladstone Theatre in Wirral, Middlesborough Theatre and finishing at Blackpool Grand. Twice Nightly is a brand-new musical comedy brought to you by Bill Elms Productions (Something About George/Judy & Liza) and the newly formed Frame This Presents, written by, choreographed, and starring...

The Chicago Blues Brothers return to Manchester for one night only

23Feb

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

NEWS

The Chicago Blues Brothers return to Manchester for one night only

Following their last Hollywood themed sell-out show at the Opera House back in 2021, the Chicago Blues Brothers return with their new tour Cruisin’ For A Bluesin’. The boys have put the band back together and are ready to take you cruising to the music capitals of the USA for one night of spectacular live music. Performed in the hard-hitting style that has made the Chicago Blues Brothers the biggest and most loved Blues Brothers productions in the world. From the Savoy theatre in London’s West End to the Madinat Theatre, Dubai this show has rocked some of the most iconic venues around the globe. Join Jake and Elwood, The Sweet Soul Sisters and the amazing CBB Band for a hand clapping, foot-stomping, hit parade corker of an evening. Overflowing with heart and brimming with soul, in...

Will You Be In The Room Where It Happens?

21Feb

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

NEWS

Will You Be In The Room Where It Happens?

Producers Jeffrey Seller and Cameron Mackintosh are delighted to announce that the multi award-winning HAMILTON will tour the UK for the very first time opening at the Manchester Palace Theatre on Saturday 11th November 2023 for a 15 week season until Saturday 24th February 2024 followed by a run at the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh from Wednesday 28th February – Saturday 27th April 2024. FURTHER VENUES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON. Casting for the UK tour is currently underway. ATG Theatrecard tickets will go on sale for Manchester on Friday 10th March at 10am. General tickets will then go on sale for the seasons in Manchester and Edinburgh on 13th March at 10am 2023. Sign-up at www.hamiltonmusical.com for access to priority tickets. The Olivier, Tony and Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winn...