Paddy Darnell-Walsh, Author at North West End UK

18Feb

By Paddy Darnell-WalshNo Comments

North West

Single White Female – Blackpool Grand

Nineties nostalgia arrives in Blackpool this week, in the shape of the new stage version of John Lutz’s psychological thriller Single White Female, made famous by the 1992 movie starring Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh. Adapted by Rebecca Reid, the story is updated to the present day and relocated to the UK. Whilst many aspects are in keeping with the original, this stage adaptation certainly attempts to reinvent itself somewhat. The plot centres around Allie, following the breakdown of her marriage. As she moves into her own apartment, struggling for money, she advertises for a lodger. In an interesting twist to the original, Allie now has angsty teenage daughter, Bella instead of a dog (thank goodness no labrador puppies are harmed in this production!). When Hedy takes up the o...

Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift – Blackpool Grand Theatre

12Feb

By Paddy Darnell-WalshNo Comments

North West

Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift – Blackpool Grand Theatre

Murderous happenings in Midsomer have been entertaining television audiences for almost thirty years. With over 130 episodes and still going strong, Caroline Graham’s iconic countryside drama arrives on stage for the very first time, with Guy Unsworth’s adaptation of 1997’s very first episode, ‘The Killings at Badger’s Drift’. Set in the fictional picturesque village of Badger’s Drift, the story centres around the death of a well-liked elderly villager, Emily Simpson. When her friend suspects foul play, DCI Tom Barnaby is called upon to investigate, uncovering hidden truths, sordid secrets and deadly rivalries. With a wonderful ensemble cast playing multiple roles, the production is slick and in the most-part entertaining, as they flip between playing victims and suspects, with cost...

Murder at Midnight – Blackpool Grand Theatre

29Jan

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North West

Murder at Midnight – Blackpool Grand Theatre

A New Year's Eve like you've never seen before arrives at the Seaside this week. As the clock strikes midnight, murder and chaos ensue, posing not only the question of whodunnit but who even died? Playwright Torben Betts returns with the follow up to his 2023 hit Murder in the Dark, delivering this murder-mystery satire of cockney gang culture, dark comedy and drama all rolled into one. Promising a thrilling night out, and despite some killer moments, the play was rather lazily written offering nothing unique nor exciting than what we have seen before. The plot, centring around the Drinkwater home on New Year's Eve, was vague at best. That said, it is very easy watching littered with amusing moments throughout. Take the play for what it is, don't take it in any way seriously and it is a...

22Jul

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North West

Chicago – Blackpool Opera House

Dubbed “the sexiest musical ever” (Metro), Chicago returns to Blackpool this week, with a huge sprinkle of razzle-dazzle with it! Set with the decadent backdrop of the 1920s Chicago jazz scene, the story follows Roxie Hart who murders her lover when he threatens to leave her. In a desperate attempt to avoid conviction, Hart hires renowned lawyer Billy Flynn to assist her in deceiving the media, public and rival cellmate, Velma Kelly. With show-stopping songs a plenty, the sultry, sassy, sensational Chicago is back at the Seaside with a bang. With lyrics from Fredd Ebb and music by John Kander, blasted out by a live band onstage (under the superb musical direction of Neil MacDonald), it’s easy to understand Chicago’s appeal. I must admit, having seen the show various times over the years...

Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical – Disney+

20Jun

By Paddy Darnell-WalshNo Comments

REVIEWS

Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical – Disney+

Disney’s modern classic ‘Frozen’ is brought to life on stage, with a lot to live up to following a string of hit predecessors, including, ‘The Lion King’, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Aladdin’. However, it certainly does live up to it, and then some! Opening on Broadway in 2018, before crossing the Atlantic to London’s West End in 2021, the show is now accessible to a Global audience with this wonderful, recorded performance from London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Predominantly keeping true to the film, the story centres around Queen Elsa and sister Anna, of Arendelle, as Elsa’s hidden powers unwittingly plunge the town into an eternal winter. The sisters, along with friends made along the way, must learn to thaw the snow and ice before it’s too late. With all the songs and thrills of th...

27Feb

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North West

Bat Out of Hell – Palace Theatre

Bat Out of Hell is back in Manchester… and it’s back with a bang! The rip-roaring, high-octane Meat Loaf musical returns to its roots, the home of the show’s premiere, for a limited run. Showcasing the iconic anthems from Meat Loaf’s thumping debut album, with music and lyrics by the wonderful Jim Steinman, this production is a real crowd pleaser from start to finish. Set in the post-apocalyptic, fictional city of Osidian, Bat Out of Hell is loosely based on Peter Pan, following Strat, leader of ‘The Lost’, a group of misfits frozen in time as 18-year-olds. Strat has fallen in love with Raven, daughter of Falco, Osidian’s tyrannical ruler. With a Romeo and Juliet-esque narrative, crossed with an epic rock concert, the show is brilliantly bonkers and unapologetically over the top. Gle...

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – Blackpool Opera House

12Dec

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North West

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – Blackpool Opera House

The much-loved family favourite, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, flies into Blackpool this week for an extended run over the festive period. Adapted from Ian Flemming’s story, with music and lyrics from the Sherman Brothers (Mary Poppins, Bedknobs and Broomsticks), the story follows widowed inventor Caractacus Potts and his two children, Jemima and Jeremy, as Potts restores an old car, discovering it has magical powers. Once described as ‘James Bond for children’, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang boasts many similarities to Flemming’s more famous works, from evil villains to impressive gizmos and gadgets, incompetent spies to a farfetched story line and of course, a wonderful car. Add these elements to a truly toe-tapping score and you realise why this production has stood the test of time. I was...

Here You Come Again – Blackpool Grand Theatre

27Nov

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North West

Here You Come Again – Blackpool Grand Theatre

They say you should never meet your heroes. Kevin, a gay, forty-something year old, failing comedian, does just that in this new Dolly Parton musical. With his career at a standstill, living in the attic of his parent’s house during the Covid pandemic and his relationship coming to an end, Kevin’s life can’t seem to get any worse. Not knowing where to turn, he seeks support from his icon, Dolly Parton. Right on cue, she appears and offers him the advice he needs to get his life back on track. Having heard very little about this brand-new show, with a transfer to the West End imminent, I was excited to see how Dolly’s iconic numbers could be brought to life. However, it was certainly not what I expected. No large-scale cast, dance routines or set changes as we are so often familiar with ...

10Oct

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North West

Grease – Pendle Hippodrome

School’s out and Grease is most definitely the word as Basics Junior Theatre School take us back to 1959 and Rydell High School. Pendle Hippodrome welcomes the hit musical Grease, centring around the romance between Danny and Sandy for one week only. Packed with iconic numbers and performed by the youthful exuberance of this talented cast, it is the perfect recipe for a great night out. Everything about this production was of professional standard from the lighting, to set design and the music to the authentic costumes. Bravo to the entire production team. However, what really elevated this production was the wonderful choreography from Lydia Cooke and Helen Cheung. The standout dances for ‘Greased Lightening’ and ‘Born to Hand Jive’, particularly, showcased the abilities of the cast. U...

24Jul

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North West

& Juliet – Opera House, Blackpool

Ever wondered what might’ve happened if Juliet hadn’t died? Well, there’s life after Romeo! With a hilarious script from David West Read (Schitt’s Creek), the story offers Juliet a new beginning, and a second chance at love, as it explores what might’ve happened if she hadn’t ended it all over Romeo. Intertwined with pop hits by song-writing juggernaut, Max Martin, & Juliet feels fresh, fearless and an awful lot of fun. The opening number, ‘Larger than Life’, set the tone for the evening. Everything about this show, indeed, felt larger than life! The set design from Soutra Gilmour was epic, using a very clever blend of moving furniture and projections to bring the stage to life. Video designs and animations, from Andrzej Goulding, were similarly superb. Paloma Young’s costume design...