Tuesday, August 25

Author: Rebecca Casey

The Snow Queen – The Atkinson, Southport
North West

The Snow Queen – The Atkinson, Southport

Panto’s back! What a lovely evening of entertainment for all of the family at The Atkinson this evening. After such a long break the last couple of years it was truly nostalgic to hear the audience participation again. All Souls Dramatic Club have done a great job on this modern twist of Hans Christian Andersen 's classic; But don’t be expecting any Elsa and Anna, I don’t want to spoil too much as it was opening night and you may wish to go to watch but I will say ‘The Snow Queen’ had some classic pantomime elements, mixed in with a contemporary musical score and twists of a darker tale. The stage was set very bare other than the band who were visible throughout on the second level with staircases either side leading down to the main performance area. The live band, led by Adam Dutch...
Swan Song – Unity Theatre
North West

Swan Song – Unity Theatre

I have just returned home from Liverpool’s Unity Theatre, or for the purposes of this evening a high school back in 1997. Swan song is a metaphorical phrase for a final gesture, effort, or performance given just before death or retirement all I can say is that I truly hope that this is not Andrew Lancel’s swan song because he is outstanding in this role. I don’t quite know what I was expecting tonight but Lancel’s portrayal of the character was the polar opposite to any role you may have seen him in previously. Andrew has had a celebrated career including several leading roles in television. I personally can’t look at him without picturing his character from Coronation Street. I also saw him in the national tour of The Sound of Music last year in Blackpool. The guy seems to be able t...
Bow & Arrow: The Outlaws of Sherwood – The Black-E
North West

Bow & Arrow: The Outlaws of Sherwood – The Black-E

I spent this evening in Sherwood Forest or in reality The Black E venue in central Liverpool. It was my first time at the venue and seeing this particular group, City Theatre, Rep Theatre Group. The promo promises a night of ‘adult comedy that will shock and make you laugh in equal measure’ and that is exactly what we got. Although there is area for improvement where the vocals and dancing are concerned the thing that would have me returning was certainly the comedy element!  This was the groups rescheduled first show since covid, and I must say it was nice to see some live theatre, finally. They provided text to Seat bar service, it was a shame the audience had to be so spaced out and not many allowed in, but all the seats that had been laid out, were full. The show ra...