REVIEWS Archives - North West End UK

12Feb

By Michelle KnightNo Comments

London

Dear Liar – Jermyn Street Theatre

Dear Liar, is a play adapted by Jerome Kilty from the correspondence of Bernard Shaw and Mrs Patrick Cambell. It portrays the communication between the writer George Bernard Shaw and actress Mrs Patrick Campbell. A relationship of expression; love, frustration and conflict between the artists. An affair of the heart, battling egos and a collective passion for performance. Their affair captured in a series of personal letters that survived World War two. The prose and context of the play centred around the letters creates a voyeuristic view of how their relationship brought about some of Shaw’s best theatrical work. Pygmalion written in early 1912 was read to actress Mrs Patrick Campbell first in June. Written with Campbell in mind Shaw “this is for you; I wrote it just for you “. Keen t...

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical – HOME Mcr

12Feb

By Coral MourantNo Comments

North West

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical – HOME Mcr

You’ve heard of Hercules, you may have heard of Perseus, but do you know Percy Jackson, the demigod of the new world? A best selling book series, two movie adaptations and, most recently, a multi series Disney television show. And it’s a musical. “The gods are real, and they have kids. And those kids have issues”. Sixteen-year-old Percy Jackson is expelled from yet another school. Just when he thinks there’s no hope for a kid like him, he finds out that he is a half-blood. The future of the world hangs in the balance, as Percy and his friends embark on a difficult quest encountering monsters, gods and all sorts of chaos. The stage show takes Rick Riordan’s first novel, “The Lightning Thief”, and adds an electrifying soundtrack to engage all audiences, whether child, adult, or dem...

12Feb

By NewsdeskNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

The Bodyguard – Sheffield Lyceum

The Bodyguard has become a staple of the West End since its debut in 2013. It has resonated with and entertained audiences internationally. This particular production, however, sadly gives pause. There are some impressive design features throughout this show, more so in Tim Hatley’s set design and in particular the thriller aspects are particularly strong and excitingly creative. James-Lee Harris’ character of the stalker, for example, appears in a flash of lightning at a door we have stared at continuously, never once recognising their presence until that jump-scare moment. It’s exhilarating. Protagonist Rachel Marron’s residence feels swanky and full of scope, choosing to obscure part of the stage with long, impressive curtains. It’s visually interesting and simultaneously pragm...

Sheila’s Island – The King’s Arms, Salford

12Feb

By Paul WilcoxNo Comments

North West

Sheila’s Island – The King’s Arms, Salford

Something quite special has been slowly brewing over the last couple of years at the King's Arms pub in Salford — and not just the excellent pint of Guinness. In this side-street boozer, incongruously wedged between Salford Central station and the bustling ring road, the husband-and-wife team of Colin and Lisa Connor have quietly established the tiny theatre nestled in the roof as a prime destination to see challenging and rewarding productions in the city centre. This dynamic duo have now taken the next step in their development by creating The Kings, a company of actors and creatives designed to showcase the wonderful talent our regional theatre network offers. First out of the blocks for The Kings is Sheila's Island by Tim Firth, a reworking of his earlier Neville's Island from 1...

The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me – Hope Mill Theatre

12Feb

By Katie LeicesterNo Comments

North West

The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me – Hope Mill Theatre

On the wettest night of February, after battling my way through football traffic and rain-soaked streets, I arrived at the stunning Hope Mill Theatre ready to be transported. What followed was an evening of provocative, challenging and ultimately moving theatre: The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me, produced by Hive North by special arrangement with Broadway Play Publishing Inc., written by David Drake, directed by Adam Zane, produced by Mike Lee, and performed by Gabriel Clark. Originally published in 1994, David Drake’s ground breaking solo piece has become one of the longest running solo plays in New York theatre history. Structured as a series of abstract, poetic vignettes, it charts a gay man’s journey of self-discovery against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis that devastated the LGBTQ+...

12Feb

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Barnum – Palace Theatre

P.T. Barnum was one of the most fascinating and controversial showmen in history; a man who built an empire on spectacle, ambition, and an unshakable belief in the power of entertainment. Barnum brings his extraordinary life vividly to the stage, charting his rise from humble beginnings to global fame, while exploring the personal sacrifices made along the way. It’s a rousing, uplifting musical that celebrates individuality, resilience, and the thrill of chasing impossible dreams. Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle, this production moves at a thrilling pace from start to finish, rarely giving the audience a moment to breathe. It’s slick, polished, and bursting with theatrical flair, managing to balance emotional storytelling with jaw-dropping spectacle. From intimate character moments to full...

12Feb

By Jessie MartinNo Comments

Scotland

The Wood Paths – Traverse Theatre

Tired of watching paint dry? As an alternative, Manipulate Festival offers The Wood Paths at the Traverse Theatre. Beginning with thirty straight minutes of performers and co-creators Rūdolfs Gedinš and c chopping into large wooden logs in silence, this show is certainly off the wall. Produced by Latvian company, Theatre on Gertrude Street (ToGS), The Wood Paths is an abstract and eccentric piece of performance art that is both mysteriously aloof, and affectionately playful. Directed and co-created by Andrejs Jarovojs, Rudof Bekič is another co-creator alongside Samĭtis and Gedinš. This certainly was a unique performance, and while some may say its reeks of fine-art ostentation, it can’t be denied that The Wood Paths is absolutely intriguing. The performance was in ...

Saaniya Abbas: Hellarious – Soho Theatre

12Feb

By Savitha VenugopalNo Comments

London

Saaniya Abbas: Hellarious – Soho Theatre

Watching Saaniya Abbas on stage is like listening to that one friend who has a funny take on just about everything. That’s how well she builds a rapport with the audience. And nothing is too sacred or out of bounds, from politics to religion to personal life. Abbas, we quickly learn, grew up in a conservative Muslim family in New Delhi and studied at a residential school run by Roman Catholic nuns. That in itself offers comedic gold – the restrictions of convention and religion turn into anecdotes of sharp wit. Having then moved to Dubai for work, she found standup comedy, porn, and a British husband, not necessarily in that order. She brings to stage her experiences from all these different aspects of her life as sharp social commentary hidden in a clever script. Take for instance h...

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...

12Feb

By Jackie FoottitNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

Macbeth – Hull Truck Theatre

Macbeth, aka The Scottish Play, got off to an explosive start on Tuesday evening, as part of its run at the Hull Truck Theatre. An insider informant - who I will call “Jay” for the purpose of this review - revealed to me pre-show that we theatregoers were in for a thrilling time. And, my goodness, “Jay” was absolutely right. The plain (but extremely effective) stage setting gave no hint of what was to come. The stage floor was level with the audience’s walkway and comprised mottled grey “stone” sections surrounding a drain cover. The backdrop consisted of misshapen doorways, an industrial staircase and a mezzanine revealing more doors. All dimly lit by overhead metal lamps. A large central opening was hung with wide plastic strips through which most of the action took place....