North West Archives - North West End UK

22Dec

By Mark DavorenNo Comments

North West

Star of Wonder – Unity Theatre

This collaborative production from Theatre Porto and Teatro Pomodoro, originally performed at Theatre Porto in 2022, follows its own star as it travels from Ellesmere Port to arrive in Liverpool’s Unity Theatre where, under the direction of Nina Hajiyianni, it delights and enthrals in equal measure. In this modern take on the nativity tale, five friends (Carmen Arquelladas; Jordan Connerty, Miwa Nagai; Nikki Hill; Simone Tani) and a teddy bear set out to follow a star using a unique form of transport. Despite becoming separated, their journey continues including having to overcome the challenges of mirages, sandstorms, and quicksand, as well occasional attacks from a pair of shepherds and their flock of sheep. With the group eventually reunited, the question is whether they will finally...

21Dec

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

North West

Aladdin – The Brindley

The atmosphere inside The Brindley last night was electric as scores of excited children (and some adults) took their seats in readiness to witness this year’s pantomime, Aladdin. This was my first time watching a Brindley pantomime produced in association with New Pantomime Productions Ltd and it definitely won’t be my last. I have seen over the years many versions of Aladdin; all slightly different and last night was no exception. The cast of 10 adults and dance troupe of 10 youngsters all shone from the opening Spice Girls inspired number until the colourful finale. Rubin Cavanagh as Aladdin is immediately likeable and has superb chemistry with Brindley regular Rebecca Lake who plays his love interest Princess Yasmin alongside her protective mother the Empress played by Traitors s...

20Dec

By Jan MellorNo Comments

North West

A Christmas Carol – Norton Priory

Theres something so magical about seeing the Dickens masterpiece ‘A Christmas Carol’ played live around Christmas time. We are all drawn to watch a version of the story around the season whether it be the Alistair Sim black and white classic or the Muppet version, it is a tale that we all know and love. So, I have seen several short plays, shown in front of the iconic grand entrance to the priory and the huge double doors of the entrance are a magnificent backdrop – and for this play were used wonderfully being the entrance for each ghost to appear through billows of smoke. For tonight’s short rendition ( 1 hour) of the tale of reflection, anguish and remorse, there were just 5 cast members - the formidable Ebeneezer Scrooge , played superbly by &nb...

18Dec

By Adam WilliamsNo Comments

North West

Cinderella – Opera House

From the moment the curtain rose on the Opera House stage there was magic in the room and everyone was transported into a world of laughter and light. It had fun, frolics, wit and so much warmth that they probably could have turned the heating off in the theatre. This was a panto with a distinctly northern edge. It was laid-back and friendly, with enough jokes to keep the kids amused but also plenty of gags for the adults that would easily sail over younger heads. Topical jokes were thrown in and there were a few ad-libs when things on stage didn’t go as planned. This show was early on in the run, but you could feel that the cast was having a great time. Everyone knows the story of Cinderella and there was little jeopardy or drama on stage. This panto was not particularly concerned w...

16Dec

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Stick Man – The Lowry

Freckle Productions’ stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Stick Man is a delightful treat for families, bringing laughter, joy, and a touch of magic to The Lowry. With live music, clever puppetry, and plenty of fun songs, this energetic performance captures the heart of the original story while adding its own unique theatrical touch! The talented cast of three delivers a captivating performance, effortlessly switching between characters, instruments, and puppeteering. Their enthusiasm is infectious, drawing the audience into Stick Man’s adventurous quest to reunite with his “Stick Lady Love” and their children. The puppetry is particularly inventive, with a combination of props, movement, and creative staging breathing life into Stick Man and his ever-chan...

It’s A Wonderful Life – St George’s Hall

14Dec

By Mark DavorenNo Comments

North West

It’s A Wonderful Life – St George’s Hall

Having completed a two-week run at Liverpool’s Royal Court Studio and with the bells well and truly ringing, Old Fruit Jar Productions turned to St George’s Hall to spread the festive magic of this delightful tearjerker production a little further. Christmas Eve, 1946 and down-on-his-luck banker George Bailey (Robbie Fletcher-Hill)) feels life has passed him by, and he's at the end of his tether, so angels Joseph (Andrew Johnson) and Gloria (Faye Griffiths) decide to send a fledgling guardian angel, Clarence (Jordan Barkley) to earn his wings, but if he is going to be of any help, he needs to understand who George truly is: the young boy at play with brother Harry (Anthony Roberts) and friend Sam (Taona Matope)? Or the young man distracted by the attractions of Violet (Rachel McGrath) a...

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe – St Hilda’s Church Hall, Hunts Cross

13Dec

By Mark DavorenNo Comments

North West

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe – St Hilda’s Church Hall, Hunts Cross

Directors Gemma Hurst and Georgina Anwyl lead us on a delightful romp through time and space with Glyn Roberts’ adaptation of the well-loved C.S. Lewis tale. Siblings Peter (Carl Latham), Susan (Victoria Turnock), Edmund (Connor Jones) and Lucy (Zoe Marras) are evacuees staying at the house of the Professor (Zoran Blackie) and his housekeeper, Mrs McCready (Jenny Snell). When Lucy steps into the wardrobe and out again into the magical world of Narnia, a land of Beavers (Andrew Parsons; Victoria Grimbly) and Leopards (Ife Babatunde; Elise Ng) amongst other animals, where she meets fawns, Mr Tumnus (Aslan Herzen) and Mrs Tumnus (Samra Uddin). All is not well though as The White Witch (Snell), assisted by her Wolves (Juliet Shreeve; Lydia Byrne; Heather Robinson; Ray Ormsby; Michelle Conne...

A Christmas Carol: The Musical – The Lowry

13Dec

By Paul WilcoxNo Comments

North West

A Christmas Carol: The Musical – The Lowry

When the December review list lands in my inbox I have to confess to my spirits lowering, the plethora of pantomimes do nothing to lift my festive mood and there are always a significant number of variations on ‘A Christmas Carol’ on offer. However, having battled the seasonal traffic to get to The Lowry my Scrooge like mood was quickly lifted by this delightful musical version of the old redemption story, sending me home smiling and full of seasonal joy. Although this production is being staged in the beautifully proportioned 420 seat Quays Theatre at the Lowry, it is the estimable duo of William Whelton and Joseph Houston from Hope Mill Theatre that are the creative powerhouses behind it. Following a decade of success showcasing musical revivals from their Ancoats home, they have cros...

12Dec

By Emma LambeNo Comments

North West

The Tale of Nobody Nose – Theatre Porto

This fun, playful interactive show was the perfect way to spread festive cheer. Our 3 clowns Boz, Yolo and Flo were warm and friendly characters from the start and had a natural way with interacting with the audience and getting them involved. They set the tone of each scene so well. Whether it be being mischievous and slapping one another with fish toy props or creating a sense of awe with the use of shadows and projections. They brought each of the puppets to life too. Harrison the puppet was beyond adorable and felt so real as he made his way across the snowy wilderness and travelled across sea, land and air. I was mesmerised each time the puppets took over the stage. Paul, Gemma and Katy-Anne really were fantastic with sharing their creativity and showcasing what Goofus Theatre are abo...

12Dec

By Scot CunninghamNo Comments

North West

Miracle on 34th Street – HOME Mcr

This clumsy interpretation of the classic seasonal flick presents itself more as a school play than an actual musical. Forgettable songs, cracker-quality jokes and unembellished choreography feel like several lumps of coal in the stocking, delivered by the least convincing Santa Claus this reviewer has ever seen. Miracle on 34th Street follows Susan (Karis), a sceptical girl whose doubts about the marvel of Christmas have been handed down by her no-nonsense, workaholic mother, Doris (Jessica Joslin). When neighbour Fred (Matthew Hawksley) hears of Susan’s lack of belief, he makes it his mission to change this. A magical unveiling of Ciaran Bagnall’s charming toy shop set promises something wonderful, with floor-to-ceiling shelves brimming with teddy bears, footballs and rocking horse...