North West Archives - North West End UK

29Aug

By Katie LeicesterNo Comments

North West

Newsies Jr. – Z Arts

Produced by Dave Holden and Kimberly Holden, directed by Dave Holden, and with musical direction by Kimberly Holden, Newsies JR is an energetic, heartfelt and thoroughly engaging production that showcases an exceptionally talented young ensemble. Based on the inspiring story of the young newspaper sellers of New York who unite against unfair working conditions, Newsies JR explores themes of friendship, courage, resilience, determination and solidarity. This production captured those themes beautifully, brought to life by a remarkably committed cast whose performances demonstrated a level of vocal, dramatic and theatrical maturity far beyond their years. From the opening number to the final curtain, I was completely immersed in the world of the production. The cast established a stron...

27Aug

By Leanne RushtonNo Comments

North West

Burlesque the Musical – Regent Theatre

The Regent Theatre Stoke-on-Trent was welcomed to Burlesque in style. The 2010 film had been transformed into a stage show, which glistens in just the same way as its cinematic counterpart. When you entered the theatre, you were instantly met with three spotlit mirrors, transporting you into the vaudeville feel of Burlesque, with some modern twists. The cast slinked across the stage before the show began, creating an atmosphere like no other. The costumes were a sight to behold from the off, glittering under the lights. The iconic music from the film was incorporated into the show alongside some new songs written by the formidable Todrick Hall. You can tell his love for the material through how well all the music suits the piece. The new songs fit the vibe of the show very well. T...

26Aug

By Damian RiverolNo Comments

North West

Nell Gwynn – Storyhouse in the Park

A Co production between Theatre by the Lake, Shakespeare North and Storyhouse, Nell Gwynn has arrived to finish off the summer season at Storyhouse in the Park this year in its final venue. Photo: Mark McNulty Nell Gwynn tells the story of an orange seller who meets theatre manager Thomas Killigrew (Adam Clifford) who is willing to take a chance on her and train her to become an actress, something which is very rare of the time. During her time as an actress, she becomes very famous and people come to see her, including the then king, King Charles 2nd. Gwynn and King Charles start an arrangement where he pays her to be around, gives her a place to live, a carriage, clothing and that arrangement eventually turns in to love where they shared two children. We are introduced to the pl...

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – Blackpool Grand

20Aug

By Marianna MoranteNo Comments

North West

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – Blackpool Grand

“Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” presented by the Blackpool Grand Theatre Summer Youth was an absolute joy to watch. The musical tells the story of Joseph who can see visions of the future, the jealous eleven brothers who craving their fathers favour send Joseph away and the multicoloured coat that is the musicals namesake. As someone who teaches young people myself, I have learnt to never underestimate their talents yet despite going in with high expectations, this cast absolutely exceeded them. From the very beginning when the Narrators started to sing in front of a sparkly backdrop, I knew the vocals and harmonies within the show would be phenomenal and with a creative team including the likes of Joe Keegan, Mykey Young and Sophie Yaeger who I have had the pleasur...

19Aug

By Kevin EcclestonNo Comments

North West

The Choir of Man – Storyhouse Chester

A riotous celebration of music, friendship and the great British pub There are few theatrical experiences that begin before the curtain has even risen. The Choir of Man is one of them. At Storyhouse, Chester, the familiar rituals of going to the theatre are swiftly replaced by something altogether more convivial. The stage becomes The Jungle, a traditional pub where the beer is flowing, the music is ready to begin, and the audience are invited to become part of the evening rather than simply observe it. Brimming with hits from artists such as Queen, Luther Vandross, Paul Simon, Adele, Guns & Roses and Katy Perry to name but a few, this is a pub like no other! Created by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay, The Choir of Man has become something of a theatrical phenomenon, and it is easy...

19Aug

By Abigail PendleburyNo Comments

North West

Mean Girls – Winter Gardens Blackpool

Mean Girls the Musical is a sensational, high-energy production that delivers everything you could hope for in a modern day musical, with its sharp humour, outstanding performances and visual style, it radiates energy from start to finish, creating a relatable story that audiences can connect with. This is a show that feels both fresh and faithful to the original story, and the Winter Gardens provides the perfect backdrop for such a vibrant, fast‑paced production it’s rare to see a production that balances comedy, heart and contemporary storytelling so seamlessly, but this one achieves it with style. One of the standout strengths of this production is the cast, who bring enormous personality and precision to every moment. Vivian Panka commands the stage as Regina George with a remarkabl...

Calendar Girls the Musical – Theatre by the Lake

12Aug

By Karen Morley-ChesworthNo Comments

North West

Calendar Girls the Musical – Theatre by the Lake

Theatre by the Lake has brought the best feel-good production to the heart of the Lake District. Written by Take That’s Gary Barlow and Tim Firth, Calendar Girls the Musical tells the well-known, true story of a Women’s Institute in Yorkshire that produced a saucy nude calendar to raise money for a local hospital – and in doing so created a story that went around the world. This cast of 15 excellent singers, musicians and actors is so strong that when the young actor Sol Taibi, who plays Tommo, son of one of the WI members, was injured, the show went on with gusto, with 14 members of the cast, and the Musical Director, Alex Weatherhill, reading the part, as well as being on stage bringing together the actors as they created the soundtrack. Sarah Groarke, the Chairwoman of ...

I F*cked You In My Spaceship – King’s Arms

11Aug

By Lou SteggalsNo Comments

North West

I F*cked You In My Spaceship – King’s Arms

There may be barely a spaceship in sight in Louis Emmitt-Stern’s sharply witty Queer comedy-drama, but there’s certainly plenty of sex, relationships and increasingly blurred boundaries. Played in the round with no conventional set or props, the Kings Arms’ studio is transformed with a simple overhead rig of paper-lantern ‘planets’, star garlands and one solitary paper rocket. Bathed in pink and purple light as the strains of 2001: A Space Odyssey’s opening theme echoes around the room; we first eavesdrop on the romantic machinations of couple Leo (Ciarán Lockwood) and Dan (Ben Bradfield). As an attempt at alien role-play is hilariously undermined by asthma, we have our tone set for a play that places awkward, authentic conversations inside decidedly offbeat scenarios. In parallel, w...

Take Me Home County Road – Liverpool’s Royal Court

6Aug

By Daniel CoxNo Comments

North West

Take Me Home County Road – Liverpool’s Royal Court

Galloping into Liverpool's Royal Court throughout August is Take Me Home County Road, the story of Shelly, a County Road local with a remarkable singing talent. Once performing on cruise ships Shelly's world now looks very different. Having swapped the spotlight for a role as a classroom teaching assistant, she still dreams of singing success. When the opportunity arises to enter The Next Big Thing, she embarks on a journey fuelled by friendship, determination and community spirit. What happens next? You'll have to grab a ticket (and perhaps a pair of cowboy boots) to find out. Adam McCoy showcases his talents both on and off the stage, appearing as neighbour Anthony while also making his playwriting debut with this production. The fact that this is McCoy's first play demonstrates an im...

1Aug

By Lou SteggalsNo Comments

North West

Bad Habits – The King’s Arms

Imagine Sister Act crashing headlong into St Trinian’s and you’ve got the gloriously chaotic energy of Bad Habits. Stu Meevens’ irreverent comedy throws a convent into crisis as an eccentric order of nuns hatch an increasingly ridiculous plan to save their home from becoming a supermarket, by stealing a collection of holy relics, resulting in two hours of organised theatrical mayhem. Meevens’ script is packed with one-liners, running gags and knowingly daft wordplay. The sisters’ names alone range from gloriously cheesy to outrageously NSFW that would make the Pope blush. Not every joke is original, but even the more telegraphed punchlines land thanks to the confidence and commitment of an experienced cast who know exactly how to sell them. Leading the convent is Dale Vicker’s wo...