North West Archives - Page 108 of 174

Titanic the Musical – Grand Theatre, Blackpool

22Mar

By Hannah WildeNo Comments

North West

Titanic the Musical – Grand Theatre, Blackpool

The story of Titanic is a timeless one, one that most people the world over are familiar with. The ship that they called “unsinkable” did just that on its maiden voyage, killing over 1,500 souls on board and sending the world’s most luxurious liner to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean without a trace. But still, even 110 years later, it’s a story that fascinates, horrifies and titillates modern audiences. Many would think that this performance is a musical adaptation of James Cameron’s 1997 motion picture masterpiece - part of the reason that the story of Titanic has gained legendary status in the modern subconscious - but that would be wrong. Titanic the Musical is a unique retelling of its namesake, without a Jack Dawson or Rose Bukater in sight. And for that, I am thankful. This perfo...

Kipps, The New Half a Sixpence Musical – The Plaza, Stockport

22Mar

By Adam WilliamsNo Comments

North West

Kipps, The New Half a Sixpence Musical – The Plaza, Stockport

Flash, bang, wallop – what a show! It had vim, vigour and energy pouring through its veins. The only pity was there was not much of an audience there to enjoy it. Yet, the cast can’t do anything about that, and they were clearly giving it everything. This show from the Romiley Operatic Society was a joy to behold. The popularity of Kipps is down to it being a rags-to-riches tale with a bit of depth. H G Wells’ novel deconstructs that age old story by not just having a poor person become rich but by exploring the idea that this new found wealth is in fact alienating for its recipient and also a tad malign. Like Pygmalion, another story that pulls apart notions of innate class, Kipps was always ripe to be turned into a musical. Tommy Steele is synonymous with Half a Sixpence, but this ...

Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons – Opera House, Manchester

22Mar

By Paul WilcoxNo Comments

North West

Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons – Opera House, Manchester

How would you express yourself if you were restricted by law to using just 140 words per day? This question forms the intriguing premise behind this 2015 play from Sam Steiner which attempts to utilise the format of a romantic comedy to examine more serious subjects around freedom of expression and speech. However, in this endeavour, 'Lemons' felt underripe; a series of half explored ideas that were not fully thought through and left the audience with a sour taste at the conclusion. Following a commercially successful run at the smaller Harold Pinter Theatre in the West End, producers chose to open this Manchester run in the cavernous 2,000 seat Opera House. A decision that was no doubt powered by the demand to see the leading actors Jenna Coleman and Aidan Turner live onstage, was vind...

Liverpool Wind Collective: Close Up Concert – Liverpool Philharmonic

21Mar

By Donna M DayNo Comments

North West

Liverpool Wind Collective: Close Up Concert – Liverpool Philharmonic

Liverpool Wind Collective’s annual March concert featured a repertoire of exclusively female composers, a nice touch for midway through Women’s History Month. The varied programme allowed each member of the quintet to showcase their skills and the intimate setting of Liverpool Philharmonic’s Music Room created a sense of closeness between the audience and ensemble. Opening with the sprightly Quintette (Allegro) by Hedwige Chrétien, the evening began with an immediate sense that we were running towards something lovely. This was followed by the trio performance of Cecilia McDowall’s Century Dances which took us on a journey through both the world and time itself. Performed by Ruth Davies (Oboe), Ausiàs Garrigós Morant (Clarinet) and Gareth Twigg (Bassoon), this interesting and varied pie...

The Bodyguard – Liverpool Empire Theatre

21Mar

By Hannah EsnoufNo Comments

North West

The Bodyguard – Liverpool Empire Theatre

This performance definitely packed a punch. Serving all the glitz and glamour required in the set, costumes, lighting (and even fire!), to paint Rachel Marron’s celebrity status, the Empire lived up to expectations once again. Melody Thornton as lead, and Ayden Callaghan as her bodyguard looked the part but played comfortably, at times overshadowed by the intense production effects around them. That said, bringing their extensive performing knowledge to the stage, they allowed the other cast members to shine, and who will be the main focus of this article. Iesa Miller, as Fletcher, was a bright spark. His smile shone right to the back row and his voice was not out of place next to the pop stars. Emily-Mae, as Nicki Marron, stole the stage every time. She sang to a brilliant...

The Cheshire Drama Festival 2023 – Storyhouse, Chester

20Mar

By Gill LewisNo Comments

North West

The Cheshire Drama Festival 2023 – Storyhouse, Chester

What thespian dreams are made of, an opportunity to serve up an enthusiastic repertoire of theatrical genres and styles in The Cheshire Drama Festival 2023. Taking place over the weekend of the 18th/19th March, this is its fourth year celebrating North West talent. The festival provides a unique opportunity for seven 'amateur' groups from across the Cheshire and Merseyside region to flex their creative muscles to compete for a place in the grand final of the All England Theatre Festival. With 6 out of the 7 one act plays made up of original writing, they are marked on all technical aspects of stagecraft, with awards up for presentation, direction, acting and dramatic achievement under the watchful eye of adjudicator Sandra Wynne. Hosted by D.T.A.T, the first day of the programm...

16Mar

By Luke StephensonNo Comments

North West

Bingo Star – Liverpool’s Royal Court

A new show is bestowed on the Royal Court stage in Liverpool called Bingo Star written by Iain Christie and directed by Emma Bird. Bingo can offer a mixed bag of emotions such as excitement, suspense, tension and laughter. This was certainly inhibited the same feelings when watching bingo star. I say this in a literal sense because audience members can have a chance to win £50 per game of bingo (3 in total) if you’re lucky enough to win the game the cast sing a ballad to the winner such as We Are The Champions by Queen. As well as getting the audience members involved with various call outs. For example, if you’re a lucky winner you don’t shout bingo, no you shout EE ah Lad. But as bingo caller Arthur says you don’t win until he says the win is legit and audience members have to shout b...

15Mar

By Gill LewisNo Comments

North West

Animal – Hope Mill Theatre

A hilarious, laugh out loud comedy which at the same time punches you straight in the gut. Animal is an unapologetic portrayal of a young gay man’s sexual expression and exploration as a person with a severe physical disability. David (Christopher John-Slater) is 'gay, disabled and profoundly horny'. Cerebral palsy affects his mobility and co-ordination which hampers his enjoyment of his 'auto-suck' sex toy, leaving him unfulfilled, frustrated and annoyed. David's friends/carers, Jill, brilliantly played by Amy Loughton, Mani, pitched perfectly by Harry Singh, and Derek, splendidly portrayed by Matt Ayleigh, who David refers to as ‘his arms and leg’ as they assist with all elements of his care needs. The differences in approach by Jill, Mani and De...

Brodsky Quartet: Celebrating 50 Years – St George’s Hall, Liverpool

15Mar

By Donna M DayNo Comments

North West

Brodsky Quartet: Celebrating 50 Years – St George’s Hall, Liverpool

The Brodsky Quartet are currently celebrating their fiftieth anniversary, and this concert was a recognition of that milestone in the beautiful setting of St George’s Hall Concert Room. The quartet played a selection of string music featuring both for reflective and joyful themes. The concert opened with Bach’s Solo Violin Sonata in G minor, arranged for quartet by violist Paul Cassidy. The opening bars of the first movement have a haunting feeling which evoke a feeling of nostalgia on theme for the event. A change in tempo leads to a brighter tone with some pizzicato maintaining a haunted and reflective feeling. There is a defiance in the drama of the piece with the second movement being melancholy and the final movement’s much quicker tempo feeling rebellious. Regular eye contact amon...

15Mar

By Bo WarnerNo Comments

North West

Rock of Ages – Opera House, Manchester

The West-End & Broadway juke-box musical ROCK OF AGES, full to the brim with classic rock head-bangers, is making a 2023 farewell tour around the UK. I was lucky enough to catch them at the Manchester Opera House. Rock of Ages is a tongue-in-cheek, sexy, glam-rock romance about two kids trying to make it on the LA strip. Meanwhile, the Bourbon bar is being threatened by the gentrifying influence of German investors looking to make a quick buck. It features nostalgic hits like “I Wanna Rock”, “Dead or Alive” and “Feel The Noize”, pumped up with powerful vocalists and high-adrenaline dance numbers. There’s a reason why this musical keeps coming back after over 15 years of UK and US performances (and why it is one of my guilty pleasure favourites!). The unapologetic campiness of eig...