North West Archives - Page 112 of 174

Rock of Ages – Winter Gardens, Blackpool

21Feb

By Gill LewisNo Comments

North West

Rock of Ages – Winter Gardens, Blackpool

Are you ready to rock? Buckle up for this jukebox musical, belting out nonstop 80s classic soft rock riffs which will leave you fist pumping and head bobbing well after the final guitar crunch. 1980’s USA is a country still recovering from the post-Vietnam war conflict which caused economic and political uncertainty, creating an anxiety which led to an American identity crisis. Bands such as Journey, Europe and Starship were making music and writing lyrics which talked to the disenfranchised youth of the day with messages of hope, fighting for what you believe in and pursuing your dreams. These messages resonated with young people who admired the flamboyant, long haired rock gods, their vitality representing freedom and liberation in contrast to the condescending voices of a...

21Feb

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

The Rocky Horror Show – Opera House

"The Rocky Horror Show" is a classic musical that has captivated audiences for over four decades. As someone who recently had the pleasure of attending a live performance of the show at the Opera House in Manchester, I can confidently say that it is a truly unforgettable experience. From the moment the show begins, you are transported into a world of science fiction and horror, complete with catchy music and outrageous costumes. The cast of characters is eccentric and colourful, and the audience is encouraged to participate in the show by shouting out lines and using props. This creates an atmosphere that is both lively and engaging, making it a truly unique theatrical experience. The musical numbers are a true highlight of the show, with memorable songs such as "The Time Warp" and "...

The Shawshank Redemption – Regent Theatre

21Feb

By Angela KellyNo Comments

North West

The Shawshank Redemption – Regent Theatre

Producer Bill Kenwright has taken on a classic this time that’s for sure. Since it first appeared on screen in 1994 and known for perhaps being one of the most popular movies of all time, it must be said that a transfer of ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ to the stage was a brave undertaking. Based on the Stephen King novella, and adapted for stage by Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns, ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ is set behind the bars of a maximum-security prison. Directed by David Esbjornson, the play highlights the story of Andy Dufresne (Joe Absolom) who, despite expressing his innocence, is handed a double life sentence for two murders. The story depicts Andy’s friendship with Red (Ben Onwukwe) and shares the highs and many more lows of life inside the prison over a time span of 20 years. Jo...

Mozart’s Requiem – Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

19Feb

By Ezzy LaBelleNo Comments

North West

Mozart’s Requiem – Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Transporting the audience back to 18th Century Vienna, Mozart's Requiem does not disappoint. The orchestra, conducted by Award-winning German conductor Corinna Niemeyer, was complemented by appearances from Victoria Randem (soprano), Eléonore Pancrazi (mezzo-soprano), Stuart Jackson (tenor) and Benjamin Appl (baritone). The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir were in full, lively voice. Opening with Haydn's Symphony No.49, La Passione, the concert began as it meant to go on. Niemeyer animatedly gesticulated at the front to lead the orchestra through the allegro piece, paying particular attention to the contrasts between loud and quiet, light and dark. Haydn's work is written in the 'storm and urge' style with a somewhat unusual structure for the time. All four movements are in F minor...

The Wizard of Oz – St Helens Theatre Royal

18Feb

By Luke StephensonNo Comments

North West

The Wizard of Oz – St Helens Theatre Royal

It’s Pantomime season again in St Helens with this half term’s offering of The Wizard of Oz Directed by Reece Sibbald. Dorothy (Maddie Hope Coelho) is caught in a twister storm and is transported to the Land of Oz with her little companion the very cute and adorable ToTo the Dog. However, in order to get home she must seek to find the almighty Wizard of Oz down the yellow brick road. However, it wasn’t going to be quite so easy as she first thought as the Wicked Witch (Bethany Grace) vowed to make Dorothy pay for killing her sister when her house landed on her after the twister. Glinda (Hayley Russell) reassured Dorothy by saying as long as you have those Ruby Shoes on your feet the wicked which couldn’t harm her. Upon her journey she found a Scarecrow (Reece Sibbald) who needed a Brain...

A Bunch of Amateurs – Rainhill Village Hall

17Feb

By Mark DavorenNo Comments

North West

A Bunch of Amateurs – Rainhill Village Hall

When one of your favourite satirists meets one of your favourite theatre companies what could possibly go wrong? Well for all the right reasons, quite a lot in this ‘love letter to amateur dramatics’ penned by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman and directed by Lynn Aconley. The question is what happens when spoilt, arrogant Hollywood star Jefferson Steel (Gerald Walker) washes up, pursued by journalists (George Lowe; Tom Nevitt), and meets a struggling group of actors including their premier star Nigel Dewbury (Rick Young), the local B&B owner Mary Plunkett (Rosetta Parker) and local handyman Denis Dobbins (Richard Parker), all of whom are capably coordinated by their director Dorothy Nettle (Jo Webster). This is a different kind of Stratford however and with the threat of the venue being s...

16Feb

By Hannah EsnoufNo Comments

North West

Dead Funny – Hope Street Theatre

From the multiple awards that this show has previously won, my expectations were relatively high. I was pleasantly surprised when the curtains rose as Chamber’s had transformed the intimate space into a quirky 90s living room. In my opinion, the show is a slow starter but worth the wait. As a young audience member, many of references to comedians went over my head. However, if you’re up to speed with the likes of Benny Hill and Frankie Howard, then the recreations of their sketches in this performance will live-up to their comedic value. That said, the commitment to these personas brought to life by these actors, specifically Steven Arnold and Adam Perrott, still brought a smile to my face. Perrott’s performance was a highlight. His character Brian brought an exuberance to the stage ...

15Feb

By Ezzy LaBelleNo Comments

North West

Aida – Floral Pavilion

What better way to spend an evening than with a story of love, betrayal and heartbreak against a backdrop of war in Ancient Egypt? Composed by Giuseppe Verdi and performed by the Ukrainian National Opera, Aida takes the audience on an expedition of emotion. Picture the stage lit and an air of anticipation. Conductor Puchkov Ihor pops his head above the pit with a lively smile before gently bringing the orchestra to life. The curtains lift. Upon the stage, Egyptian General Radames (Oleksii Srebnytskyi) is quietly hoping that he will be chosen to lead his country in war against Ethiopia that the counsel, Ramfis (Maksym Ivashchuk) has just informed him about. The King confirms it - Radames is joyous! However, the woman he is besotted with, Aida (Olena Dolhina) just happens to be the ...

Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show – Grand Theatre, Blackpool

14Feb

By Gill LewisNo Comments

North West

Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show – Grand Theatre, Blackpool

Delivering Friday feels on a Monday night, the legendary rock n roll musical full of frisky frolics and plenty of laughs smacks onto the shores of Blackpool like a pelvic thrust. Before curtain up the audience was buzzing with excitement which was truly infectious. Being familiar with the original 1975 movie, I wondered how the stage version would compare, and this did not disappoint. Newly engaged, sweet couple Brad and Janet are perfectly played with heart by Richard Meek and Hayley Flaherty. They are the 'Barbie and Ken' of Denton on their way to visit their friend and mentor Dr Scott (Superbly played by Joe Allen who also doubles up as 'Eddie') when their car breaks down in the middle of nowhere during a miserable storm. Through this treacherous weather, they see "a light over at...

14Feb

By Anne PritchardNo Comments

North West

Rita Sue and Bob Too! – Epstein Theatre

This comedy-drama production is based on the British film, ‘Rita, Sue and Bob Too’ which burst onto screens in 1987, adapted by Andrea Dunbar based on two of her stage plays, ‘Rita, Sue and Bob Too’ (1982) and ‘The Arbour’ (1980); the play was first performed with the strapline, ‘Thatcher’s Britain with her knickers down’. Set in Bradford, it tells the story of two teenage schoolgirls, Rita and Sue, who embark on a sexual threesome with a married man; the girls, both from working-class backgrounds, live on a deprived council estate and are finishing their final year at school. To earn money, they babysit for married couple Bob and his wife, Michelle who live in a modern house on an executive development on the wealthy side of town. Without his wife knowing, Bob enjoys sex wi...