North West Archives - Page 13 of 113

The Rocky Horror Show – Opera House, Manchester

24Jan

By Katie LeicesterNo Comments

North West

The Rocky Horror Show – Opera House, Manchester

Since the original show in 1973 the ‘Rocky Horror Show’ has gained generations of fans who have been seduced by its mix of horror-comedy and science-fiction script, with an excuse to dress up for the occasion. Over the half a century of the show, it has increased in its popularity with the not just the oldies but with a whole new generation of young followers. Despite the show being over 50 years old it has absolutely no signs of ageing as it continues to entice theatregoers through its doors with its bright, bold and extremely risqué script that bursts into life from the beginning through to the finale. The show is not for the faint hearted as you are guaranteed to be met with an auditorium of ladies or men in French maid outfits, an array of glittery top hats and dazzling tailcoats, ...

24Jan

By Luke StephensonNo Comments

North West

Pretty Woman – Liverpool Empire

It was opening night last night of Pretty Woman, a show with extremely limited tickets throughout its run so it was lovely to have been invited to do a review for this show. Upon arrival at the theatre and taking our seats we were made aware that there was a cast change for this week. The role of Vivian Ward was to be played by Elly Jay. Now I must admit I know of the film Pretty Woman, but I have never seen it. So, for those who do know, please bear with me while I explain. It's set in LA when Billionaire Edward Lewis (Oliver Savile) is about to shut down a company and make millions with his lawyer. He gets lost in his lawyer’s car and ends up meeting a lady of the night known as Vivian Ward (Elly Jay) Edward offers to pay for Vivian but not in the way you might think. He hires her to dr...

Calendar Girls – Winter Gardens, Blackpool

24Jan

By Rebecca CaseyNo Comments

North West

Calendar Girls – Winter Gardens, Blackpool

Based on the 2003 film by the same name Bill Kenwright Ltd brings us Calendar Girls - The Musical, Written by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth. An evening of nostalgic British humour with a true story centred around a real group of Yorkshire ladies creating a controversial calendar with their WI group to raise money for cancer research. Director Jonathan O’Boyle brings us a star-studded cast and a witty interpretation of the tale, cleverly scripted and warm, natural believable characters. Even if like me you have already seen the show before, this is not the same musical score or script, it has gone under some changes for this tour and in parts is unrecognisable. The set remains the same for the entire show, with a few additions to change it from the Women’s institute hall to the hospit...

19Jan

By Mark DavorenNo Comments

North West

Snow White – Rainhill Village Hall

Director Karen Woods has kept the spirit of the season alive – oh yes she has! – as Rainhill Musical Theatre company sing us into the New Year with their take on this famous fairy tale to a live musical accompaniment led by Musical Director Wayne Oakes. The kind and beautiful Snow White (Michelle Williams) lives happily in the village of Applebury with Muddles (David Stevens) and his mother, the Dame (Dru Fitzgerald), and other villagers (Fiona O’Gorman; Ryan Greenall; Emily Boycott). Her wicked stepmother, the evil Queen (Sarsh Johnson) is jealous of her beauty and with the assistance of Helga the Hag (Claire Heaton) decides to do away with her. Can fairy Riff (Megan Charlton) and Mirror (Dianne Glover) stop her in her tracks? Will the miners (Ruth Gibb; Annie Topping; Liam Fitzgerald...

The Full Monty – Liverpool Empire Theatre

17Jan

By Jan MellorNo Comments

North West

The Full Monty – Liverpool Empire Theatre

Well, we have all probably seen the film – a bunch of middle -aged men – ex steel workers – who when the steel mills and factories close, are left broke, desperate and powerless. A story with its iconic scenes, music and humour that everyone – especially females – remembered - The Full Monty - when a bunch of men, for one night only, become cabaret strippers. So, how was this going to translate from screen to stage? I was intrigued to find out. The Liverpool Empire theatre was packed to the rafters – mostly women I have to say, and there was a deep breath of anticipation across the auditorium as the show started. A large steel construction, a scaffold frame that was a formidable centre piece, drew us into Sheffield’s former glory of theses skyline -consuming steel factories...

17Jan

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Calendar Girls The Musical – The Lowry

Sunflowers aplenty, Calendar Girls: The Musical has arrived at The Lowry in Salford Quays with an updated production that beautifully blends humour, heart, and a touch of poignant storytelling. Crafted by the talented duo Gary Barlow and Tim Firth, the musical resonates with a perfect harmony of Yorkshire wit and emotion, transferring the show from the big screen to the stage by being different. Under the skilful direction of Jonathan O'Boyle, the cast's chemistry shines through, drawing the audience into the world of the WI in Yorkshire. Laurie Brett as Annie delivers a stellar performance, capturing the essence of her character's journey with sincerity and grace. Each member of the cast, including Liz Carney as Marie, Maureen Nolan as Ruth, Lyn Paul as Jessie, Helen Pearson as Celia,...

The Girl on the Train – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

16Jan

By Emma WildNo Comments

North West

The Girl on the Train – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

It is with much anticipation that I attended the opening night of The Girl on the Train at Altrincham Garrick Playhouse, after all, Paula Hawkins’ novel is one of my favourite books. An addictive page turner, unputdownable, gripping until the end. Did the play deliver this level of intensity? In places, yes. Firstly, this small cast of seven actors were all first-rate. Ruth Moore as Rachel Watson was incredible. Moore convincingly portrayed the character of Rachel, divorcee, alcoholic on the brink of eviction and certainly at the lowest point in her life. Moore brought much needed light and shade to the role, with a few key funny lines making the audience laugh yet maintaining a level of desperation - a need to be heard, seen and believed. Moore was engaging to watch, keeping the audie...

15Jan

By Mark DavorenNo Comments

North West

Carmen – Liverpool Empire

Director and Producer Ellen Kent’s Carmen is carnal, captivating, and carefree in equal measure and with the close camaraderie of the company clear to see on stage, it is a joy to behold. Set in early 19th Century Seville, Carmen tells the story of the downfall of Don José (Davit Sumbadze) a naïve corporal who falls head over heels in love with Carmen (Natalia Matveeva), a seductive, free-spirited gypsy girl. The infatuated Don José abandons his childhood sweetheart, Micaela (Elena Dee), and neglects his military duties much to the annoyance of his senior officer Zuniga (Valeriu Cojocaru), only to lose the fickle Carmen to the glamorous toreador Escamillio (Iurie Gisca). Sung in its original French, with English surtitles provided by Victoria Bazalinchuk, the unfolding action on sta...

Dick Whittington and the Pirates – Waterside Arts

14Jan

By Emma WildNo Comments

North West

Dick Whittington and the Pirates – Waterside Arts

On arrival, a buzz of excitement filled the air as the welcoming volunteers enthusiastically encouraged the young pirates in the audience to wear hats and eye patches. I was slightly concerned at this point that this panto was going to be aimed solely at the younger audience members, however, myself and my slightly cool teenage son, laughed, shouted “behind you” and found ourselves joining in with the actions to the pirate song! With a cleverly written script by Terry Hollinshead (updated by Ross Douglas), there were cheeky innuendos and political jokes for the adults whilst plenty of slapstick kept the younger audience members chuckling. Truly something for everyone to enjoy. This joyous, colourful, rags to riches tale filled with pirates, mermaids, a hairy fairy, talking animals a...

Madama Butterfly – Opera House, Manchester

13Jan

By Mark DavorenNo Comments

North West

Madama Butterfly – Opera House, Manchester

The heartbreaking beauty of this opera is perfectly presented by Director and Producer Ellen Kent in this sensitive and moving portrayal which captures passing moments of innocence and naïve humour but whose final scene touched me deeply. Marriage broker Goro (Yevhenii Vaskiv) shows US naval lieutenant Pinkerton (Giorgi Meladze) around the home he will share with his bride-to-be in Nagasaki, although American Consul Sharpless (Iurie Gisca) warns him of the tragic consequences that may follow. The Butterfly duly lands in the form of young Japanese girl Cio-Cio-San (Elena Dee) supported by maid Suzuki (Natalia Matveeva), and they are married by the Commissioner (Vitalii Cebotari). Her love makes her willing to sacrifice everything which sees her disowned by her uncle, a Bonze (Valeriu Co...