North West Archives - Page 158 of 177

28Nov

By Peter RuddickNo Comments

North West

The Wiz – Hope Mill Theatre

There are a few big secrets in musical theatre. One of the biggest is that aside from one overwrought and over-covered number there’s not a lot of great music in The Wizard of Oz. It’s not the only retelling of L. Frank Baum’s original story, so why is it considered a classic when The Wiz remains unknown to many? Unknown despite having more songs, better music and a lot more heart? Why have there only ever been three professional UK productions of The Wiz on stage? Why has it never made it to the West End, whilst a lordly revival of the Judy Garland movie was deemed worthy of a primetime TV show? Important questions. I will leave the answers to others except to say there was something incredibly powerful about taking a seat in the Hope Mill Theatre in front of a sparse stage and a...

A Show With No Name – Woodford War Memorial Community Centre

26Nov

By Caroline WorswickNo Comments

North West

A Show With No Name – Woodford War Memorial Community Centre

A musical theatre show is always a must in the calendar of a theatre lover, and after a warm welcome at the door, the audience were in for a treat. The Company put together a very well thought out programme of musical favourites, but also included some less well known but equally deserving songs. The staging was kept simple which kept the showing flowing, and cast changes were sleek and went without a hitch. The show began with ‘A Million Dreams’ sang by David Lambert and Gilly Thompson with wonderful support from the ensemble, this was an easily recognizable winner to begin with. The trio of songs from Les Misérables were well performed with a passionate delivery of one of my personal favourite songs, ‘On My Own’ by Abi Frost. Steve Sheppard treated us to a remarka...

Matthew Bourne’s The Nutcracker – The Lowry

25Nov

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Matthew Bourne’s The Nutcracker – The Lowry

It’s endearing, magical and delicious - all in equal measure! Matthew Bourne’s The Nutcracker returns to the stage after almost 10 years delivering a show-stopping performance which engages all the senses and is a must see this festive season! It’s fascinating to witness such a reinvigorated and new adaptation of this traditional ballet; the score remains traditional but the costumes, the sets and the stage presence makes it something totally renewed and fresh and anything but traditional! I particularly loved the mise-en-scene of this reboot; starting with the stripped back - dark and cold orphanage for its opening scene and doing away with the grandeur of the traditional ‘throw everything we’ve got at it’ type of opening; it draws you in to the story and makes the transition to ...

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – Liverpool Empire

24Nov

By Codie WrightNo Comments

North West

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – Liverpool Empire

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, and at this particular performance they were also taking selfies with the real-life Jamie who happened to be sat next to us at the Empire. That said, we can’t guarantee this will be your experience (in fact, chances are it won’t be…), so what did we think of the actual show? Well, despite the show being everywhere right now thanks to the movie adaptation, I had deliberately avoided as much about it as possible, so I could see the musical without any preconceptions and I’m so glad I did. What a wonderful, heartfelt, motivational a piece of theatre. Broadway musicals have all the glitz and glamour but there is something about the witty writing of a British musical that just feels like a warm hug in a mug of Yorkshire tea. But I’m getting ahead of myself...

White Christmas – Palace Theatre, Manchester

23Nov

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

White Christmas – Palace Theatre, Manchester

For some bah humbugs out there it may be a little too early to mention the C word. However, myself and the entire audience at the Palace Theatre were only too happy to watch a Christmas musical at the end of November. Despite being based on the 1954 movie of the same name, starring the iconic Bing Crosby, the musical didn’t receive its stage debut until the year 2000. It has since gone from strength-to-strength being performed on Broadway and in the West End. The story follows Bob (Matthew Jeans) and Phil (Dan Burton) who were both serving in the American military in 1944 and deliver a rendition of White Christmas to their fellow troops. After returning to the US, they decide to become entertainers. After setting up in New York, they decide to find a new act for their variety show, c...

20Nov

By Peter RuddickNo Comments

North West

DDDivas – Unity Theatre

We all know there are plenty of fully-developed, full-length theatrical productions that feel utterly impenetrable to an audience not ‘in the know’. How wonderful then to report that DDDivas, a short 10-minute selection of new material still in development, is beautifully and heartbreakingly lucid. DDDivas - which also has the working title of Ruby’s Slippers - is described as a fictional telling of real events from the life of neuro-divergent, disabled performer Elaine Collins. The audience finds Elaine’s character Ruby on an empty, unlit stage dancing alone to Cyndi Lauper. Dressed from head to toe in colour and glitter, Ruby is, quite literally, the light in the darkness. It’s obvious from the off though that the pink tights, silver bow and purple arm warmers mask a less happy truth....

19Nov

By Donna M DayNo Comments

North West

Who Cares – Unity Theatre

LUNG Theatres Who Cares is an emotional rollercoaster ride through the busy and, often overwhelming life, of young carers. Based on real life testimonies, writer and director Matt Woodhead presents three specific stories, against a backdrop of snippets of countless others, highlighting the prevalence of young carers and the tragic lack of support, both emotional and financial, they are faced with on a daily basis. The piece is presented against a background of bright blue lockers, surrounded by educational paraphernalia, a stark reminder that being a young carer does not change the usual responsibilities of going to school and being a kid. We see three young carers, Connor (Luke Grant), Nicole (Lizzie Mounter) and Jade (Liyah Summers), all dressed in onesies before a loud alarm signals ...

18Nov

By Blathine MaguireNo Comments

North West

Strictly More Musicals – The Brindley Theatre

After two long years away from performing, Centenary Theatre Company are back with a bang this November as they present ‘Strictly More Musicals’ at The Brindley Theatre, Runcorn. Having seen this talented company perform before, I had no doubt we were in for a treat, especially when back sitting in the beautiful Brindley setting, however what I wasn’t expecting was this overwhelming feeling of joy and pride to be back witnessing superb live performances in what turned out to be a wonderful night of celebration and accomplishment. ‘Strictly More Musicals’, which has been cleverly directed by Dan Grimes, takes us on a journey and doesn’t forget the difficulties we have all faced over the last two years. The production team have been creative in that they have categorised the s...

The Pirates of Penzance – Daneside Theatre

18Nov

By Angela KellyNo Comments

North West

The Pirates of Penzance – Daneside Theatre

‘The Pirates of Penzance’ is undoubtedly one of the most popular of all the Gilbert and Sullivan repertoires, and this week, The Daneside Theatre welcomes the Pirates to Congleton, possibly sailing via the River Dane? Performed by Congleton Amateur Youth Theatre (CAYT) this is Essgees rather unique Australian version of the show. First performed in 1994 and having gone global this was certainly a brighter, livelier version from the offset. The story is so well known by many but if you have never seen it, it relays the story of the very innocent Frederick (Alex Wilson) who is taught his Pirate apprentice skills by The Pirate King (William Vickers). It tells the tale of his time with the Pirates and Ruth (Ellie Shirley) and falling in love with Mabel (Lucy Picken). CYAT are a varied bu...

18Nov

By Jo TillotsonNo Comments

North West

The Lemon Table – HOME, Manchester

Have you ever been to a concert or to the theatre and had the overwhelming urge to tap the person in front of you on the shoulder to ask them if they could possibly stop talking, or put their phone away, or just cough more quietly? I know I certainly have! And that is where this play opens, with a concert goer doing just that. What follows is an exploration of the behaviour of a man who just wants to be able to enjoy the creativity and brilliance of an orchestra, its soloists and its conductor in peace. He clearly appreciates the performing arts and values being at live events, which is something that I’m quite sure we can all relate to in the new post-pandemic world; but he is also frustrated by the discourteous behaviour of his fellow audience members. However, as the scene unfolds, w...