North West Archives - Page 22 of 173

3Jun

By Paul WilcoxNo Comments

North West

Dear England – The Lowry

When James Graham originally staged ‘Dear England’ back in June 2023 at the National Theatre, England football fans were daring to dream that their wait over half a century for a tournament victory was finally at an end. English hearts were once again broken at Euro ‘24 by an 86th-minute Spanish goal in the final, the wait for a trophy from our men’s national football team will now enter its seventh decade at the World Cup in the USA next year. Set against this backdrop of perceived failure, Graham has fashioned a superb piece of theatre that examines the effect that ‘fifty-nine years of hurt’ have had on our national psyche, through the lens of our national game and the redemption journey of one man, Gareth Southgate. Our jumping-off point in the narrative is Wembley Stadium in the Sum...

A Shoddy Detective and the Art of Deception – HOME Mcr

1Jun

By Mark DavorenNo Comments

North West

A Shoddy Detective and the Art of Deception – HOME Mcr

Creative team Mitch Donaldson and Becky Bartram have produced a laugh-out-loud slapstick whodunnit featuring four primary actors, a dozen characters and a whole load of chaos that turns everything on its head so make sure you pay attention. When a priceless painting goes missing at a private auction, Detective Stuart Pidcock (Neil Jennings) is called upon to uncover the mystery. However, when he cannot solve it himself he is forced to enlist the help of an old nemesis, Dusty Wills (Wesley Griffith). Together, the pair must interrogate the many characterful suspects (Donaldson and Bartram in multiple roles plus a delightful cameo from understudy Alexandra Ricou which drew the laughs) that reside at the manor, in order to catch the conniving culprit and solve the crime of the century. ...

30May

By Mark DavorenNo Comments

North West

Taming of the ‘Shrew’ – HOME Mcr

HER Productions can be commended for taking on what they describe as one of Shakespeare’s most polarising comedies as there is so much more to it than its title suggests, the key to which is its sadly often-omitted Induction when drunken tinker Christopher Sly (Ciara Tansey) is conned by the Hostess (Megan Holland) into believing he is a lord and about to watch a play; it is this ‘play-within-a-play’ that becomes the rest of The Taming of the Shrew. Young noble, Lucentio (Mia Gibson) arrives in Padua to study, much to the chagrin of servant, Tranio (Leah Eddleston). As he quickly falls in love with Bianca (Hope Yolanda), the beautiful younger daughter of wealthy Baptista Minola (Jakki Moore), there is stiff competition from the aged Gremio (Sarah Legg) and younger Hortensio (Nicole Keri...

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – The Gladstone Theatre

29May

By Lou SteggalsNo Comments

North West

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – The Gladstone Theatre

Taking on a musical like Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, the true story of a young man who dreams of being a drag queen and wearing a dress to prom, can be an ambitious project requiring a strong, triple-threat cast, clever staging and the energy to send the show strutting into the audience’s hearts in glittery heels. Thankfully D&S Productions have achieved this in spades. Under the assured direction of Donna Dale, the company have delivered a sassy and sparkly show that brings all the right notes of humour and humanity to a hugely enjoyable performance. Donna has honed her ensemble into a very high standard, with smart blocking and some lovely directorial touches. Similarly Musical Director Grace Harman leads her band with a solid showcase of Dan Gillespie Sells’ fizzy musical...

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – Blackpool Grand

29May

By Abigail PendleburyNo Comments

North West

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – Blackpool Grand

In a bold and brilliant move to celebrate their 75th anniversary, Blackpool & Fylde Light Opera Company (BFLOC) brought Everybody’s Talking About Jamie to the Grand Theatre—and what a celebration it was. This amateur production proved that local theatre can deliver just as much heart, polish, and power as the West End, especially when powered by an immensely talented cast of teenagers and young adults. At the heart of the story is 16-year-old Jamie New, a Sheffield schoolboy with drag queen dreams and the courage to chase them. Playing Jamie was Seb Holbert, a NODA award-winning young performer whose charisma, emotional depth, and vocal control lit up the stage. Holbert captured both Jamie's flamboyant confidence and his inner vulnerability with remarkable maturity for such a young ...

Something About Lennon – Theatre Royal, St Helens

28May

By Kevin EcclestonNo Comments

North West

Something About Lennon – Theatre Royal, St Helens

The latest production from the acclaimed team behind Something About George and Something About Simon, Something About Lennon goes beyond mere tribute—it’s a theatrical deep dive into the life, music, and complexity of one of history’s most influential artists. Far from a standard nostalgia trip, this show brings an intense and thoughtful exploration of John Lennon’s journey, presenting his highs and lows with both reverence and raw honesty. Making its debut tour from May to July 2025, Something About Lennon will travel across 26 venues nationwide, with a standout performance at Theatre Royal, St Helens, on May 27th. At the heart of this production is Liverpool actor, West End performer, and musician Daniel Taylor, whose stage presence and musicality anchor the show in authenticity. Sup...

The Pornstar Martini Effect: A Bartender’s Guide to not K*lling Yourself at Christmas – The King’s Arms

28May

By Peter RuddickNo Comments

North West

The Pornstar Martini Effect: A Bartender’s Guide to not K*lling Yourself at Christmas – The King’s Arms

It's that time of the year when theatre companies and productions gear up for Edinburgh. The team behind The Pornstar Martini Effect will be taking their show to the fringe and, judging by the Manchester previews, they are pretty much ready. Even if the first performance at the Kings Arms in Salford didn't get going until a good half hour after the advertised start time. This is a slickly directed and solidly acted two-hander with some interesting things to say about misogyny, gender stereotypes and the complexities of human nature. Kat (Zane Marsland) and Tom (Finnen McNiffe) are working the dreaded Christmas Eve shift at a packed bar. Alongside the inevitable shaking, mixing, straining and pouring they are also having to deal with inappropriate customers. Their personal s...

Born by the River – Lock and Quay, Liverpool

25May

By Kevin EcclestonNo Comments

North West

Born by the River – Lock and Quay, Liverpool

At the heart of Liverpool’s vibrant arts scene, Born by the River emerges as a bold and evocative new production, seamlessly blending music, storytelling, and innovative stagecraft. Presented as a centrepiece of the lively Pirate Festival at the Lock and Quay on May 24th, this Arts Council-funded project captivated audiences, leaving them breathless and inspired. With a local and European tour ahead, this play is poised to make a lasting impression far beyond its debut performance. Set in 1787 Liverpool—a city of merchants, traders, and the haunting shadow of slavery—the play follows Aggie, a young girl with dreams too large for the world she inhabits. The daughter of a merchant seaman, she yearns to embark on a life of adventure, seeking freedom beyond the restrictive expectations ...

25May

By Kevin EcclestonNo Comments

North West

Afloat – Unity Theatre

Theatre has long held the power to inspire action, evoke empathy, and shine a light on the injustices of the world. Afloat, the latest production from the socially driven theatre company of the same name does exactly that—delivering a deeply moving and thought-provoking exploration of the asylum system in the UK. Performed at Liverpool's Unity Theatre over two nights (May 23rd and 24th), Afloat seamlessly blends traditional theatrical storytelling with striking physical theatre and evocative music, creating an unforgettable experience that lingers long after the final scene. Helmed by director Phoebe McSweeney, this production was collaboratively devised through workshops involving asylum seekers, volunteers, and advocates—ensuring authenticity and emotional depth in every performance. ...

22May

By Grace AnnabelNo Comments

North West

The Band – Northwich Memorial Court

Joyous, uplifting and moving. This triumph of a production took Northwich by storm this evening, as we were taken on a heart-warming journey of friendship and fandom told through the iconic music of Take That. The talents of the director, Ben Ireson, musical director, Michael J Scott and co-choreographers, Sophie Megitt and Kate Scanlan, were showcased exquisitely by the entire cast of TMTC. From the outset, it was evident that we would be treated to a standard performance worthy of the professional stage - not least due to the impressive stage set and visuals. The storyline follows a group of 16 year-old girls in the early 1990’s, who are stereotypically enamoured by the latest boyband on the scene. After a tragic event, the storyline fast-forwards 25 years, where we see the girls (now...