North West Archives - Page 3 of 179

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical – HOME Mcr

12Feb

By Coral MourantNo Comments

North West

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical – HOME Mcr

You’ve heard of Hercules, you may have heard of Perseus, but do you know Percy Jackson, the demigod of the new world? A best selling book series, two movie adaptations and, most recently, a multi series Disney television show. And it’s a musical. “The gods are real, and they have kids. And those kids have issues”. Sixteen-year-old Percy Jackson is expelled from yet another school. Just when he thinks there’s no hope for a kid like him, he finds out that he is a half-blood. The future of the world hangs in the balance, as Percy and his friends embark on a difficult quest encountering monsters, gods and all sorts of chaos. The stage show takes Rick Riordan’s first novel, “The Lightning Thief”, and adds an electrifying soundtrack to engage all audiences, whether child, adult, or dem...

Sheila’s Island – The King’s Arms, Salford

12Feb

By Paul WilcoxNo Comments

North West

Sheila’s Island – The King’s Arms, Salford

Something quite special has been slowly brewing over the last couple of years at the King's Arms pub in Salford — and not just the excellent pint of Guinness. In this side-street boozer, incongruously wedged between Salford Central station and the bustling ring road, the husband-and-wife team of Colin and Lisa Connor have quietly established the tiny theatre nestled in the roof as a prime destination to see challenging and rewarding productions in the city centre. This dynamic duo have now taken the next step in their development by creating The Kings, a company of actors and creatives designed to showcase the wonderful talent our regional theatre network offers. First out of the blocks for The Kings is Sheila's Island by Tim Firth, a reworking of his earlier Neville's Island from 1...

The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me – Hope Mill Theatre

12Feb

By Katie LeicesterNo Comments

North West

The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me – Hope Mill Theatre

On the wettest night of February, after battling my way through football traffic and rain-soaked streets, I arrived at the stunning Hope Mill Theatre ready to be transported. What followed was an evening of provocative, challenging and ultimately moving theatre: The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me, produced by Hive North by special arrangement with Broadway Play Publishing Inc., written by David Drake, directed by Adam Zane, produced by Mike Lee, and performed by Gabriel Clark. Originally published in 1994, David Drake’s ground breaking solo piece has become one of the longest running solo plays in New York theatre history. Structured as a series of abstract, poetic vignettes, it charts a gay man’s journey of self-discovery against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis that devastated the LGBTQ+...

12Feb

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Barnum – Palace Theatre

P.T. Barnum was one of the most fascinating and controversial showmen in history; a man who built an empire on spectacle, ambition, and an unshakable belief in the power of entertainment. Barnum brings his extraordinary life vividly to the stage, charting his rise from humble beginnings to global fame, while exploring the personal sacrifices made along the way. It’s a rousing, uplifting musical that celebrates individuality, resilience, and the thrill of chasing impossible dreams. Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle, this production moves at a thrilling pace from start to finish, rarely giving the audience a moment to breathe. It’s slick, polished, and bursting with theatrical flair, managing to balance emotional storytelling with jaw-dropping spectacle. From intimate character moments to full...

Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift – Blackpool Grand Theatre

12Feb

By Paddy Darnell-WalshNo Comments

North West

Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift – Blackpool Grand Theatre

Murderous happenings in Midsomer have been entertaining television audiences for almost thirty years. With over 130 episodes and still going strong, Caroline Graham’s iconic countryside drama arrives on stage for the very first time, with Guy Unsworth’s adaptation of 1997’s very first episode, ‘The Killings at Badger’s Drift’. Set in the fictional picturesque village of Badger’s Drift, the story centres around the death of a well-liked elderly villager, Emily Simpson. When her friend suspects foul play, DCI Tom Barnaby is called upon to investigate, uncovering hidden truths, sordid secrets and deadly rivalries. With a wonderful ensemble cast playing multiple roles, the production is slick and in the most-part entertaining, as they flip between playing victims and suspects, with cost...

11Feb

By Katie LeicesterNo Comments

North West

Single White Female – Opera House

Single White Female at the Opera House Manchester brings a glossy and unsettling slice of 90s psychological thriller into the modern theatrical spotlight. Adapted from the original 1992 film by Rebecca Reid and directed by Gordon Greenberg, this stage version walks a careful line between homage and reinvention. The plot centres on Allie, a recently separated single mother attempting to rebuild her life after the breakdown of her marriage. Advertising for a lodger, she welcomes the seemingly friendly and helpful Hedy into her home. What begins as a tentative friendship soon spirals into obsession as Hedy gradually insinuates herself into every aspect of Allie’s life, blurring identities, manipulating relationships/friendships and threatening the fragile stability Allie has worked so hard...

Friends! The Musical Parody – Buxton Opera House

11Feb

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

Friends! The Musical Parody – Buxton Opera House

After successful runs in New York and Las Vegas, Friends! The Musical Parody has landed in the UK with a tour stop at Buxton's Opera House. Promising a musical celebration of the hugely popular sitcom, the production attempts to compress ten seasons of television into a two-hour stage show — an ambitious idea that ultimately struggles to translate into a consistently entertaining evening. Photo: Pamela Raith Structured as a rapid-fire sequence of references, the show relies heavily on audience familiarity with the original series. Rather than building a coherent narrative, it jumps abruptly between famous storylines and catchphrases, often without enough context to make them land effectively. While devoted fans may appreciate the recognisable moments, the lack of breathing room me...

9Feb

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show – The Lowry

Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show has arrived at The Lowry and delivers an utterly delightful, joy-filled theatrical treat for the whole family to enjoy. This charming live production captures everything that makes Peppa Pig so loved; the warmth of family life, fun adventures, and plenty of surprises, my little ones were hooked throughout and loved every moment. The story follows Peppa and her family as they prepare for the most exciting moment yet: welcoming Baby Evie to the world, a new character making her live stage debut that had the audience buzzing with excitement. From start to finish, the show is full of heart, bringing everyday moments to life in ways that feel magical and relatable for small children, some of which it’s their first experience of live theatre. P...

Ockham’s Razor: Collaborator – The Lowry

6Feb

By Helen JonesNo Comments

North West

Ockham’s Razor: Collaborator – The Lowry

Ockham's Razor, one of the best creative circus companies in the UK, are back at the Lowry with their new show Collaborator and Co Artistic Directors Alex Harvey and Charlotte Mooney are performing once more. Over the last few years, they have taken on a more directorial role within the company but here they once more work together to create and perform a show which takes an autobiographical look at their lives together. Having met twenty-four years ago while training a Circomedia in Bristol, they fell in love but also realised that the vision for how they wanted to show their circus skills was shared by both of them. The company Ockham's Razor came from that shared vision. Twenty years later, older and with a ten-year-old daughter, this retrospective of their re...

5Feb

By Jo TillotsonNo Comments

North West

The Memory of Water – Octagon Theatre

Three women return to their family home, preparing for their mother’s funeral. What follows is an exploration of life and grief, love and pain, secrets and memory, all wrapped up in an unexpectedly laughter-filled performance. Witty one liners and perfectly written comedy did light up the subject material and reminded me that there is humour in every situation, even if it feels inappropriate or clumsy sometimes. From the moment I entered the auditorium, I was drawn into the home and life of this woman who had died. The set (designed by Katie Scott) frays at the edges, cleverly inviting you to be a part of the moment, rather than just an external observer. This was key in helping me feel engaged in the play throughout. This is a slow-release play. Even though the characters seem to pr...