North West Archives - Page 32 of 183

Speedo Mick The Musical – Liverpool’s Royal Court

5Jun

By Luke StephensonNo Comments

North West

Speedo Mick The Musical – Liverpool’s Royal Court

It feels amazing to be back writing for North West End UK again and to kick off my first review of 2025, I was invited to watch ‘Speedo Mick The Musical’ written by John May, music by Boff Whalley and directed by Conrad Nelson, at the iconic Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre. For those who don’t know Speedo Mick, otherwise known as Micheal Cullen. Raises money for charity by walking in all weathers and even in sub-zero temperatures all in his pair of blue Speedo’s and not forgetting his Everton scarf. Raising over a million pounds for selected charities. So quite rightly this story had to be told and give him the recognition he deserves and more. The show opens with Johnny (Lenny Wood) at the top of the building, unable to see the light and wanting to end his life. This is until he is ...

5Jun

By Peter RuddickNo Comments

North West

COCK – Hope Mill Theatre

When you strip away the peripheral elements of existence what are you left with? Remove the career that will end, the possessions that will gather dust and the places that will fade in the memory. What remains? Love, human relationships and a sense of self perhaps. Mike Bartlett’s COCK is the theatrical equivalent of this exercise. Strip it all away and lay bare the stark reality of life. Distraction-free analysis of identity, of sexuality, of power, of interaction. It all sounds so simple. Of course, it isn't. It requires outstanding writing, light-touch - yet precise - direction and pitch-perfect performances. Check, check and check for HER and Up ‘Ere Productions. After a highly successful northern premiere last year at 53Two, the show is back in Manchester ...

Vardy vs Rooney: A courtroom drama – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

3Jun

By Lou SteggalsNo Comments

North West

Vardy vs Rooney: A courtroom drama – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

There have been many moments in society that have reverberated around the country and sent media news desks into a spin, more than ever since the advent of social media. Sporting glory, royal deaths, political scandals. When Coleen Rooney, wife of footballer Wayne, posted the words ‘It’s……….Rebecca Vardy’s account’, on Instagram, accusing her fellow football WAG of leaking personal stories from Rooney’s private account to The Sun newspaper, the fallout was as instant and, bizarrely, as explosive of any other major news story. Vardy was promptly vilified for her apparent betrayal of trust and Rooney gained the nickname ‘Wagatha Christie’ when her entrapment scheme to identify the source of the leaks was revealed, leading to Vardy making a libel claim against her rival. Whilst U...

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...