North West Archives - Page 33 of 183

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...

22May

By Emma WildNo Comments

North West

The 39 Steps – Blackburn Empire

Well, what an absolutely wonderful, joyful evening at the theatre! The 39 Steps, performed by multi award-winning, Blackburn Drama Club, had all the elements for a fabulous show… Firstly, the stunning home of this historic Drama Club, Blackburn Empire Theatre, which has a wonderful blend of traditional and modern decor, including exposed brick walls, an exquisite red proscenium arch decorated with ornate gold details, a beautiful plush red curtain, as well as carefully laid out seating, ensuring all an excellent view. There could not have been a better location for this production, which is set in 1935, but has a modern twist! From the off, the auditorium was used to full effect, with actors using the sides and the seated area to heighten the desperation and urgency of Annabella Schm...

22May

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

Little Shop of Horrors – The Met, Bury

Prestwich Amateur Dramatic & Operatic Society performed Little Shop of Horrors at The Met, Bury this May. The rock-horror musical’s dark humour and catchy songs make it a fun but challenging choice for an amateur company. While some performances stood out, the production as a whole felt uneven and lacking polish. Kit Phillips was among the stronger cast members as Seymour. He captured Seymour’s awkward charm well, delivering solid vocals and an emotional arc. His chemistry with Audrey felt sincere, and he navigated Seymour’s struggles with subtlety. Isobel Cunliffe played Audrey with warmth and vulnerability. Her rendition of “Suddenly Seymour” alongside Phillips was a highlight — emotional and well-sung. Izzi Smith voiced Audrey II, the man-eating plant, which was one of ...

Ghost the Musical – The Forum Theatre, NK Theatre Arts

22May

By David S ClarkeNo Comments

North West

Ghost the Musical – The Forum Theatre, NK Theatre Arts

This musical is based on the famous film of the same name which starred Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg. It is such a well-known story that I guess it is pointless of me to go over the storyline, so I will concentrate instead on describing this production by the cast and crew of NK Theatre Arts who have put together a highly entertaining version of this story. Kerry Day (ably assisted by Nickie Simms) has put together a highly entertaining production which was enjoyed by a capacity audience on this opening night. The music (Dominic Stannage and Scott Mitchell) and choreography (Helena Davies in her debut as lead choreographer after many years performing on stage) all did an excellent job with the roles they had to undertake. Mention should also be given to the contributio...

21May

By Rebecca CaseyNo Comments

North West

Dear Evan Hansen – Blackpool Grand

I spent my evening at Blackpool grand Theatre. ATG Productions and Gavin Kalin Productions present The Nottingham Playhouse Production of Dear Evan Hansen. This is my first time watching the show, I have never seen the movie and I’m not familiar with the music, I heard one of the songs on a televised concert during Covid, so other than a quick Google I was walking into this evening blind. The book by Stephen Levenson and Music and lyrics by Benji Pasek and Justin Paul, creators of The Greatest Showman. The show premiered in 2015 followed by a movie version in 2021, Dear Evan Hansen is the recipient of six Tony Awards. This story is an exploration of complex themes including anxiety and grief with a recommended minimum age of twelve. With a focus on mental health, the majority of o...

North by Northwest – Liverpool Playhouse

21May

By Mark DavorenNo Comments

North West

North by Northwest – Liverpool Playhouse

Billed as a ‘theatre legend’ in the production’s accompanying notes, celebrated director Emma Rice’s adaptation of this Hitchcock classic for the stage is sumptuous and visually arresting but sadly more style over substance with its lack of storyline. It would be strange would it not, poses The Professor (Katy Owen) who narrates much of the evening’s proceedings, if in a city of seven million people, one man was never mistaken for another. And in a flash we are transported to the bright lights of the big city – New York – in 1959, where we meet reluctant hero Roger Thornhill (Ewan Wardrop), whose mistimed phone call to his mother lands him smack bang in the middle of a Cold War conspiracy. Now he’s on the run dodging spies and airplanes as he tries to evade the clutches of villain Phill...

Rocky Horror Picture Show – Palace Theatre

20May

By Lou SteggalsNo Comments

North West

Rocky Horror Picture Show – Palace Theatre

Time Warping its way back into Manchester, with fishnets and flair, The Rocky Horror Picture show has rolled into Manchester ready to make audiences quiver with antici…pation. Under the stead hand of director Christopher Luscombe, Jason Donovan has returned to the role and high heels of theatre’s iconic transexual scientist, Dr. Frank N. Furter, doing so with gusto. He brings a fabulous balance of louche flamboyance and furtiveness to invigorate the show with the unpredictability and playfulness it needs. He clearly enjoys himself teasing his fellow castmates and the audience and delivers chaos (including a misbehaving pair of heels) and a touch of menace to his performance. Jackie Clune brings a witty edge as the narrator, imbuing the usually ‘stuffy accountant’ vibe with somethi...

Elgar’s Cello Concerto and More – Liverpool Philharmonic

19May

By Mark HumphreysNo Comments

North West

Elgar’s Cello Concerto and More – Liverpool Philharmonic

While much of Europe was glued to the Eurovision Song Contest, Liverpool offered its own musical spectacle at the Philharmonic Hall – and if the city had a jury, this concert might well have earned its own douze points. The evening opened with Fandangos by Puerto Rican composer Roberto Sierra, a vibrant and rhythmically charged piece that immediately set a cosmopolitan tone. Sierra, known for blending Latin American musical idioms with contemporary classical techniques, delivered a work full of colour and flair. The muted trumpets added a smoky, mysterious texture, while Helena Mackie’s agile oboe lines danced effortlessly above the ensemble. Tom Lessels’ velvety bass clarinet added depth, and the piece ended with a flourish that drew enthusiastic applause. It was a bold and brilliant o...