North West Archives - Page 37 of 174

5Feb

By Hannah WildeNo Comments

North West

Kinky Boots – Palace Theatre

A regular feature across Broadway and the West End since its debut 13 years ago, it’s no wonder Kinky Boots has a list of accolades as long as a pair of knee-high boots to its name (including Olivier, Tony and Grammy Awards to name but a few). Music and lyrics were provided by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, who created a score that perfectly underpinned the story and allowed its performers to explore their vocal talents. Lauper even says her participation in writing the songs for Kinky Boots is one of the things she is most proud of in her illustrious 40+ year career. The curtain opens on a young Charlie Price, whose father bequeaths him the family shoe manufacturing business upon his death. A crisis of confidence and identity soon ensues, as Charlie battles with the pressure of inheriti...

5Feb

By Adam WilliamsNo Comments

North West

The Shark is Broken – Lowry

Everyone knows that the film Jaws was a box-office smash. It was based on a best-selling novel by Peter Benchley and one critic said of the book, “None of the humans are particularly likable or interesting” and they felt the shark was the most compelling character. Spielberg agreed with them, which is why he changed the characters in the movie after deciding that the book's characters were unlikeable. This play concentrates on the three stars of the film, Roy Schneider (Dan Fredenburgh), Richard Dreyfuss (Ashley Margolis) and Robert Shaw (Ian Shaw) who are forced to wait around on the boat while the film’s techies try to fix Bruce, the broken animatronic shark. At first, it appears that these actors, like the characters in the book, are not “particularly likeable or interesting.” ...

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

4Feb

By Paul WilcoxNo Comments

North West

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

Dealing with the issue of mental health on stage in an acceptable and accessible way has proved a challenge for creatives in the theatre. The huge success of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ (in Manchester later this month) as well as ‘Be More Chill’ and ‘Next to Normal’ in the West End and on Broadway, have proved that sensitive handling of the topic and box office popularity are not mutually exclusive. One of the first shows to tread this path was the National Theatre adaptation of Mark Haddon’s 2003 bestselling mystery novel, and this production from Altrincham Garrick Playhouse demonstrates their continuing ability to stage challenging theatre of the highest standard whilst maintaining commercial success. Christopher (Charlie Gallagher) is 15 years, 3 months and two days old and the world is a st...

The Room Where it Happens – The Grange Theatre

2Feb

By Lou SteggalsNo Comments

North West

The Room Where it Happens – The Grange Theatre

Theatregoers today have a huge range of shows to choose from and, for musical theatre theatres, it’s always a treat to get a reminder of the dazzling tapestry of pop, rock, hip-hop and opera at the heart of stories that cover themes as diverse as revolution and social equality to absurdities of everyday life. C.A.S.T productions have done just that with an eclectic and electric programme of musical theatre anthems. With the company’s inclusive ethos, we have a diverse mix of vocalists showcasing tunes from stage classics like Guys and Dolls and Gypsy, through to the modern blockbusters like Hamilton and Wicked. Photo - Rob Bentley, Mid-Cheshire Camera Club Director Louise Colohan and Michael Shneck have pulled together a smart set list that gives each cast member a chance to...

A Man and His Circumstance – Hope Street Theatre

31Jan

By Stephanie WiswallNo Comments

North West

A Man and His Circumstance – Hope Street Theatre

A man and his circumstance is a thought provoking and educational piece of theatre based around breaking the stigma of talking about male health issues and opening the floor for men to talk. Written and produced by Tom Cain, owner of his own independent theatre company Tom Cain Theatre. The performance is portrayed by three very talented actors, some of whom take on multiple roles throughout the performance. Firstly, Matthew Swinnerton who plays Joel, a friendly, down to earth, relatable lad next door type. He is the main character and narrates the whole story. You empathise with his health struggles, and he portrays a guy's different personalities within different settings and social groups extremely well. Also, portraying touching more delicate moments with ease. Thoroughly ...

Now That’s What I Call A Musical – Opera House

29Jan

By Coral MourantNo Comments

North West

Now That’s What I Call A Musical – Opera House

A new musical comedy hits UK theatres and transports its audiences back to the 80’s with pop-tastic hits, flashy routines and an empowering story of love and friendship. Two high school friends dream of their futures, April wants to take Hollywood by storm, Gemma is quite content in Birmingham, but nothing is going to come between them. Fast forward twenty years to the high school reunion and the girls are confronted with their decisions, their love-lives and their futures ahead. Is their friendship going to conquer all? Or have they grown up and, ultimately, grown apart? Now… isn’t anything ground-breaking, in fact it’s very familiar. It’s a story of every-day people, with songs we all know and love performed with gusto by a brilliant cast who represent a typical British city (kudos...

The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals – AO Arena

29Jan

By Abigail PendleburyNo Comments

North West

The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals – AO Arena

On 27th January the AO Arena in Manchester welcomed back The National Lottery's Big Night of Musicals. Celebrating 30 years of National Lottery funding for theatre and performing arts across the UK, the event brought together an impressive lineup of West End and touring productions, as well as special guests, offering a night of unforgettable performances. Hosted by the comedic charm that is Jason Manford, the evening featured a series of show-stopping numbers that highlighted the diversity and vibrancy of contemporary musical theatre. The event opened with a ‘Supercalifragalistic’ performance from the current touring cast of Mary Poppins, setting an exhilarating tone for the night. Other show-stopping performances included a first look at Disney’s Hercules, where Luke Brady gave us a p...

28Jan

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Nutcracker in Havana – The Lowry

Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker in Havana with Acosta Danza at The Lowry is a dazzling spectacle that breathes vibrant life into a timeless classic. I was mesmerised from start to finish! This fast-paced production takes Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet and adds the energy, colour, and rhythm of Havana, creating an experience that left me smiling from ear to ear. From the very first scene, it was clear that this was a Nutcracker unlike any other. The staging was cleverly devised, blending traditional ballet with clever, modern touches that felt fresh and innovative. A standout moment came when a moving car drove onto the stage, seamlessly integrated into the storytelling. And the finale of the first half—a stunning deluge of artificial snow—was a breathtaking visual treat, earning audible gasps ...

25Jan

By Stephanie WiswallNo Comments

North West

Breezeblock Park – Hope Street Theatre

Breezeblock Park, set in Liverpool, during Christmas of 1975, following the highs and lows of a Scouse family as they encounter a different class, a shock revelation and try with all their might to maintain their Christmas spirit throughout. Written by Willy Russell, directed by Clayton Travis and performed by Off Topic Theatre Company. This performance is lengthy, hard hitting and diverse. The cast did extremely well with such a performance and each character portrayed their own morals, characteristics and mannerisms well, meaning the audience had a good grasp of the types of personalities, temperaments and natures which graced our stage. The story follows rebel Sandra (Chloe Gratton) who is trying to break free from her family class and norms to experience a wider world. Her dy...

24Jan

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

Animal Farm – Octagon Theatre

George Orwell’s Animal Farm comes to life in a vivid and unsettling adaptation that thrusts the audience into the heart of a revolution. The barnyard is transformed into a stage where animals overthrow their human oppressors, driven by dreams of equality and justice. Yet, as Orwell so keenly observed, power has a way of corrupting even the noblest intentions. What begins as a hopeful uprising soon unravels into a chilling reflection of authoritarianism, manipulation, and the rewriting of truth. Olivia Chandler stands out in her dual roles, first as Mollie, the delightfully vain mare who steals the audience’s attention with her superficial charm, and later as Moses, the revivalist raven whose flamboyant performance oozes charisma and false hope. Meanwhile, Shoroosh Lavasani's portrayal o...