North West Archives - Page 4 of 184

17Apr

By Paul WilcoxNo Comments

North West

Waiting for Godot – Octagon Theatre

“Nothing happens. Nobody comes, nobody goes. It’s awful.” These eight words, spoken by Estragon, neatly distil the themes of existential stasis and quiet despair at the heart of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot. And yet, despite the clarity of that diagnosis, and the evident skill of this production’s leading performances, I left the theatre once again unconvinced, admiring more than engaging, and respecting more than enjoying. Godot has, of course, divided opinion since its 1953 premiere. Early audiences were baffled, even hostile, and critics were scarcely kinder: Kenneth Tynan’s oft-quoted complaint that it possessed “no beginning, no middle and no end” was delivered with both frustration and reluctant admiration. In the decades since, its influence has been profound, shaping th...

15Apr

By Lou SteggalsNo Comments

North West

Ballet Black 25 – The Lowry

Ballet Black has celebrated its 25th anniversary with a compelling and ultimately uplifting double bill that showcases the company’s distinctive voice - emotionally direct, visually striking, and rooted in both classical technique and contemporary relevance. The opening piece, ‘…all towards hope’, choreographed by Hope Boykin, sets the tone with a sense of warmth and inclusivity. The egalitarian costuming—earthy reds, pinks, and browns—beautifully complements the lighting palette, creating a cohesive visual world that feels grounded and human. Boykin’s choreography is the true standout here. Electric yet nuanced, it pulses with energy while allowing space for quieter, reflective moments. Her spoken text threads gently through the work, reinforcing themes of unity and resilience witho...

10Apr

By David S ClarkeNo Comments

North West

Calendar Girls – The Forum Theatre

This is the story of an enterprising group of ladies who are members of their local Women’s Institute ( a very staid and traditional organisation), who decide to go against these traditions in an effort to raise funds to purchase a couch for the waiting room at their local hospital, where the husband of one of them is a regular visitor undergoing tests for cancer, which unfortunately turn out to be not only positive but with a terminal diagnosis. Having noticed a nude calendar in the premises of a local car mechanic, the ladies decide to attempt their own version featuring other members of the group in discretely nude poses featuring the more traditional activities of the WI, such as baking, jam making, knitting and musical activities and set about trying to convince the other members of t...

Here & Now The Steps Musical – Blackpool Opera House

9Apr

By Coral MourantNo Comments

North West

Here & Now The Steps Musical – Blackpool Opera House

A new British jukebox musical has arrived, and it’s ready to take its place amongst the best of them. Queen, Abba, and Take That have all had their own hit musicals, and now it’s time for Steps to stomp onto the scene. Directed by award-winning Rachel Kavanaugh, this heart-warming tale of friendship and love is bound to get your feet kickin’ and hands clappin'! At “Better Best Bargains” the prices are low, but the vibes are high as four friends make a pact to make their romantic dreams come true. They all need to take a chance on a happy ending, but when Caz’s love life turns into a tragedy, and the store that brought them together threatens to close, will the friends ever achieve their summer of love? The back catalogue of Steps’ songs and the backdrop of a British supermarket are a...

The Railway Children – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

9Apr

By Katie LeicesterNo Comments

North West

The Railway Children – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

At the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse, opening night of The Railway Children, brought to the stage through Mike Kenny’s adaptation was met with eager anticipation from an audience ready to be transported into a timeless family classic. This much-loved story, originally written by Edith Nesbit, follows the lives of the Waterbury children, Roberta (Bobby), Peter, and Phyllis whose comfortable Edwardian life is turned upside down when their father is suddenly taken away. Forced to leave their London home, they relocate with their mother to a modest cottage called Three Chimneys in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside. Here, against a backdrop of rolling hills, wide skies, and quiet railway cuttings, the children begin a new chapter of resilience, discovery, and growth. Under the directi...

8Apr

By Dan GrimesNo Comments

North West

2:22 A Ghost Story – Liverpool Empire

“Do you believe in ghosts?” A question guaranteed to liven up any flagging dinner party. Social convention, in polite society, dictates that one should never discuss politics or religion—but this seemingly innocuous conversation starter can prove just as revealing and polarising. Views on the occult can offer insights into social status, educational attainment, upbringing, belief systems, and even morality. 2:22 A Ghost Story is the tale of a dinner party with a difference. New parents Jenny (Shvorne Marks) and Sam (James Bye) invite their longtime friend Lauren (Natalie Casey) and her latest squeeze, Ben (Grant Kilburn), to spend an evening in their new home. However, it soon becomes clear that Jenny’s motives run deeper than simply showcasing her asparagus risotto in their new open-pl...

Lark Rise to Candleford – Theatre by the Lake

7Apr

By Karen Morley-ChesworthNo Comments

North West

Lark Rise to Candleford – Theatre by the Lake

Lark Rise to Candleford is a joyous actor-musician production at Theatre by the Lake, that transports the audience back to the late 19th century and the English countryside way of life. Based on the semi-autobiographical trilogy by Flora Thompson, this adaptation has been written by Tamsin Kennard and is a warm, nostalgic production. This is the story of a woman, Laura, looking back over her life. Starting in the hamlet of Lark Rise, where she lived a simple life, but where she felt she didn’t quite fit in, she then moved to the bright lights of the nearby town of Candleford. Laura, played by Jessica Temple, travels the timeline of her life, and she rises to the part which demands her to be on stage throughout the whole production. Temple gives a natural and engaging performance. ...

4Apr

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

We Will Rock You – Liverpool Empire

Empire Youth Theatre’s production of We Will Rock You at the Liverpool Empire is an ambitious, high-energy showcase that highlights both the strengths and growing edges of a young cast taking on a demanding, full-scale musical. From the opening number, there’s a clear sense of commitment. We Will Rock You is no easy feat, requiring strong vocals, comic timing, and the ability to navigate a deliberately over-the-top and often chaotic script. The cast largely rises to the challenge, delivering Queen’s iconic songs with enthusiasm and, in many cases, impressive vocal control. Somebody to Love is a particular standout, showcasing Scaramouche’s vocals to great effect with a confident and engaging performance. However, at times the balance isn’t quite right, with the backing singers’ mic leve...

42nd Street – The Grand Theatre, Blackpool

2Apr

By Dan GrimesNo Comments

North West

42nd Street – The Grand Theatre, Blackpool

I have to start this review with a confession. I have a very serious addiction. I am, unfortunately, addicted to tap dancing—as a consumer rather than a participant, I hasten to add. My social media algorithms know this about me and, as part of our complex web of co-dependency, the apps ply me with endless reels of routines. It is through this rather sordid route that I became familiar with this musical and, until tonight, I had never actually seen the whole show—due in no small part to the fact that it is performed scandalously infrequently. If you’re a fan of pub quiz trivia, it might interest you to know that the show isn’t as old as you might expect. It was adapted in 1980 from the 1933 Warner Bros. film of the same name and went on to win Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Chore...

2Apr

By Angela KellyNo Comments

North West

Mean Girls – The Regent Theatre

‘Mean Girls,’ originally written by Tina Fey in 2004, is gracing the stage at Stoke this week. It is an amusing musical comedy based on the film version. In its musical format it was an instant success and since it was first performed in New York in 2018 where it received much accolade and was nominated for several Tony awards. It then travelled to London and has been a huge success ever since. Directed by Casey Nicholaw it includes an extremely talented bunch of stars that are certainly ‘all things musical theatre’. The story is essentially about a group who call themselves ‘The Plastics’ who see themselves as the leaders of North Shore High School in every way. The ringleader is the evil ‘Regina George’ and it tells the tale of her taking new girl ‘Cady’ under her wing and the battle ...