North West Archives - Page 43 of 128

16Aug

By Damian RiverolNo Comments

North West

Greatest Days – Blackpool Opera House

This evening I'm at the Blackpool Opera House to see the official Take That musical – Greatest Days. The box office colleagues are so pleasant and very helpful at this theatre, going the extra mile to ensure we are happy, even changing our seats to make it more accessible for the person with me. The greeting from front of house and ushers were so welcoming and professional. I couldn’t have asked for more. The Greatest Days began it’s life at The Band the musical but has been revisited and renamed with a new cast, a new set and a new lease of life. With the book written by Tim Firth and lyrics by Take That, we are transported on a journey of love, loss and a heap of nostalgia. Five teenagers follow every move of the ‘Boys,’ the band they share a love for and their journey of winning a...

The 39 Steps – Theatre by the Lake, Keswick

12Aug

By Karen Morley-ChesworthNo Comments

North West

The 39 Steps – Theatre by the Lake, Keswick

Take a step into an entertaining, exhilarating and comical production of John Buchan's classic thriller The 39 Steps at Theatre by the Lake - and you won't be disappointed, writes Karen Morley-Chesworth. Patrick Barlow's adaptation is an imaginative and brilliant telling of the story of an innocent upper-middle-class, Richard Hannay who finds himself on the run, accused of murder and the only person who can prevent spies from stealing British military secrets. This is a Theatre by the Lake and Stephen Joseph Theatre production, which is based more on the successful movie version of The 39 Steps by Alfred Hitchcock - and look out for the names of other Hitchcock movies littered throughout the performance. For fans of 'The Play That Goes Wrong' you shouldn't miss this production whi...

Heathers The Musical – Palace Theatre, Manchester

9Aug

By Emma WildNo Comments

North West

Heathers The Musical – Palace Theatre, Manchester

Teenage years – the best years of your life? Not for those attending Westerberg High School in Heathers The Musical! This is no saccharine sweet teenage musical; Heathers addresses hard-hitting themes including murder, suicide, date rape and bulimia. Is this a gloom – fest? Certainly not! Heathers is a life lesson, a gloriously darkly comic look at the teenage quest for popularity and acceptance. Opening night at the exquisite Palace Theatre and it is clear to see from the scrunchies and tartan in the audience that Heathers has a devoted following. Based on the eponymous 1988 cult film, starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, Heathers The Musical moved Off-Broadway in 2014. After an Off-West End run Heathers transferred to the West End in 2018. In 2019, Heathers The Musical won the ...

6Aug

By Mark DavorenNo Comments

North West

The Comedy of Errors – Speke Hall

A Shakespearean comedy set around two rival states and two sets of mismatched twins is brought to life in this bright adaptation from Steve Purcell, who also directs, with its central theme of mistaken identity the perfect vehicle for Mark Hayward’s production to explore a number of popular theatre forms in this consistently funny farce that piles error upon error at an increasingly frantic pace. If the challenge of the doubling up of not one but two sets of twins whilst keeping the audience on-board as the only ones who know what is happening on stage wasn’t enough, throw in an open-air venue, forecasted bad weather, and plane disruption from the adjacent airport, and I had everything crossed for the much-reduced cast of four playing all of the roles. I needn’t have worried as with ...

The Ballads of Billy The Kid – Royden Park

5Aug

By Bev ClarkNo Comments

North West

The Ballads of Billy The Kid – Royden Park

There sure was some hootin’ and a-rootin’ and plenty of a-shootin’ when Off The Ground Theatre rode into town…well to be precise Royden Park, Wirral. In the beautiful setting under threatening skies we sat, as the cast of ten, successfully multi-roled, in their version of Billy the Kid. In fact four Billys, hence the plural title of ‘Ballads’. Off the Ground are known for their excellent physical approach to theatre and interesting storytelling with plenty of audience participation- all that was in abundance tonight. This is a professional touring show with many of their troupe newly graduated actors but still with familiar faces who have been touring with them for a good few years. With a superb, really interesting soundscape designed by Mat Oliphant, well executed with eve...

Shrek the Musical – Opera House, Manchester

3Aug

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Shrek the Musical – Opera House, Manchester

Shrek the Musical is mesmerising extravaganza that is a great way to introduce children to the theatre and performing arts. Shrek the Musical has arrived at Manchester Opera House and is an absolute delight that brings the beloved ogre and his endearing companions to life on stage in an unforgettable theatrical experience. The cast is an absolute tour de force, with each actor embodying their iconic character with undeniable charm and flair. Shrek played by Anthony Lawrence has a warmth and energy that the audience immediately connect with and perfectly captures the grumpy yet lovable demeanour of everyone’s favourite ogre. Lawrence has a great on stage chemistry with Joanne Clifton who plays Princess Fiona with a great stage presence. Brandon Lee Sears as Donkey and James Gillan ...

A Greasy Spoon – Liverpool’s Royal Court

2Aug

By Daniel CoxNo Comments

North West

A Greasy Spoon – Liverpool’s Royal Court

A Greasy Spoon started its life as part of the Everyman’s new writing showcase written by Alice Bunker-Whitney. Alice is described by Kevin Fearon (Liverpool Royal Courts Executive Producer) as “a great new writing talent”. So, it’s no wonder the Royal Court has made this production its new home for the next four weeks. A Greasy Spoon is set in ‘Scrantastic’ which is just your completely normal ‘caff’ and takes you on the journey with your completely normal workers Mandy & Shannon. Honestly, it sounds quite bland when you put it like that. But, if you’re a regular at the Royal Court you know their productions are anything but normal and absolutely anything but bland. I wouldn’t want to give too much away but you can expect MURDEROUS laughter from the audience and a lesson that wh...

The Great Gatsby – Grosvenor Open Air Theatre

2Aug

By Ezzy LaBelleNo Comments

North West

The Great Gatsby – Grosvenor Open Air Theatre

Frivolity fans the air as a live band dances an eager audience back to the roaring 1920s for an evening of F Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. It's hard not to immediately be swept up in the decadence as the cast mingle with the audience until suddenly you aren't sure if you're within the production or simply observing it - what part do you play in the party that never stops? Cleverly framed, there is audience participation from the start. All rise as a coroner begins to question the events leading up to the death of a man, a man surrounded by mystery and rumour. Witness testimonies contradict. A cacophony of characters cause calamity. Just as it feels like a judgement has been made, in bursts protagonist Nick Carraway (Thomas Cotran). Clearly upset, he takes command of the sm...

Foxdog Studios: Robo Bingo – The King’s Arms

2Aug

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

Foxdog Studios: Robo Bingo – The King’s Arms

Set to dazzle audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, "Robo Bingo" provides a unique spin on traditional entertainment. This show, hosted by a dynamic duo of tech enthusiasts, Lloyd and Pete, seamlessly blends technology and comedy with interactive gameplay. Distinctly designed for introverts, "Robo Bingo" offers a refreshing take on audience participation. Show-goers get the opportunity to interact with robotic elements integrated into the performance, creating an immersive and memorable experience. This isn't your standard bingo night, and Lloyd and Pete's wit and charm are at the heart of the show's appeal. Their comedic timing and tech-infused narratives bring a fresh and enjoyable dynamic to the performance. As "Robo Bingo" gears up for its stint at the Edinburgh Frin...

Dame Fanny And Her Fabulous Friends – Liverpool Theatre Festival

31Jul

By Luke StephensonNo Comments

North West

Dame Fanny And Her Fabulous Friends – Liverpool Theatre Festival

It’s pride weekend in Liverpool, a weekend of love, acceptance and unity. I was at another show within the programme of the Liverpool Theatre Festival at St Luke’s Bombed out Church. It was Dame Fanny and her friends Violet P and Debbie. Advertised as a family show. I didn’t know what to expect but what I got blew my mind. It was funny, engaging and ‘off the cuff’. Dame Fanny came out in a gorgeous dress in LGBTQ+ colours and welcomed her audience with open arms. She used her quick-fire wit when speaking to the audience and kept them in check. Fanny encouraged audience members to take the stage and show of talents for prizes to be won including a framed signed photo of Dame Fanny and a family trip to ArCains games. The audience and Fanny were very supportive of those who got up and ...