North West Archives - Page 59 of 174

29May

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Sister Act – Buxton Opera House

Sister Act, the hit musical comedy directed by Bill Buckhurst is touring the UK and this week is at the beautiful Buxton Opera House. The larger than life production delivers an evening of joyous entertainment and powerful performances. Based on the beloved 1992 film, this production brings together a stellar cast, bright and bold staging and impeccable comedic timing. Former Coronation Street star Wendi Peters shines as Mother Superior, bringing a perfect blend of stern authority and underlying warmth to her role. Her comic timing and vocal prowess add depth to the character, making her a memorable anchor for the show. Landi Oshinowo as Deloris Van Cartier is a revelation. Her portrayal of the nightclub singer turned nun on the run is both heartfelt and hilarious. Oshinowo’s powerfu...

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – Holden Hall

28May

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

North West

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – Holden Hall

‘Way, way back many’ months ago Alderley & Wilmslow Musical Theatre Company (AWMTC) were dealt a huge hammer blow following the discovery of RACC concrete at their planned venue (NK Arts) for their next show Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat which was due to play there in January this year and its subsequent closure on safety grounds. Now 4 months later tonight the show had a triumphant opening night at their new venue Holden Hall at the magnificent Cheadle Hulme School. Along with many other people, Joseph was my first introduction to theatre apart from the school nativity and the show holds a special place in my heart as a result of it being my mum’s favourite show. Tonight, AWMTC did this show more than justice with first class performances from the first note to the l...

25May

By Peter RuddickNo Comments

North West

Disney’s Aladdin – Palace Theatre

Released at the peak of the Disney renaissance, Aladdin stormed the box office in 1992 and has remained one of the most well-loved animated movies of all time. Its success and enduring appeal is due in no small part to its award-winning music. The late, very great lyricist Howard Ashman was the man behind the original pitch. He worked with composer Alan Menken on the project until Ashman’s untimely death with AIDS. Tim Rice then picked up the lyrical baton and the final soundtrack is a work of genius. Given that, it was perhaps a surprise it took so long for the film to transfer to the stage. The Broadway production has now been running for a decade. This, though, is the first time the show has played in the North West. It is well worth the wait. This is a riot of joyous sound and...

23May

By Damian RiverolNo Comments

North West

Rock Of Ages – Northwich Memorial Court

Knutsford Musical Theatre Company return to Northwich Memorial Court ready to blow the roof off with the incredible Rock of Ages. This jukebox musical is built around songs from the 1980s including Styx, Journey and Bon Jovi to name but a few. We follow the story of two dreamers on the Sunset strip, trying to become something more but hitting many obstacles throughout, meeting many interesting characters along the way. Narrated by Lonny, played by the hilarious Jon Hall, we follow numerous stories of possible demolition, the fight to save the Bourbon Room and in turn saving Rock and Roll and love stories in many different shapes and sizes. Hall shines in the role of Lonny and a standout in this production, keeping the audience in the palm of his hands, breaking the fourth wall to int...

Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch – Blackpool Grand

22May

By Rebecca CaseyNo Comments

North West

Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch – Blackpool Grand

As the title may suggest this is a modern take on the Disney classic ‘The Little Mermaid’ from the point of view of Ursula. But don’t be fooled, this is certainly not a family outing, from the offset the performance is very adult, in language and theme. It’s very crude in parts, my friend who came along actually said that it went too far on occasion. I really didn’t know what to expect this evening, as I had only watched a short trailer, but being a huge fan of Disney and the Little Mermaid I was really looking forward to it. I’m very torn about my opinion on this show, parts of it were strong and entertaining, whilst other parts were unnecessary, and I had lost interest. Throughout the evening, the balance of the sound wasn’t great, when the ensemble were performing with a leadin...

22May

By Angela KellyNo Comments

North West

Jesus Christ Superstar – The Lowry

The musical phenomenon that is 'Jesus Christ Superstar' graces the stage at The Lowry this week. With well-known lyrics by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber this version was initially performed at London's Regent's Park open air theatre and received an Olivier for best reimagined production in 2017. Directed by Alli Coyne, the story retells the final days of the life of Jesus up to his crucifixion. It is a revamped modern version and, in many ways, feels darker and ‘edgier’ than previous productions. It is perhaps the version that feels more ‘rock opera’ when compared to other productions and this adds to its success. From the opening scene of a guitar solo- there is a an intention that the audience are watching a rock concert depicting the final days of Jesus Christ to his crucifi...

The Audience – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

21May

By Paul WilcoxNo Comments

North West

The Audience – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

Back in 2013, well before ‘The Crown’ became a Netflix sensation, Peter Morgan wrote ‘The Audience’. This reimagining of the weekly meetings that take place between the monarch and her first twelve Prime ministers was a smash hit in both the West End and on Broadway, garnering Olivier and Tony awards for Helen Mirren in her role as Elizabeth II. Altrincham Garrick Playhouse has now taken up the challenge of producing this deep dive into post war British history, resulting in a sumptuous and informative production sprinkled with excellent performances. The set (Barry Purves) could not be simpler; two chairs on a bare stage - which Equerry (Howard Yaffe) informs us may or may not be Hepplewhite - allow Queen Elizabeth (Ros Greenwood) and her various Prime Ministers to illustrate political...

20May

By Paddy Darnell-WalshNo Comments

North West

The Syndicate – The Lowry

Can you imagine winning the lottery and becoming a millionaire overnight? Well… you’ve got to be in it to win it! Written by the late, great Kay Mellor, The Syndicate is based on the hit BBC series of the same name. Critically acclaimed, Mellor was renowned for her string of hit television dramas, such as Band of Gold, Fat Friends, Playing the Field and of course The Syndicate. Her sharp, true to life writing of ordinary people, usually set in the North of England, have been much loved by us all over the years. The stage adaptation of The Syndicate follows five supermarket workers (Denise, Bob, Jamie, Stuart and Leanne), each with their own story to tell and, perhaps predictably, all with reasons for needing money. Their jobs are all in threat as the supermarket is set to close and b...

17May

By Anne PritchardNo Comments

North West

Frankie Goes to Bollywood – HOME Mcr

Rifco Theatre Company delivers two and a half hours of delightful entertaining theatre with this enjoyable show; with comedic stereotypical depictions of characters from the Bollywood film industry, beautiful Indian costumes, energetic dance routines, an original musical score and abundant high-speed costume changes this production is a ‘must-see’. The story centres on Frankie (Laila Zaidi), a British Indian girl working in the Milton Keynes branch of a multi-chain cinema, serving popcorn with her cousin, Goldy (Katie Stasi). Frankie’s mother (Helen K Wint) passes away leaving her daughter with memories of her career and her longing to break into Bollywood. Frankie decides to try and fulfil her mother’s ambitions and auditions for a part in a Bollywood film, although never having ...

And Then There Were None – Rainhill Village Hall

17May

By Mark DavorenNo Comments

North West

And Then There Were None – Rainhill Village Hall

Agatha Christie’s most popular novel from 1939 – and apparently the bestselling crime novel of all time – is a quintessentially English affair with almost as many copies of it in circulation as The Bible and in too many languages to count. The perfect vehicle for the array of talent that makes up Rainhill Garrick Society, and with the action all taking place in the living room of a house on an island off the coast of Devon, it had the added benefit of the real sound effects from a stormy windblown night outside to add to the suspense on stage. Two servants, Rogers (Rob Williams) and Mrs Rogers (Ruth Proffitt) and eight strangers – secretary Vera Claythorne (Sophie Brogan); adventurer Philip Lombard (Richard Parker); lady-about-town Antonia Marston (Alison Mawdsley); retired police inspe...