North West Archives - Page 83 of 128

Much Ado about Nothing – Hope Mill Theatre

19Aug

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

North West

Much Ado about Nothing – Hope Mill Theatre

Shakespeare isn’t for everybody, they say. Well, it was tonight in Ancoats! HER Productions & Girl Gang Manchester & Unseemly Shakespeare have produced yet another (this is their fourth Shakespearean outing) magical piece of theatre which allows the wit of Shakespeare’s writing to speak for itself, with an impressive cast who relish the opportunity to perform it. A plot to drive a couple apart and a plot to unite another paring both through trickery and male misplaced notions of the opposite sex. A play about desire and love, this production highlights gender politics acutely; it’s far more than a Tudor rom-com. The gender fluid casting is pure Shakespeare and adds a unique joy to the play. This a comedic play and each line was delivered with a sharpness that made the Elizabetha...

18Aug

By Blathine MaguireNo Comments

North West

Twelfth Night – Liverpool’s Royal Court

“Twelfth night” is a comedy written by William Shakespeare and it’s believed to be dated back to 1601. Today, in the grand old year of 2022, ‘Old Fruit Jar Productions’ bring you their own interpretation of his historic piece of theatre, in the quaint studio of Liverpool’s Royal Court. The cast caught our attention straight away as when we arrived, the fascinating “Sir Toby” was residing in my designated seat, warming it up for me while he snored and drunkenly moaned like a forgotten stag on Matthew Street! Luckily some of the theatre staff woke up this sleeping beauty, so I could take my seat. Toby managed to stagger from the chair to the stage, where he collapsed in another drunken heap and the show hadn’t even started- a clear sign of things to come! Being honest, ‘Shakespeare’ is...

The Osmonds: A New Musical – Palace Theatre

10Aug

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

The Osmonds: A New Musical – Palace Theatre

The Osmonds were without doubt one of the biggest musical phenomenon of the 1970s; the family which become famous around the world. ‘The Osmonds: A New Musical’ tells the story of how it all started and gives us an insight into what happened during their rise to fame and what it was like to be that famous family including hardships like the impending bankruptcy ; with an albeit slightly rose-tinted viewpoint at times written by Jay Osmond - it’s a heart-warming whizz through their careers and their relationships, with a soundtrack of Osmond hits which are sure to delight fans. Directed by Shaun Kerrison; this production moves quite smoothly although can feel a bit long in places as what feels like full songs are performed back to back and some sections overrun somewhat; but it does d...

YNWA – Let’s Talk About Six…Baby – Royal Court Liverpool

4Aug

By Luke StephensonNo Comments

North West

YNWA – Let’s Talk About Six…Baby – Royal Court Liverpool

Now before I start this review, I must admit was a little nervous about reviewing at The Royal Court Liverpool’s show ‘Let’s Talk About Six….Baby’ by Nicky Allt. Mainly because I’m clueless about football. Instead of shouting go the night reds and boo the blues I normally shout go everybody. However, knowing I’ve never seen a bad show at the royal court I was excited to expand my knowledge and last night was no exception from the moment the lights went down, and Led Zeppelin came out the speakers. It started with Tommy (Jake Abraham) Paula (Lindzi Germain) Tia (Lydia Morales - Scully), Gerry (Mark Monaghan) and Kenny (Lenny Wood) walking on to the stage to say their final farewells to their dad and grandad. Once back at the pub Tia and Kenny got into an argument on who’s the biggest fan...

Dreamboats & Petticoats: Bringing On Back The Good Times – Blackpool Grand

3Aug

By Rebecca CaseyNo Comments

North West

Dreamboats & Petticoats: Bringing On Back The Good Times – Blackpool Grand

Dreamboats & Petticoats: Bringing On Back The Good Times is a follow on from the original feel good juke box musical. I had no idea what to expect this evening, but I assumed that the production would be very similar to previous DreamBoats & Petticoats productions, it was also a juke box musical and it did feature the same central characters and songs from the golden era of Rock’ n’ Roll, such as ‘To Sir With Love’ ‘Palisades Park’ and ‘Is This The Way To Amarillo’ The story tells of Laura (Elizabeth Carter) a successful singer and her partner on their number one hit record Dreamboats and Petticoats’ Bobby (Jacob Fowler) who has decided to re-join his former group Norman and The Conquests at St Mungo’s Youth Club. This is where the majority of the production is set, the other ha...

Little Women – Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre

3Aug

By Carole GordonNo Comments

North West

Little Women – Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre

Cor Blimey, Guv, bit of a turn up for the book – because this is a long way from the beloved quintessential American novel set in the Civil War, and a different time: Chester (OK, appropriately enough) during the Great War. But girls will be girls, and the story of the four sisters is still recognizable, and they certainly are, as portrayed by such brilliant actresses. And apologies, by the way; Londoners barely get a word in; the predominant accent is Liverpudlian. That said, still perplexed as to why John Brooke (Oliver Nazareth Aston, as extraordinary as his name) was a postman rather than Laurie's tutor, except that letters are more important than ever in times of war. And of course, it is extremely sad in parts, but again, not quite sure about all the comic touches; an annoying bee...

Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em – St Helens Theatre Royal

3Aug

By Luke StephensonNo Comments

North West

Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em – St Helens Theatre Royal

Theatre Royal St Helens welcomed Frank Spencer and his chaos to the town last night in ‘Some Mothers do ‘Ave ‘Em a popular comedy in the 1970s with Michael Crawford. The same Michael Crawford who was phantom. This stage show was written and directed by Guy Unsworth. The leading man playing Frank Spencer was the hugely funny Joe Pasquale who can cause a riot of laughter just by walking on stage. Frank is currently out of work and in between jobs or as he puts it, he’s in between his old one and waiting for a new one. He has just received a letter from the BBC to say he has a audition for a top talent competition and will be over shortly to film his magic act. His wife Betty played by Sarah Earnshaw, has news of her own but is finding it hard to tell Frank. Frank and Betty are having a dinne...

30Jul

By Andrew LeeNo Comments

North West

What He Said – The Casa Theatre

‘What he said’ is an assortment of short plays written by a range of writers and performed by a small group of actors produced by Pique Niche Productions. The common theme was varying social logics of why men feel discouraged to talk about emotional issues. As a man I was encouraged by the theme and the intention, especially given the strong link to and support of Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), a charity united against suicide (visit thecalmzone.net for more information). It was fantastic to see that part of the drive of the production was to raise money for CALM. Both Parents Matter ‘Both Parents Matter’ is a short play written by Mark Davoren which explores the perspectives and experiences of four different fathers who meet in a dads support group. Each characterises ...

29Jul

By Scot CunninghamNo Comments

North West

Julie: The Musical – 53two

No one is more deserving of a jaunty, high-octane musical than Mademoiselle Maupin, and so this one-acter celebrates the sword-fighting, opera-singing, understated queer icon that she was. The life of Maupin, also known as Julie d’Aubigny, (Abey Bradbury) and her escapades are retold through comical, lyrical accounts. This tell-all biography-style piece may not be entirely historically accurate, but the events seen on stage are mostly all true. There is a lot to appreciate in Bradbury’s production, starting with representation in the form of an incredibly likeable bisexual heroine. Her script is witty and well-paced, with catchy songs and rib-tickling choreography making the ninety-minute run-time fly by. A slightly clumsy start gives way to a tight, tenacious performance from the...

29Jul

By Kiefer WilliamsNo Comments

North West

No Place Like Home – Unity Theatre

This energetic solo performance from Alex Roberts & Co. explores issues surrounding violence and hate crimes within the LGBTQ+ particularly referencing the nightlife culture. The question is whether there are any safe places to be queer in our towns and cities, especially at night-time. With the increase of violence within our community, I found this a timely and pertinent piece of work. It would be so easy to stand up and rant on about the many ways that society fails to acknowledge violence and hate crimes towards the LGBTQ+ community but Alex Roberts & Co. have produced a meaningful and honest show that is far more subtle and thoughtful in its approach and appeal than most others of a similar theme. Cleverly fusing both spoken word, video art, dance, and music we are...