REVIEWS Archives - Page 143 of 341

21Feb

By Zoё MeeresNo Comments

London

The Beach House – Park Theatre

Arriving at the theatre last night to find an almost full choice of unreserved seats I instantly regretted tucking myself into a corner and wondered if I’d get the most out of the four-sided stage. I needn’t have worried, though; and was heartened to see that Director Bethany Pitts’s biography includes Jules and Juniper, which was my North West End UK pick of 2022. The Beach House was reminiscent of this in terms of the fluidity and the smoothness of movement – fitting for a play set by the sea. The performers make full use of a tight space and are in almost constant motion – physically and maybe emotionally too. This is complemented by the gentle use of lighting which perfectly moves the action through time, from a dawn interrupted by a crying new born to New Year’s Eve fireworks. &nb...

21Feb

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

The Rocky Horror Show – Opera House

"The Rocky Horror Show" is a classic musical that has captivated audiences for over four decades. As someone who recently had the pleasure of attending a live performance of the show at the Opera House in Manchester, I can confidently say that it is a truly unforgettable experience. From the moment the show begins, you are transported into a world of science fiction and horror, complete with catchy music and outrageous costumes. The cast of characters is eccentric and colourful, and the audience is encouraged to participate in the show by shouting out lines and using props. This creates an atmosphere that is both lively and engaging, making it a truly unique theatrical experience. The musical numbers are a true highlight of the show, with memorable songs such as "The Time Warp" and ...

The Shawshank Redemption – Regent Theatre

21Feb

By Angela KellyNo Comments

North West

The Shawshank Redemption – Regent Theatre

Producer Bill Kenwright has taken on a classic this time that’s for sure. Since it first appeared on screen in 1994 and known for perhaps being one of the most popular movies of all time, it must be said that a transfer of ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ to the stage was a brave undertaking. Based on the Stephen King novella, and adapted for stage by Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns, ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ is set behind the bars of a maximum-security prison. Directed by David Esbjornson, the play highlights the story of Andy Dufresne (Joe Absolom) who, despite expressing his innocence, is handed a double life sentence for two murders. The story depicts Andy’s friendship with Red (Ben Onwukwe) and shares the highs and many more lows of life inside the prison over a time span of 20 years. J...

20Feb

By Dave SmithNo Comments

London

The Tinker – VAULT Festival

In the middle of the night, as a storm rages all around, there is a sudden knock on your door. A man in ragged clothes seeks shelter for the evening - do you let him in? Frank (Keon Martial-Phillip) and Evelyn (Lauren O’Leary) left the big city and moved to a distant rural home to take over the day-to-day running of the family whiskey business. The house is described as built for company, but it feels cold and impersonal. There are hints of love and warmth between the couple, but they are bogged down with distance and loss which threatens to overwhelm them as they seek solace following the disappearance of their only child. It is only in brief moments we see their love through the tangle and depression, almost as if they both know their relationship is broken but have made an active de...

Mozart’s Requiem – Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

19Feb

By Ezzy LaBelleNo Comments

North West

Mozart’s Requiem – Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Transporting the audience back to 18th Century Vienna, Mozart's Requiem does not disappoint. The orchestra, conducted by Award-winning German conductor Corinna Niemeyer, was complemented by appearances from Victoria Randem (soprano), Eléonore Pancrazi (mezzo-soprano), Stuart Jackson (tenor) and Benjamin Appl (baritone). The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir were in full, lively voice. Opening with Haydn's Symphony No.49, La Passione, the concert began as it meant to go on. Niemeyer animatedly gesticulated at the front to lead the orchestra through the allegro piece, paying particular attention to the contrasts between loud and quiet, light and dark. Haydn's work is written in the 'storm and urge' style with a somewhat unusual structure for the time. All four movements are in F mino...

19Feb

By Zara OdetundeNo Comments

London

Text & Delete – King’s Head Theatre

We’ve all had a flatmate we’ve hated right? Two women who are each other’s complete opposites attempt to coexist in a flat share, and after deeply hidden secret is revealed, we explore the continuum from enemies to budding friends. A fantastic new show, from In Her Element theatre production bringing together drama and comedy for a one act production full of laughs and unexpected comfort. The staging of this show at the King’s Head Theatre was well done, the small space was made to look like a living/dining room through furniture and through characters being off stage when they were in bedrooms or the kitchen. This made the production feel so intimate, like we were spectators sitting inside their living room. Both actresses multi role in this show and they do it fantastically....

19Feb

By Alice RoseNo Comments

London

Medea – Soho Place

Soho Place’s second classic, since recently opening as the newest West End theatre, is ‘Medea’ played by Sophie Okonedo and directed by Dominic Cooke. This tale is renowned, presenting to the world a woman consumed with revenge. Opposite her is Ben Daniels, taking on all male parts swiftly moving between characters like putting on fresh new skin. The space being in the round completed this picture of judgement circling Medea as she mourns the life she left behind, killing her own brother and defying her city to live a life with Jason. Upon arrival, Jason moves on to Creon’s daughter with the desire of power and wealth, leaving Medea and their two children. As the tragedy begins, Medea wails beneath the stage as her nurse seeks our guidance. Placed within the audience, the Women of Cori...

19Feb

By Gonzalo SentanaNo Comments

London

The Masks of Aphra Behn – The Space

Seeing passionate performances is always a beautiful experience, and performers who love their work are always an enjoyable company. Even more so if they are former spies. The Masks of Aphra Behn, written and performed by Claire Louise Amias and directed by Pradeep Jey, is being brought back to The Space in the context of a fundraiser to build a statue in Canterbury commemorating Aphra Behn. This interesting piece is a well told story about the adventures of the historic figure as a spy. The play begins with one mask, the only physical mask we will see during the performance. The other metaphorical masks will come in and out in a succession of interesting intrigues and political affairs. The actor and writer Clare Louise Amias strongly connects from the very beginning with the audie...

18Feb

By Riana HowarthNo Comments

London

Phaedra – The National Theatre

Simon Stone’s take on this Greek Tragedy finds itself in a domestic setting, ostensibly a quintessentially British family sitcom. It feels familiar, from the witty, jesting Dad (Paul Chahidi), to the moody teenage son (Archie Barnes), the uptight, activist daughter (Mackenzie Davis) and the quirky son-in-law (John MacMillan). But in spite of the sharp back-and-forths and intellectual masturbation, the mother, Helen’s cool, detached demeanour belies an unsettling tension. The family eagerly await their guest, Sofiane (Assaad Bouab), the son of Helen’s dead Moroccan lover Ashraf. His arrival creates a seismic wave over the family, as he seems to exude a profound peace, intrigue and wisdom. When it becomes clear that Helen and Sofiane hold different versions of Ashraf’s death, Sofiane rages ...

The Wizard of Oz – St Helens Theatre Royal

18Feb

By Luke StephensonNo Comments

North West

The Wizard of Oz – St Helens Theatre Royal

It’s Pantomime season again in St Helens with this half term’s offering of The Wizard of Oz Directed by Reece Sibbald. Dorothy (Maddie Hope Coelho) is caught in a twister storm and is transported to the Land of Oz with her little companion the very cute and adorable ToTo the Dog. However, in order to get home she must seek to find the almighty Wizard of Oz down the yellow brick road. However, it wasn’t going to be quite so easy as she first thought as the Wicked Witch (Bethany Grace) vowed to make Dorothy pay for killing her sister when her house landed on her after the twister. Glinda (Hayley Russell) reassured Dorothy by saying as long as you have those Ruby Shoes on your feet the wicked which couldn’t harm her. Upon her journey she found a Scarecrow (Reece Sibbald) who needed a Brai...