REVIEWS Archives - Page 173 of 589

14Nov

By Nazaret RaneaNo Comments

Scotland

Albert Herring – Festival Theatre

On Wednesday night, Scottish Opera brought Benjamin Britten’s Albert Herring to the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh, offering an evening of comic charm and lively satire. Directed by Daisy Evans, this fresh production reimagines Britten’s comic opera in the 1990s English countryside, a setting that adds humour and nostalgia to the story. Originally inspired by a Maupassant tale, Albert Herring revolves around its shy, naive protagonist, Albert, who’s crowned the town’s “May King” after no “morally suitable” young woman is found. The plot follows Albert’s transformation as he wrestles with the town’s rigid expectations and his yearning for personal freedom. Glen Cunningham’s portrayal of Albert captures both innocence and a quiet depth, making his character’s journey both touching and humo...

Opera North: A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Lowry

14Nov

By Mark DavorenNo Comments

North West

Opera North: A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Lowry

There’s nothing tragic about the mirth and magic of Opera North’s wonderful production, a second revival of their 2008 production of Britten’s opera, whose libretto – with the exception of one line introduced in response to the many cuts from the original – is taken directly from Shakespeare’s most popular comedy. The mischievous Puck (Daniel Abelson) accompanies us throughout and in the forest his master is Oberon (James Laing), King of the Fairies, whose Queen, Tytania (Daisy Brown) is served by fairies Peasblossom (Kitty Moore), Moth (Dougie Sadgrove), Mustardseed (Lucy Eatock), and Cobweb (Jessie Thomas). A little domestic disagreement has ensued which is about to spill over into the paths of lovers – Hermia (Siân Griffiths) who with her love Lysander (Peter Kirk) is fleeing her fat...

14Nov

By Scot CunninghamNo Comments

North West

After the Act – HOME Mcr

A new musical inspired by the nationwide societal impacts of Section 28, After the Act continues its winter tour with a penultimate stop in Manchester- long a welcoming city boasting one of the country’s largest LGBTQ+ populations. Ellice Stevens, Nkara Stephenson, Ericka Posadas and Zachary Willis deliver monologues from those who experienced the oppressive, anti-gay culture of the late 1980s as an ensemble, with Frew providing live music. The Conservative government’s law prevented schools and councils from “promoting” homosexuality. While the source material is discernibly moving, its delivery is drawn out by being overly verbatim: every single “um”, “er” and false start is unnecessary. Where this doesn’t result in anecdotes losing their focus, activity from the non-speaking cast ...

14Nov

By Hannah EsnoufNo Comments

North West

Dear Evan Hansen – Liverpool Empire

The classic saying always favours the book over the film of story but when a book comes off the back of a musical, then that musical has got to be next level. Dear Evan Hansen therefore comes with a calibre. The show is the blueprint that went to Broadway before Hollywood film sets and so future renditions can sometimes be overshot with assumed greatness. Instantly this performance was not that. What I noticed first was that the story was the main character rather than the individual performers which so often occurs during ‘big’ shows. I say it every time I go to the Empire, but that theatre is a big space that demands a strong stage presence. This cast were instantly electric, purposeful and slick that captured me and the packed seats three tiers high. Ryan Kopel’s Evan wa...

14Nov

By Katy GilroyNo Comments

North West

Cluedo 2 – Floral Pavilion

A staple in many a games cupboard, Cluedo is the ultimate in murder mystery fun – bringing it to life on stage means you’ve got a lot to live up to. As the audience took their seats on a cold Tuesday night in New Brighton, it was anyone's guess as to where the story would end up… Brilliantly laid out with the classic Cluedo board as a constant backdrop, the cast were introduced one by one as the scene was set: an old manor house, newly purchased by failing rock star Rick Black. With his wife, father/manager, right hand man, cook, a recently hired interior designer and ex bandmate making up the rest of the ‘colour’ characters, the tale began to unfold. The story, of course, follows a murder that takes place at the manor – cut off by a storm and not wanting to involve the police for ce...

La Clique 20th Anniversary – Leicester Square Spiegeltent

14Nov

By Dave SmithNo Comments

London

La Clique 20th Anniversary – Leicester Square Spiegeltent

Celebrating 20 years since David Bates debuted La Clique at Edinburgh Fringe, the acclaimed team return to the Leicester Square Spiegeltent for an evening of cabaret, circus and high-energy entertainment. An international ensemble of performers combines to leave audiences gasping and captivated by daring acts featuring a unique blend of humour, artistry, and charisma. You might not immediately think of Leicester Square as an intimate venue, but the Spiegeltent really pulls this off nicely. Just a few rows around the performances (which are mostly in the centre of the tent and often above the audience's heads so no need to worry about tall people sitting in front of you). Each performer brings their talent but combines it with such a sense of showmanship, it’s about teasing and flirting ...

14Nov

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

Grease the Musical – Sheffield Lyceum

Grease is traditionally a powerhouse show, and there is not much difference in this touring 2024 production. Nikolai Foster’s direction is astute, Arlene Phillip’s choreography expertly executed, and Jim Jacob’s and Warren Casey’s script is given just treatment by this large ensemble cast. However, it is not without its blemishes, and this interpretation of the classic 1950’s love story has lost some of its charm along the way owed to some slightly muddy performances and lackadaisical approach. Fortunately, it still just about holds up. This show is a spectacle, it has to be said. The set design is big and bold, the lighting design adventurous and loud. It is a treat for the eyes, complimented further by some stellar choreography perfectly executed by those on stage. There are true ...

13Nov

By Jan MellorNo Comments

North West

The Little Mermaid – The Brindley

Having seen the amazing Centenary Theatre Group deliver a spectacular Phantom of the Opera, I was intrigued and yes - very excited - to see how they would deliver a performance from a 1989 animated Disney film – The Little Mermaid. Diverse, brave and unpredictable – this theatre group were never afraid of risks or challenges – so I knew they would ‘smash it’ and ‘smash it’ – they did! From entering the theatre, a unique backdrop of surging bubbles and waves welcomed us , a spectacular and ‘gob-smacking’ digital backdrop that would mesmerise us all throughout the show – I am not sure how the Director Dan Grimes and the Digital Designer Simon Matthews did this, but it was a stroke of genius and consumed us all in a word of magic and wonder throughout. The story- origi...

Only Fools and Horses The Musical – Opera House

13Nov

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Only Fools and Horses The Musical – Opera House

Only Fools and Horses - The Hit Musical is a five-star masterpiece that brings the beloved TV classic to life with laughter, warmth, and a toe-tapping soundtrack! Created by Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan, and directed by Caroline Jay Ranger; for me, the production perfectly captures the charm and humour of Peckham’s most famous family. It’s a feel good trip down memory lane, but also lets a new audience experience the Trotters for the first time! The outstanding cast delivers pitch-perfect performances that honour the iconic characters while not trying to Carbon-copy them. Sam Lupton is a stand-out as Del Boy, exuding charisma, sharp wit, and infectious optimism that draws the audience in from the start. Tom Major, as Rodney, offers a delightful blend of innocence and awkwardn...

13Nov

By Jackie FoottitNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

A Christmas Carol – Hull New Theatre

“One magical night” were the first three words of the press release describing the well-known story, A Christmas Carol, ahead of Northern Ballet’s run of the Charles Dickens’ classic at the Hull New Theatre on Tuesday evening. Those same three words aren’t praise enough to describe what we theatregoers witnessed when this amazing company took to the stage. It was sheer perfection - from the opening snowy scenes of Victorian life, to the closing joyous scene amidst the falling snow. The famous story, set in Victorian Leeds for this production, focuses on miserly money-lender Ebenezer Scrooge who is shown the error of his ways after visits from three spirits, Christmas Past, Present and Future. It’s a gloomy start, with the funeral procession of Scrooge’s business partner, Jacob ...