REVIEWS Archives - Page 31 of 458

8Jan

By Nazaret RaneaNo Comments

Scotland

Bat Out of Hell – Edinburgh Playhouse

Walking into the Edinburgh Playhouse, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from Bat Out of Hell. I’d heard the rave reviews and knew of Meat Loaf’s legendary anthems, but would it translate into a compelling night of theatre? As I was not familiar with the story, I had my doubts but by the time the final note rang out, my question was answered with a resounding yes! Right from the opening moments, the show makes its intentions clear: it’s big, it’s bold, and it’s not afraid to embrace its madness. Backed by an incredible eight-piece live band, the production hurtles forward at full speed. The stage transforms into a dystopian world filled with rebellion and romance, brought to life by Jon Bausor’s stunning set design. One moment we’re in dark underground tunnels; the next, a teenager’s...

8Jan

By Peter KinnockNo Comments

West Midlands

Peter Pan – Birmingham Hippodrome

Sprinkled with producer, Michael Harrison’s, hallmark pizzazz and glitter, Peter Pan explodes on to the stage of the Birmingham Hippodrome with all the traditional elements of British pantomime deftly blended with a beguiling swathe of new and exciting ideas. Of course, we know the story, of course, we know the characters, of course we know what will happen - but do we? One of the joys of pantomime is its endless ability to subvert the expectation of the audience and deliver something with proud aplomb which says, “You didn’t see that coming, did you?” - and in many cases tonight we didn’t! Another delight of pantomime is catching up with players we see year in year, year out and Matt Slack is the Hippodrome’s go-to chucklemeister with a vast array of comic routines and monologues dutif...

1Jan

By Alice RoseNo Comments

London

The Creakers – Southbank Centre

What a way to end 2024 and bring in the new year than to spend it with Tom Fletcher's stage adaptation of ‘The Creakers’. Following Lily, the ‘bin girl’ to all the children on the street whose Dad works as a bin man and clears up all the rubbish on Clutter Avenue. One night, there’s a rumble under her bed and in the morning, her dad is nowhere to be seen. Along with the rest of the street’s parents. All the kids are now by themselves, much to their surprise and enjoyment. Lily takes it upon themselves to find out where the parents have gone and how to get them back. As this show opened, we are introduced to an incredibly interesting and beautiful set, explosive with colour and light and never for a second left a dull moment on stage. The cast enter with the opening number, the character...

Jack and the Beanstalk – Sheffield City Hall

31Dec

By Tracey BellNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

Jack and the Beanstalk – Sheffield City Hall

A stellar cast climbs the heights! The City Hall, Sheffield hosted the opening night of Manor Operatic Society’s Jack and the Beanstalk last night to a packed and lively family audience. Reputed to be the largest amateur pantomime in the country, Manor yet again pulled out all the stops not to disappoint. With a strong, polished and large cast, they filled the large City Hall stage to the brim with laughter and pantomime traditions in their ‘bucket’ load! This pantomime is fully immersive and not one expected ‘pantomime must have’ is missing. From the expected messy baking scene to the tune of Sweet Caroline, to the children invited on stage, and the obligatory ‘it’s behind you’ mayhem - to the audience participation – retorts filled the auditorium and MOS gave the audience what they wa...

22Dec

By Mark DavorenNo Comments

North West

Star of Wonder – Unity Theatre

This collaborative production from Theatre Porto and Teatro Pomodoro, originally performed at Theatre Porto in 2022, follows its own star as it travels from Ellesmere Port to arrive in Liverpool’s Unity Theatre where, under the direction of Nina Hajiyianni, it delights and enthrals in equal measure. In this modern take on the nativity tale, five friends (Carmen Arquelladas; Jordan Connerty, Miwa Nagai; Nikki Hill; Simone Tani) and a teddy bear set out to follow a star using a unique form of transport. Despite becoming separated, their journey continues including having to overcome the challenges of mirages, sandstorms, and quicksand, as well occasional attacks from a pair of shepherds and their flock of sheep. With the group eventually reunited, the question is whether they will finally...

21Dec

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

North West

Aladdin – The Brindley

The atmosphere inside The Brindley last night was electric as scores of excited children (and some adults) took their seats in readiness to witness this year’s pantomime, Aladdin. This was my first time watching a Brindley pantomime produced in association with New Pantomime Productions Ltd and it definitely won’t be my last. I have seen over the years many versions of Aladdin; all slightly different and last night was no exception. The cast of 10 adults and dance troupe of 10 youngsters all shone from the opening Spice Girls inspired number until the colourful finale. Rubin Cavanagh as Aladdin is immediately likeable and has superb chemistry with Brindley regular Rebecca Lake who plays his love interest Princess Yasmin alongside her protective mother the Empress played by Traitors s...

21Dec

By Maani WayNo Comments

London

Ballet Shoes – National Theatre

Based on the well-loved novel by Noel Streatfeild, Ballet Shoes is the heartwarming story of three orphans who, in twists of fate, find themselves as sisters with the unlikely but chosen surname of “Fossil”. Pauline, Petrova and Posy make a vow to put their name in the history books and make a living to support their unconventional but loving family. Before we meet the Fossils, we are told of Sylvia (Pearl Mackie), who finds herself orphaned and taken to live with her only living relative, Great Uncle Matthew (Philip Labey), or more affectionately known as “GUM”. GUM is a collector of fossils and a devoted geologist, who adventures around the world looking for the next gem. The three treasures he happens to bring home are the three orphan sisters, much to the dismay of Sylvia’s Nana (Je...

21Dec

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Cinderella – Kings Head Theatre

I had the luxury of seeing Cinderella in Pantomime at the Kings Head Theatre in Islington. They have 2 varieties of this performance with a family showing and an adults only showing. I had the pleasure of seeing the adults only showing with different guest performances throughout their running. A standout feature of this show is the inclusion of voiceovers by none other than Dame Judi Dench and Miriam Margolyes. Their iconic voices add an extra touch of magic and prestige to an already delightful production. True to pantomime tradition, the show is packed with audience participation, cheesy jokes, and a script that keeps the laughter rolling from start to finish. As an adults-only performance, it adds an extra layer of risqué humour and cheeky innuendos, making it an unforgettable ex...

Mrs Peacock’s Feathers – Alexander House, Auchterarder

21Dec

By Caroline WorswickNo Comments

Scotland

Mrs Peacock’s Feathers – Alexander House, Auchterarder

In the depths of the Scottish countryside, I attended the birthday party celebrations of a close friend. Alexander House was the perfect setting to host such an event, and in the evening, it functioned as the stage for quite a different theatrical experience. The challenge for this company of actors, was to entertain the seventeen guests with a murder mystery evening, without prior knowledge that they were entertaining a theatre reviewer, and two police officers! The theatre company that was booked for the evening were ‘Can You Catch The Killer?’ a company specialising in staging murder mystery events at a location chosen by the client. Our remote house added another layer of eeriness to the proceedings, which were completely managed by the company. The evening c...

20Dec

By Jan MellorNo Comments

North West

A Christmas Carol – Norton Priory

Theres something so magical about seeing the Dickens masterpiece ‘A Christmas Carol’ played live around Christmas time. We are all drawn to watch a version of the story around the season whether it be the Alistair Sim black and white classic or the Muppet version, it is a tale that we all know and love. So, I have seen several short plays, shown in front of the iconic grand entrance to the priory and the huge double doors of the entrance are a magnificent backdrop – and for this play were used wonderfully being the entrance for each ghost to appear through billows of smoke. For tonight’s short rendition ( 1 hour) of the tale of reflection, anguish and remorse, there were just 5 cast members - the formidable Ebeneezer Scrooge , played superbly by &nb...