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Julie Hesmondhalgh brings her one-woman show to Bolton’s Octagon Theatre in February

18Jan

By NewsdeskNo Comments

NEWS

Julie Hesmondhalgh brings her one-woman show to Bolton’s Octagon Theatre in February

Corrie legend Julie Hesmondhalgh is performing her auto-biographical one-woman show These I Love at Bolton’s Octagon Theatre for a limited run in February. In this show Julie who found fame playing the big hearted Hayley on the Weatherfield cobbles returns to her Lancashire roots. It’s a journey of discovery and a hymn to Julie’s own working-class childhood in Accrington, to her beloved dad and to the healing power of daftness. Julie is a long time and passionate supporter of regional theatres so is generously contributing her show to support the Octagon, which is a registered charity. She is currently on TV screens starring in the smash hit ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office, which has done so much to finally bring justice to hundreds of postmasters and postmistresses wron...

18Jan

By Alice RoseNo Comments

London

Cowbois – Royal Court

This is my desert island show. It’s only January and I’ve discovered the best play of 2024. Charlie Josephine (writer and co-director) finds a very welcoming new home in the Royal Court after their run before Christmas in Stratford-upon-Avon. We explore the Wild West, a struggling town after the ‘husbands’ of the town go off in search for gold and more supplies. The ‘Wives’ are left waiting but in hearing news of a nearby explosion, hold no hope in their return. Miss Lillian (Sophie Melville) holds the bar while her husband is away- praying every morning for his return when news of the famous criminal ‘Jack’ (Vinnie Heaven) is on route to town. What unfolds is a beautiful release between two people finding their joy, passion and reason to feeling happy and being alive. This town is t...

The Full Monty – Liverpool Empire Theatre

17Jan

By Jan MellorNo Comments

North West

The Full Monty – Liverpool Empire Theatre

Well, we have all probably seen the film – a bunch of middle -aged men – ex steel workers – who when the steel mills and factories close, are left broke, desperate and powerless. A story with its iconic scenes, music and humour that everyone – especially females – remembered - The Full Monty - when a bunch of men, for one night only, become cabaret strippers. So, how was this going to translate from screen to stage? I was intrigued to find out. The Liverpool Empire theatre was packed to the rafters – mostly women I have to say, and there was a deep breath of anticipation across the auditorium as the show started. A large steel construction, a scaffold frame that was a formidable centre piece, drew us into Sheffield’s former glory of theses skyline -consuming steel factories ...

17Jan

By Oliver GigginsNo Comments

Scotland

Jekyll and Hyde – Royal Lyceum Theatre

This adaptation by Gary McNair of Robert Louis Stevenson's novel, is keen to point to its source's Edinburgh roots, though mostly through the programme and the lead (and only) actor's Scottish accent. Unlike some recent productions of Great Expectations or Dracula however, it stops short of relocating the story to Scotland. But even the medium of a play represents a coming home of sorts: this story began with the true tale of furniture-maker and lock-breaker Deacon Brodie, about whom Louis Stevenson first co-wrote a play entitled Deacon Brodie, or The Double Life, though it was his later retooling of the idea of duality into the novella Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde which would find lasting success. The story is well-known (spoilers) for its crucial dual role, which lead at...

Peter Pan Goes Wrong – Leeds Grand Theatre

17Jan

By Paul ClarkeNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

Peter Pan Goes Wrong – Leeds Grand Theatre

The Mischief comedy juggernaut just keeps on rolling with another version of Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society’s chaotic take on Peter Pan where everything that can go wrong does. It is at heart a knowing tribute to all those am dram groups who gamely put on productions every week across the country, and the gag is that none are as likely to be so badly written or performed as Cornley’s unique take on JM Barrie’s tale of a boy who never grows up. Mischief founders Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayers and Henry Shields know what works for their brand, so have cunningly crafting dialogue so wooden you could make a table out of it, and ironically most critics have sat though productions almost as risible, but also as blissfully unself-aware as this bunch of talentless chumps. Noises Off will...

17Jan

By Tracey BellNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

I Should Be So Lucky – Sheffield Lyceum

The Hit Factory of the 1980/1990’s punches into the Sheffield Lyceum this week with Stock, Aitken & Waterman’s - I Should Be So Lucky. With over 25 of their top 40 hits packed into this farcical frolic of romance and crazy characters, I was left in a confused state - torn between irresistibility and irritation. The music has the potential to be a great addition to the tradition of jukebox musicals but unfortunately the storyline is just too manic to invest in its characters. With flashes of brilliance and moments that overstep the camp cheesiness into complete cringe – this show is definitely the marmite of musical theatre but just maybe it is meant to be so? With an audience demographic donned with rose coloured spectacles of a bygone era of dancing in their bedrooms to Rick Astle...

17Jan

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Calendar Girls The Musical – The Lowry

Sunflowers aplenty, Calendar Girls: The Musical has arrived at The Lowry in Salford Quays with an updated production that beautifully blends humour, heart, and a touch of poignant storytelling. Crafted by the talented duo Gary Barlow and Tim Firth, the musical resonates with a perfect harmony of Yorkshire wit and emotion, transferring the show from the big screen to the stage by being different. Under the skilful direction of Jonathan O'Boyle, the cast's chemistry shines through, drawing the audience into the world of the WI in Yorkshire. Laurie Brett as Annie delivers a stellar performance, capturing the essence of her character's journey with sincerity and grace. Each member of the cast, including Liz Carney as Marie, Maureen Nolan as Ruth, Lyn Paul as Jessie, Helen Pearson as Celia, ...

The Girl on the Train – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

16Jan

By Emma WildNo Comments

North West

The Girl on the Train – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

It is with much anticipation that I attended the opening night of The Girl on the Train at Altrincham Garrick Playhouse, after all, Paula Hawkins’ novel is one of my favourite books. An addictive page turner, unputdownable, gripping until the end. Did the play deliver this level of intensity? In places, yes. Firstly, this small cast of seven actors were all first-rate. Ruth Moore as Rachel Watson was incredible. Moore convincingly portrayed the character of Rachel, divorcee, alcoholic on the brink of eviction and certainly at the lowest point in her life. Moore brought much needed light and shade to the role, with a few key funny lines making the audience laugh yet maintaining a level of desperation - a need to be heard, seen and believed. Moore was engaging to watch, keeping the audien...

Burlesque the Musical announces Scottish Premiere in Glasgow & return to Manchester following sell-out season

15Jan

By NewsdeskNo Comments

NEWS

Burlesque the Musical announces Scottish Premiere in Glasgow & return to Manchester following sell-out season

Following an unprecedented sold-out season at Manchester Opera House in June, producers of the World Premiere of Burlesque the Musical - the first ever stage adaptation of Steven Antin’s crowd-pleasing musical sensation, Burlesque which starred Christina Aguilera, Cher, Kristen Bell and Stanley Tucci - today announced that the production will make its Scottish Premiere in Glasgow in September, and return to the Manchester Opera House in October, prior to a West End transfer. With performances in Manchester from Thursday 13th June until Saturday 29th June 2024 already sold out, producers have confirmed a return season in the city from Thursday 3rd October - Saturday 2nd November 2024. Tickets go on sale on Friday 26th January. Tickets go on sale on Friday 26th January, at 10a...

After All These Years Starring Jeffrey Holland – Comes to the Tabard Theatre in Chiswick

15Jan

By NewsdeskNo Comments

NEWS

After All These Years Starring Jeffrey Holland – Comes to the Tabard Theatre in Chiswick

After All These Years, written by Giles Cole and co-produced with actor and director, Graham Pountney, is a bittersweet comedy about the passing of time, memory, love and last chances, and won the Outstanding Theatre Award in the 2023 Brighton Fringe. Close Quarter Productions together with Take Note Theatre Ltd and Theatre Reviva! in association with Julia Holofcener of Holofcener Ltd are delighted to bring this brand-new production to the Tabard Theatre in Chiswick, London, from the 7th to 24th February. This amusing and poignant production is brought to life by a brilliant cast: Real-life married couple Jeffrey Holland and Judy Buxton play married couple Alfred and Joanie, with Carol Ball and Graham Pountney playing Marianne and Charlie. Relationships can be a delicate balance ...