Latest Articles - Page 371 of 645

28Feb

By Jo TillotsonNo Comments

North West

The Bodyguard – Regent Theatre

Grammy award-winning singer and actress Rachel Marron has a stalker, and he’s getting bolder and cleverer by the minute. Enter bodyguard Frank Farmer, a rather emotion-less figure with a guilt complex, who is charged with the protection of Rachel, her son Fletcher and her sister Nicki. Echoing the successful 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, this musical diverges slightly from the well-known plot, but all the key moments that a fan of the film would be looking for are incorporated into this stage musical, which premiered in London in 2012. The strength of the film lay in its soundtrack, and that is definitely what makes this musical so enjoyable. Filled to the brim with iconic songs made famous by Houston: including “One moment in time”, “Saving all my love for yo...

The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals – AO Arena

28Feb

By Codie WrightNo Comments

North West

The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals – AO Arena

The National Lottery's Big Night of Musicals celebrates all things theatre, as well as putting a spotlight on those community projects, funded by the big hand itself - many of which are a way to bring the Arts to people who might not otherwise be able to access it. And what a night. I danced - as expected. I sang - as expected. But I didn't expect to cry as much as I did and come out with a bit of a crush on Jason Manford! Manford was our host for the evening and a better man for the job there couldn't be! Unlike other stars I've witnessed at taping (*cough* Cordon *cough*) he was the same person when the camera was rolling as he was when he was between takes. A smooth professional during links but cracking wise with the audience in the small moments of down time, and really bring...

27Feb

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

NEWS

Brand New Musical Comedy Twice Nightly Performs Again This Spring Featuring Joe Pasquale

A sparkling new stage musical about the golden age of variety theatre, set in the 1930's is hitting the road again this spring with a tour visiting venues across the UK. After premiering and captivating audiences at Liverpool Theatre Festival, winning best new production, Twice Nightly will open for three nights at Liverpool's Royal Court from 27th-29th April before heading to the new Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot, the historic Victoria Hall in Settle, Theatre On The Steps in Bridgnorth, Gladstone Theatre in Wirral, Middlesborough Theatre and finishing at Blackpool Grand. Twice Nightly is a brand-new musical comedy brought to you by Bill Elms Productions (Something About George/Judy & Liza) and the newly formed Frame This Presents, written by, choreographed, and starring...

27Feb

By Gemma PrinceNo Comments

London

In PurSUEt – Vault Festival

At first glance, In PurSUEt - Eleanor Higgins’ one-woman show, is about a superfan and their obsession with Bake Off star Sue Perkins, yet, as the story unfolds, it is far darker and more tragic than you’d imagine. We follow an unnamed woman during a therapy session as she recounts her journey and love for Sue Perkins, from sneaking into backstage areas to drunkenly crashing a charity event for dogs. As her story progresses, it quickly becomes clear that the show goes beyond obsession and is a powerful tragicomedy which delves deep into mental health issues and addiction. Higgins artfully commands the stage as we see the ups and downs of her character, from self-assured and charismatic as she recounts her drunken nights out to lonely and self-destructive as her reliance on alcoho...

Revelations of Rab McVie – Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh

27Feb

By Greg HolsteadNo Comments

Scotland

Revelations of Rab McVie – Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh

Every now and again you review a show which really stands out. Here is one. The Revelations of Rab McVie is advertised as an immersive journey through a psychedelic dreamscape of live painting, live music and theatre and the real buzz in the packed theatre bar before this show was ready evidence of the unique event to come. Experimental, raw, flawed, real. The irony of this five-star show is that with more performances, it can be even better. Barely rehearsed and on only the second night of its world premiere, this experimental ground-breaking show has been and gone, and it was my undoubted privilege to have witnessed its brief existence. Five strong band, The Filthy Tongues, from Edinburgh were at the top of their game, showcasing works from their new album, In These Dark Pla...

26Feb

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Chicago Blues Brothers – Opera House

The Blues Brothers hit movie theatres in 1980 and very soon after that, became a cult Classic; filled with feel-good blues music, iconic quotes and those recognisable black shades and trilby hats which have become a firm favourite at any fancy dress party! The insatiable fun and energy of that film has been kept alive thanks to the Chicago Blues Brothers; the group has been touring for over 30 years and their blend of high energy routines and feel good numbers has delighted thousands of audiences around the world. Their latest tour: titled ‘Cruisin for a Blues in’ is a hit filled show which takes you on a journey through the music capitals of the USA with an incredible soundtrack which has the entire Manchester audience dancing in the aisles. Chris Hindle and Gareth Davey star as ...

National Theatre Live at Altrincham Garrick Playhouse – Othello

26Feb

By Paul WilcoxNo Comments

North West

National Theatre Live at Altrincham Garrick Playhouse – Othello

The creative team at Altrincham Garrick Playhouse have recently teamed up with National Theatre Live to bring some of the best British theatre to suburban south Manchester, our reviewer Paul Wilcox went along to check out the offering: The opportunity to watch the best of London theatre without the expense and general inconvenience of a trip to the South Bank is never one I am going to refuse, and Altrincham Garrick Playhouse have certainly pulled out all the stops to recreate the theatrical experience as closely as possible, judging by last night’s presentation of 'Othello'. Broadcast in the main 400 seat auditorium, the huge screen allows every detail of the performance to be observed up close and personal with the added advantage that every seat in the house is the best one. Small to...

26Feb

By Damian RiverolNo Comments

North West

Song from Far Away – HOME Mcr

Originally performed in Brazil then the Young Vic in 2015, the revival of Song from Far Away has opened at HOME, Manchester. The piece is set several years after the event and is told through the letters he has written to the brother he has lost. Willem, a 34-year-old man living in New York, receives a phone call which tells him it’s time to go home to Amsterdam. Will Young delivers this single-handed play beautifully, telling the story of Willem’s journey home to an estranged family and a forgotten relationship. Set in what seems to be one room with a sofa and a chair, a couple of tables and a huge set of curtains at the back, as the story unfolds, through the use of lighting and the movement of the curtains, you are transported to numerous locations, an airport, a hotel, Willem’s p...

26Feb

By Jennifer LaishleyNo Comments

London

The Wedding Speech – Vault Festival

The Wedding Speech is a one-woman show all about a toxic mother-daughter relationship. Rose has been asked to do a speech at her mother’s wedding. But Rose is hiding in the toilets as she would prefer to tell the audience the truth about how her mother mistreats her. This is a story about co-dependency and different ways two people deal with trauma. The show reaches a huge climax when Rose finally gives her speech. Cheryl May Coward-Walker’s play deals with the toxic parental relationship issue in a setting that has a lot of room for comedic moments. There are serious heart-warming messages to take away, as Rose tells the audience her experiences and tries to comfort herself. But the stream of consciousness causes some pacing issues. There are a lot of key moments off-stage. This takes ...

The Walworth Farce – Southwark Playhouse Elephant

26Feb

By Paul AckroydNo Comments

London

The Walworth Farce – Southwark Playhouse Elephant

Southwark Playhouse have chosen the Walworth Farce by Enda Walsh as their opening production in their splendid new location at the Elephant. Apart from the location being appropriate it was not a good choice. This is an extraordinary play based on the scenario of a father and two sons exiled from Ireland who barricade themselves in a squalid flat in the Elephant and Castle district who cut themselves off from the outside world almost completely. They spend their time under the direction of the father, Dinny, in ever more extraordinary and surreal ways their recollection or imagined recollection of their final days in Cork. Only one of the sons, Sean, is allowed to leave the flat to obtain basic provisions. One day he returns home with the wrong shopping bag.&...