Dan Grimes Archives - North West End UK

The Addams Family – The Brindley, Runcorn

19Nov

By Lou SteggalsNo Comments

North West

The Addams Family – The Brindley, Runcorn

For those who are resisting the total takeover of tinsel, they may find comfort in a date with America’s spookiest family. The Addams Family packs lots of nostalgic charm for those who loved the various TV shows and films. In this adaptation, everyone’s favourite young goth, Wednesday, has a nasty shock for her family that, for once doesn’t involve the usual collection of weaponry and torture devices – instead she has fallen in love and, to the horror of the kooky clan, he and his family are ‘normal’ – and guess who’s coming to dinner? Centenary Theatre Company’s production, directed by Claire Littlemore, and with musical direction by Emily Woodward, boasts all the hallmarks of their high standards. A splendidly macabre set brings us into heart of the Addams’ home and the slick light...

11Sep

By Damian RiverolNo Comments

North West

The Spongebob Musical – The Brindley

This evening, I find myself visiting the underwater town of Bikini bottom and joining Spongebob and friends on a quest to save the town from a volcano that is threatening to wipe it and them all out. CODYS productions ‘Stars of the future!’ brings the musical that is based on the Nickelodeon series to the Brindley theatre, and we had a great time being transported to another world for a few hours. Directed by Dan Grimes, with musical direction from Emily Woodward and Choreography by Laura Cupit, we are treated to some fabulous songs delivered to a high standard by a super talented cast of young performers, with fun, inventive dance routines and a great storyline that is well directed, full of fun while keeping the suspense running throughout. Spongebob is double cast with Team Kru...

14May

By Stephanie WiswallNo Comments

North West

Shrek the Musical – The Brindley

Step into the magical mythic tale of Shrek the Musical and follow him and his band of fairytale creatures on a journey with his beloved sidekick Donkey and his enchanted Princess Fiona as they save the Kingdom of Duloc from the evil Farquaad and find true love. Directed by Dean Callow. This performance, although it may be performed by an amateur company, is anything but amateur. A show which is guaranteed to have audiences laughing, singing and shouting for more. Audiences are captivated from the moment they enter the auditorium as the staging and set are eye catching and transport you into a magical wonderland. Then, you are hit with the most stunningly enchanting costumes which perfectly identify each individual character easily, full of colour, sparkle and pizazz. The Musical D...

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...

The Phantom of the Opera – Brindley Theatre

15May

By Jan MellorNo Comments

North West

The Phantom of the Opera – Brindley Theatre

I have no words! I will try to express to you all the absolute stunning masterpiece that this production is. The iconic story of a disfigured musical genius, that lives under an opera house in Paris, who is besotted by a talented singer Christine and evokes fear and carries out murderous evil to get his way but whose love is lost as Christine finds love with an old flame, has been an Andrew Lloyd Webber work of genius for nearly 40 years and for the Centenary Theatre Group to have the opportunity to present this phenomenal musical in a local theatre is an opportunity this magnificent company could not resist – and rightly so. The talented cast, whom I have seen in various performances, give every show 100% and constantly show their amazing skills in both singing and dancing at every per...

15Nov

By Hannah WildeNo Comments

North West

Nativity! The Musical – The Brindley

The Brindley Theatre in Runcorn is kicking off their festive programme very strong this year, starting with Nativity! The Musical. Adapted to stage by Debbie Isitt - the director and writer of the 2009 film of the same name - Nativity! The Musical really is festive fun for the entire family. I am always a bit dubious of hit films being adapted for the stage, as more often than not the stage show becomes a carbon copy of the motion picture, often to lesser effect. However, I needn't have worried with Nativity! - This production was the perfect blend of being true to the original source material, while having its own nuances and standout moments in its own right, playing perfectly into the audience's hands. People familiar with the classic Christmas film will be delighted to know th...

18Nov

By Blathine MaguireNo Comments

North West

Strictly More Musicals – The Brindley Theatre

After two long years away from performing, Centenary Theatre Company are back with a bang this November as they present ‘Strictly More Musicals’ at The Brindley Theatre, Runcorn. Having seen this talented company perform before, I had no doubt we were in for a treat, especially when back sitting in the beautiful Brindley setting, however what I wasn’t expecting was this overwhelming feeling of joy and pride to be back witnessing superb live performances in what turned out to be a wonderful night of celebration and accomplishment. ‘Strictly More Musicals’, which has been cleverly directed by Dan Grimes, takes us on a journey and doesn’t forget the difficulties we have all faced over the last two years. The production team have been creative in that they have categorised the s...