Joel Merry Archives - North West End UK

22May

By Grace AnnabelNo Comments

North West

The Band – Northwich Memorial Court

Joyous, uplifting and moving. This triumph of a production took Northwich by storm this evening, as we were taken on a heart-warming journey of friendship and fandom told through the iconic music of Take That. The talents of the director, Ben Ireson, musical director, Michael J Scott and co-choreographers, Sophie Megitt and Kate Scanlan, were showcased exquisitely by the entire cast of TMTC. From the outset, it was evident that we would be treated to a standard performance worthy of the professional stage - not least due to the impressive stage set and visuals. The storyline follows a group of 16 year-old girls in the early 1990’s, who are stereotypically enamoured by the latest boyband on the scene. After a tragic event, the storyline fast-forwards 25 years, where we see the girls (now...

Funny Girl – Northwich Memorial Court

Tonight, marked KMTC’s 126th production, it is hard to believe that this company began in 1943 as Knutsford Amateur Operatic Society (KAOS) as it is a company that has not been on my radar before this evening, but certainly will be from this day forward. KMTC is one of the leading community theatre companies in the North West of England, with a vision to bring a diverse and talented mix of performers together and to make theatre accessible and affordable to everyone. I was honoured enough to meet Lesley Reed KMTC’s President who informed me about her 40-year run involved with this magnificent theatre company, and how things have evolved over the years. There is clearly a family feel with this company with its resident Director Ben Ireson with his huge accolade of awards and vast experie...

Cats – Theatr Clwyd

Tip Top productions have taken on the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic, Cats, at Theatr Clwyd and delivered a show that would give any West End tour version of this show a run for its money. Tip Top Productions produce high-quality musicals, plays, children’s shows, and pantomimes and this musical is at the top end of high quality. Cats was rehearsed over a three-month period, with Direction and Choreography by Rob Stevens and Musical Direction by Tim Jones, and the two together have created an absolute masterpiece. Choreography is key to Cats and the precision and energy in these routines left me in awe. From individual routines to full cast numbers, there was something for everyone and the cast gave everything to delivering the high standard of dance given to them. A live 15-piece ba...