Friday, December 5

Tag: Kit Phillips

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change – Hope Mill Theatre
North West

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change – Hope Mill Theatre

As the recent heat wave finally broke in a deluge of Mancunian rain, we dodged the puddles to attend the opening night of ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change’, a 1996 musical revue by Joe DiPietro and Jimmy Roberts now given a well deserved revival by 1974/Make Your Mark Productions. Hope Mill Theatre in Ancoats is a perfect setting for this intimate, funny and sometimes touching exploration of relationships and modern love. ILYYPNC (as I will refer to it to save my word count), is structured as a series of (mostly) musical vignettes, using a cast of just four actors to play the roles of sixty-eight separate characters and exploring the subject of relationships throughout the course of life, from first dates through marriage, children and eventual loss. The writers employ a dizzying...
Little Shop of Horrors – The Met, Bury
North West

Little Shop of Horrors – The Met, Bury

Prestwich Amateur Dramatic & Operatic Society performed Little Shop of Horrors at The Met, Bury this May. The rock-horror musical’s dark humour and catchy songs make it a fun but challenging choice for an amateur company. While some performances stood out, the production as a whole felt uneven and lacking polish. Kit Phillips was among the stronger cast members as Seymour. He captured Seymour’s awkward charm well, delivering solid vocals and an emotional arc. His chemistry with Audrey felt sincere, and he navigated Seymour’s struggles with subtlety. Isobel Cunliffe played Audrey with warmth and vulnerability. Her rendition of “Suddenly Seymour” alongside Phillips was a highlight — emotional and well-sung. Izzi Smith voiced Audrey II, the man-eating plant, which was one of ...
1974 Productions returns to Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre
NEWS

1974 Productions returns to Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre

"1974 Productions" returns to Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre this July presenting their first musical collaboration, with "Make Your Mark Productions" presenting I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. With Book and Lyrics by Joe DiPietro and Music by Jimmy Roberts. This celebration of the mating game takes on the truths and myths behind the eternal conundrum known as "the Relationship". Act 1 explores the journey from dating and waiting to love and marriage, while act two reveals the agonies and triumphs of in laws and newborns, trips in the family car and pick-up techniques of the geriatric set. This hilarious musical pays tribute to those who have loved and lost, to those who have fallen on their face and to those who have dared to ask, "what are you doing Saturday night?" Pla...
Beauty and the Beast – Grange Theatre
North West

Beauty and the Beast – Grange Theatre

Mid Cheshire Musical Theatre Company (MCMTC) are back with their annual musical offering bringing Disney’s Beaty and the Beast to the wonderful Grange Theatre. Beauty and the Beast is a stage adaptation of Disney's beloved animated film. The musical, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and a book by Linda Woolverton, first premiered in 1994. It tells the timeless story of Belle (Gemma Chapman), a bright, independent young woman who is dissatisfied with her small village life and yearns for adventure. The story unfolds when Belle's father, Maurice (Bill Shardlow), gets lost in the woods and stumbles upon the Beast's enchanted castle. The Beast (Ben Vaughan), a prince cursed by an enchantress, imprisons Maurice. Belle offers to take her father's place and b...
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...
First Act presents Spring Awakening at The Hope Street Theatre
NEWS

First Act presents Spring Awakening at The Hope Street Theatre

Warrington based First Act, will be bringing Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik’s award-winning musical Spring Awakening to The Hope Street Theatre from the 28th - 30th October in a fresh and vibrant new production. Based on the 1891 German by Frank Wedekind, Spring Awakening tells the story of teenagers discovering the inner and outer tumult of adolescent sexuality. Set in mid-19th-century Germany, the musical, with its alternative and folk-infused rock score, explores oppression, freedom, teenage angst, and the dangers of hiding the truth. First Act launched in 2017 with a simple vision: create acting classes for young performers which developed skill, technique, and talent; an acting school where theatre education is the primary goal. Since its incorporation First Act have been deliver...