Nic Greenshields Archives - North West End UK

21Mar

By Paul ClarkeNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

The Wizard of Oz – Bradford Alhambra

We’re off to Bradford to see the wonderful Wizard of Oz in an updated stage version of the classic Judy Garland movie that has become a must see every Christmas for generations of families everywhere. Unless you have spent your life in a closed religious order then there is no point in detailing the plot as a young girl in depression era Kansas enters a strange new world, and with the help of some new mates fends off a wicked witch to find her way home. This lively technicolour revival comes straight from a sell-out run at the London Palladium, and the good news for all friends of Dorothy is the classic movie tunes are still here, with typically solid extra songs by the venereal duo of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice in the second act. Whilst staying true to the movie’s message t...

The Wizard Of Oz – New Wimbledon Theatre

14Mar

By Maani WayNo Comments

London

The Wizard Of Oz – New Wimbledon Theatre

This classic tale is reimagined with an inventive and modern take on The Wizard of Oz as we know it. With a talented and enthusiastic cast, comedic and heartfelt moments, this production is an enjoyable watch for all ages. Projections are used extensively which is seemingly becoming the norm for a tour production, and we are launched into Dorothy’s world in Kansas quite abruptly with a somewhat dominating video. While the scene was indeed set, this dynamic video established the tone for much of the staging throughout the production. Despite some extensive and inventive set pieces, the large screen at the back of the stage is used primarily to distinguish scenes and at times this choice feels unnecessary and lazy, particularly as the cast performances are entirely believable. While st...

18Dec

By Hannah EsnoufNo Comments

North West

The Wizard of Oz – Liverpool Empire

Aston Merrygold as the Tin man and The Vivienne as the Wicked Witch of the West, star in a vibrant and colourful stage adaptation of the classic film. Transferred to the Empire from their stint in London’s West End Jeremy Sams version stays true to the innocence and magic of the original tale. With new songs, written and composed by longstanding musical theatre icons Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, friendship and fantasy were at the forefront. Full of flair, this production lived up to the expectation of the full crowd. Not only did the A-list names pay homage to their classic roles, they did not over play and stayed true to the production as a whole letting other cast members have their moments of too, of which there were many. Aviva Tulley’s Dorothy was understated but stoic. The Em...

18Jun

By Jackie FoottitNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

Les Misérables – Hull New Theatre

I was not surprised when the applause rang out at the Hull New Theatre on Friday evening for the spectacular that is Les Misérables. What did surprise me, however, was that the applause from the audience in the jam-packed theatre started before the show had even begun after a disembodied voice reminded us to turn off our phones and enjoy the show. Let me start my review by showing my appreciation for the amazing stage setting which brought to life the uprising by the poor of Paris, in 1832. Marvellous costumes, dramatic lighting, sounds and rousing music from talented musicians conducted by Ben Ferguson, all helped to create a production that took my breath away. But all the above would be nothing without actors who, to a man, woman and child (or children in this case, stars of...

2Apr

By Paul WilcoxNo Comments

North West

Les Misérables – The Lowry

Reviewing 'Les Misérables' is in some ways a useless task. The show is entering its thirty seventh (!) year in production and has been seen by well over seventy million (!!) people during that time. It was famously panned by the critics at the opening but has subsequently proved to be one of the most popular 'critic proof' musicals with sell out audiences all over the world, Now, Boublil and Schonberg's iconic show lands at The Lowry for six weeks having already sold virtually every ticket, once again those visitors will not be disappointed with this fresh staging of a spellbinding masterpiece. The titanic struggle between Javert (Nic Greenshields) and Jean Valjean (Dean Chisnall), set against the backdrop of post revolutionary France, culminating in the Paris Uprising of 1832, forms th...

9Jan

By Coral MourantNo Comments

North West

Les Misérables – Liverpool Empire

Starting the new year with a storm, Les Mis opens its tour to thunderous applause. The theatre phenomenon is back with its new production and a cast as spectacular as its score. Opening in London in 1985, this tale set in the French Revolution, was not received well by critics. However, through word of mouth, the musical gained a loyal fanbase and raised the show to its current status as a household name and the longest running West End show. Fans will know that the original staging has been updated, with some devotees being of the opinion that “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it”. After seeing the new production (directed by James Powell and Laurence Connor), I can honestly say that it feels fresh, revived and still as epic as ever. And controversially, I don’t miss the revolve! This p...

New Dates Announced for the reopening of Cameron Mackintosh’s Les Misérables UK and Ireland Tour

22Apr

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

NEWS

New Dates Announced for the reopening of Cameron Mackintosh’s Les Misérables UK and Ireland Tour

Cameron Mackintosh is delighted to announce full touring dates for the UK and Ireland tour of his acclaimed production of the Boublil and Schönberg’s “LES MISÉRABLES”. The musical will open at Glasgow Theatre Royal on 24 November 2021 where it will run until 1 January 2022, before playing Liverpool Empire (5 – 22 January 2022), Bord Gáis Energy Theatre Dublin (8 – 26 February 2022), The Mayflower, Southampton (8 – 26 March 2022), The Lowry, Salford (29 March – 23 April 2022), Milton Keynes Theatre (26 April – 21 May 2022), Theatre Royal Plymouth (24 May – 11 June 2022), Hull New Theatre (15 June – 9 July 2022), Bristol Hippodrome (12 July – 6 August 2022), Birmingham Hippodrome (9 – 27 August 2022), Norwich Theatre Royal (31 August – 24 September 2022), Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury...