Paul Downham Archives - North West End UK

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...

24Apr

By Katie LeicesterNo Comments

North West

The Addams Family – Daneside Theatre

Trinity Amateur Operatic Society (TAOS) presents The Addams Family at the stunning Daneside Theatre in Congleton from the 23rd – 27th of April 2024, directed by Paul Downham, assisted by Izzy Rowe and based on characters created by Charles Addams and book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. The Addams Family has become enormously popular over the years for many theatre companies, this being my fourth viewing of the show in less than 6 months. I have witnessed some great performances of this show but none as outstanding as TAOS’s delivery of this classic spooky tale. I feel quite anxious about writing this review as I want to ensure I pay justice to this phenomenal cast and crew on their outstanding delivery of The Addams Family that they so rightl...

10Apr

By NewsdeskNo Comments

NEWS

Dinner is served in Congleton

Rehearsals are coming to a close in Congleton this week at Trinity Amateur Operatic Society before the cast and crew of The Addams Family move into the Daneside Theatre ahead of opening night on the 23rd April. Running until 27th April at 7:30pm with a 2pm matinee on the 27th. Everyone’s favourite kooky family are taking to the stage in this spectacular musical comedy from the writers of multi award-winning hit musical Jersey Boys, with music and lyrics by Tony Award nominated Andrew Lippa. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, is all grown up and has a shocking secret that only Gomez knows. She’s fallen in love with a sweet young man from a respectable family. With his cherished Morticia in the dark will Gomez manage to keep his daughter’s secret until the two familie...

You are invited to a dinner like no other at Sale Waterside with Junior Stage 80

29Oct

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

Interviews

You are invited to a dinner like no other at Sale Waterside with Junior Stage 80

A family like no other are moving into Sale Waterside next month to host a dinner like no other which changes lives forever, and you are all invited. Junior Stage 80 (JS80) are back after a Covid enforced absence following their critically acclaimed, sold-out production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat way back in 2019. JS80 is a Jewish society with a mixed membership of all ages from those at primary school year 5 onwards with no upper age limit. Our very own editor Paul Downham is once again directing The Addams Family following his 2019 directorial debut with the same show at The Met in Bury which gained multiple NODA and ACT Nominations and awards. We sat down with Paul to discuss all things Addams ahead of next month’s opening night. What has made you return to di...

22Apr

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

NEWS

North West End UK announces major expansion

North West End UK today announces a major expansion as theatres prepare to return reopen next month in the first major step to normality following the Covid-19 epidemic. North West End UK (NWE) was founded in 2015 with the vision of promoting and reviewing amateur, fringe and professional theatre on an equal platform. With just a 2 man team in the beginning, the site has grown over the last 6 years and now has over 100 reviewers on their books across the UK. NWE has worked tirelessly during the pandemic in continuing to review online offerings from theatres and producers across the internet. Covering nearly 500 productions they have been one of the leading exponents of online theatre in the UK since March 2020. During this time they have also worked hard to forge contacts across the ...

28Mar

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

NEWS, NWE UK Live

Bruce Joel Rubin celebrates 10 years of Ghost the Musical

On the 10th anniversary of the World Premiere of Ghost the Musical at the Opera House in Manchester, Oscar winning writer of the movie Bruce Joel Rubin sits down with our senior editor and Ghost the Musical super fan Paul Downham to discuss how the film transferred to the stage. https://www.youtube.com/embed/nSuL0ozzd00 Advertisement (contains affiliate links)

14Feb

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

NWE UK Live

Home Schooling 7 – Lockdown Love

She is back! Our very own Yazmin continues to assist others during lockdown, this time helping to try and spread a little romance. Does she succeed? Find out below! Written by Mark Davoren, performed by Yazmin Walker and edited by Paul Downham, you can view the previous 6 monologues in our North West End UK Live section on this site. https://www.youtube.com/embed/4z4ccEKCGSQ

Casting Announced for North West End UK Live at The Garrick

7Oct

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

NEWS, NWE UK Live

Casting Announced for North West End UK Live at The Garrick

North West End UK are thrilled to announce casting for our one night only concert which concludes the first week of the inaugural Alty Festival taking place at the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse on the 29th November 2020. Since our creation North West End UK has championed amateur theatre on the same platform as their professional counterparts, and this concert cements our belief that both genres are equal in every way. We have brought together three sensational multi award winning vocalists for a very special evening of musical theatre. Featuring some of the most memorable show tunes from productions including Ghost, Miss Saigon, Annie, Jekyll & Hyde, Matilda, We Will Rock You, Waitress and SIX, Bethany Heywood (Wedding Singer – PAP Productions), Sophie Lord (Little Shop of Ho...

19Sep

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

NWE UK Live

Home Schooling 3 – Return of the Term

She's back! Our very own Yazmin takes on the new school term in a way only she can! Written by Mark Davoren Performed by Yazmin Walker Produced and Directed by Paul Downham Visit our North West End UK Live section for more monologues written, performed and produced entirely in house. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkCWatCrBQA