Regent Theatre Archives - North West End UK

30Sep

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

2:22 A Ghost Story – Regent Theatre

Danny Robins’ 2:22 A Ghost Story is a contemporary stage thriller built around one simple question: do ghosts exist? The story follows Jenny (Stacey Dooley), a new mother who becomes convinced that something unsettling happens in her home at exactly 2:22am. Her husband Sam (Kevin Clifton) is an outspoken sceptic, quick to dismiss her fears as irrational. Determined to prove her point, Jenny insists they stay awake with friends Lauren (Shvorne Marks) and Ben (Grant Kilburn) to see what occurs when the clock strikes. The staging sets the tone well: a stylish yet slightly oppressive kitchen-living area in a renovated London house, with French windows opening onto a garden glimpsed only when a motion-activated light clicks on. A digital clock is constantly visible, counting down the minu...

19Jun

By Angela KellyNo Comments

North West

Calamity Jane – Regent Theatre, Stoke

Time for the good citizens of Stoke to watch their backs as Calamity Jane is in town! Yes, the Regent Theatre has bravely opened its doors to an absolute classic. Lock your doors folks- "Calamity Jane" has arrived! Originally directed by Nikolai Foster and co-directed and choreographed by Nick Winston, this very much ‘updated’ musical was literally all singing and all dancing from the opening scene. Based on the well-known movie starring Doris Day, it tells the story of the charismatic ‘Calamity Jane’ and how her life in Deadwood, Dakota changes subtly when there is a new girl in town. From a strong friendship to the need to control her jealousy, this is essentially a story about love, relationships and personal growth- in a gun slinging way of course! West End star, Carrie Hop...

Boys from the Blackstuff – Regent Theatre, Stoke

12Jun

By Angela KellyNo Comments

North West

Boys from the Blackstuff – Regent Theatre, Stoke

This week the Regent Theatre is host to an Alan Bleasdale classic. Directed by Kate Wasserberg and with a new adaption by James Graham, the BAFTA winning "Boys from the Blackstuff" is currently touring directly from the West End. A show that maybe familiar with some of the audience from its success as a TV series almost 40 years ago, it was curious to see how the story would translate on stage. The story is set in 80s Liverpool and depicts the lives of a group of workers who are desperately trying to provide for themselves and their loved ones. In many ways it could almost be a commentary on recession during the reign of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher because with little money around, the story highlights how life at this time for many in Liverpool was one long, arduous strug...

13May

By Leanne RushtonNo Comments

North West

& Juliet – Regent Theatre, Stoke

The Regent Theatre was packed out with eager theatre goers ready to watch &Juliet on its first UK tour. The audience was full of people of all ages. On entering the auditorium, the spectacle that this show draws you in instantly. Projecting London landmark names onto all walls and playing instrumental versions of the music your ears will be graced with throughout the rest of this show. The ensemble cast entering the stage and engaging with the audience before curtain up was a really sweet touch. The second you stepped foot into the auditorium you knew that this was going to be a special night and the show lives up to these expectations and more. This Jukebox musical mixes the traditional story of Romeo and Juliet and adds Modern twist. With Shakespeare (Jay McGuiness) and Anne...

26Nov

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

Chicago – Regent Theatre

If you’re a fan of musical theatre, Chicago at the Regent Theatre in Stoke is an absolute must-see. This iconic production, currently on tour, is nothing short of sensational. From the moment the overture begins, the packed theatre buzzes with excitement, setting the stage for a night of pure theatrical magic. Set in the roaring 1920s, Chicago plunges audiences into a world of jazz, scandal, and sensationalism. Against the backdrop of Prohibition and a media frenzy that transforms criminals into celebrities, we follow Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly—two women locked up for murdering their lovers. The show’s gritty glamour, sharp wit, and intoxicating music transport you straight to the heart of Jazz Age Chicago. A minimalist yet striking set design instantly captures attention. A lone cha...

16Dec

By Angela KellyNo Comments

North West

Jack and the Beanstalk – Regent Theatre

Well, it's here again (oh yes it is!), one of the most important dates in Stoke- on-Trent’s calendar. Its panto time! Written by Alan Mc Hugh, this year it is ‘Jack and The Beanstalk’ being performed at The Regent Theatre and perhaps more importantly, it is the return of Stokes very own and very much loved, Jonny Wilkes. Directed by Wilkes and Owen, both who also perform in the production, most must be familiar with this popular story of Jack who is asked to sell Daisy the cow at Market and returns with a bag of beans. The beans grow into a colossal beanstalk that Jack must climb to get to the top and save the day. Wilkes plays the part of Jack, a (very) simple soul who sells the families beloved cow ‘Daisy’ at the market (Leek Market that is). Wilkes is a master at treading the fine...

26Sep

By Leanne RushtonNo Comments

North West

Sister Act – Regent Theatre, Stoke

Sister Act the musical tells the much-loved story of the 1992 Whoopi Goldberg film of the same name. Many people young and old (including myself) adore this full of fun film. This was apparent as soon as you entered the auditorium with some audience members choosing to don their habits and wimples to join in the fun! The stage show is just as fun, just as bright and just as funny as the film it oozes joy from the get-go and continues building this throughout. On arriving at the theatre, the 70s era was alive with disco balls, amazing music and bright coloured lights. You feel as though you’ve stepped into a Time Machine as soon as you enter the auditorium. The music in the show is one of the catchiest theatrical scores around, I feel, from ‘Fabulous Baby’ to ‘Raise Your Voice.’ I ...

The Ocean at the End of the Lane – Regent Theatre, Stoke on Trent

13Sep

By Angela KellyNo Comments

North West

The Ocean at the End of the Lane – Regent Theatre, Stoke on Trent

The award-winning fantasy novel, ‘The Ocean at the end of the Lane’ written by Neil Gaiman has now been adapted by Joel Horwood for stage and is performed at The Regent Theatre in Stoke on Trent this week. With its sold-out debut at the National Theatre and having received several Olivier Award nominations, it was intriguing to see the translation from book to stage. Directed by Katie Rudd the story centres around a man who is transported back to the time of his 12th birthday. Gaiman himself wrote it as a short story for his wife to share aspects of his childhood with her and stated that he was keen for it to contain ‘emotion’ as this is what she loved. It certainly delivers on what Gaiman intended, as from the opening scene it was clear that the story was taking us in a magical and myt...

31May

By Leanne RushtonNo Comments

North West

The King and I – Regent Theatre

The theatre was a buzz with people of all ages coming to see the Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic The King and I. The show, which is currently touring the country, tells the story of a widowed woman who is employed by the King of Siam to be the royal school teacher. The show has many varying storylines following the lives of all that surround them including Princess Tuptim who is sent to be a wife to the king. The stage was set with regal jewel tones these colours made the richness of the show really shine. I was in awe of the costumes which portrayed the era beautifully but glistened so elegantly under the stage lighting. Truly a sight to behold. The set was extremely effective throughout. The scene changes were effortless being masked by dance numbers which were a marvel to watch as ...

10May

By Grace AnnabelNo Comments

North West

Annie – Regent Theatre

Annie, a classic musical adaptation much loved by global audiences. I had the privilege of watching the musical adaptation of this classic film on its UK Tour, in the large-scale Stoke Regent Stage. With countless revivals, I was intrigued to see how this show has evolved and adapted since the last time I watched this production, many years ago. The tone was set from the beginning, by our 7 main orphanage residents rushing onto stage, before the show had even begun, immersing our audience in their harsh reality from the outset and creating an electric build-up within the theatre. With direction from Nikolai Foster and choreography from Nick Winston, I knew before the show begun, that we were in the comfortable hands of true professionals. Having been many years since visiting the gra...