THE LAST MOVIE STAR has its heart in the right place but never really finds the warmth needed to make it memorable

Even if you weren’t around in the 70s or 80s, you’re sure to know the name Burt Reynolds. With box office hits like DELIVERANCE (1972), THE LONGEST YARD (1974) and SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT (1977) to his name, Reynolds seemed an unstoppable force in Hollywood for almost two decades...

Matt Terry as Alex The Lion in MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL. Photo: Scott Rylander

Comical, colourful and completely charming, MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL successfully brings the much-loved film to life on stage

When Dreamworks’ animated comedy MADAGASCAR first hit cinema screens back in 2005, it took the world by storm. Generating over two billion pounds for the studio, the franchise quickly spawned multiple sequels and spin-off films, including a stage musical which is currently on tour in the UK.

For...

Emma Williams as Paula and Jonny Fines as Zack in AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN. Photo: Manuel Harlan

Despite a few dodgy moments, AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN is an uplifting adaptation of the classic film

Considering the success of fellow 80s musicals DIRTY DANCING, FAME and FLASHDANCE, it seems surprising that it’s taken this long for AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN to make the transition from screen to the stage – more than thirty years in fact...

Looking for something to keep you entertained this week? Check out the latest film, theatre and music events on in Manchester this week from 13 to 19 August 2018

As the British heatwave comes to an end and Manchester sees some welcome rain and a not-so-welcome drop in temperature, you may be wondering what to do with yourself this week? Well, fear not, because there are plenty of events on in the North West this week to keep you entertained, from new film releases to all-singing, all-dancing mu...

Denzel Washington in THE EQUALIZER 2 (2018). © Sony Pictures 2018

While THE EQUALIZER 2 offers a more compelling and higher stakes story than its predecessor, its slow pace and weak script means it ultimately fails to find its footing

It’s fair to say that the original THE EQUALIZER was a bit of a surprise hit. The 2014 film which follows a former C.I.A. operative turned vigilante, took an impressive $192 million at the box office...

Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly in ANT-MAN AND THE WASP. © Marvel Studios 2018

Despite its fast-and-loose narrative, ANT-MAN AND THE WASP makes for a fresh and worthwhile breather in the dark Marvel universe

After the huge implications of AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR, Marvel could only go one way with their next release – small, of course...

Playwright Dennis Kelly talks about his work on MATILDA THE MUSICAL and what it means to be taking the musical out on tour

In many ways, it’s hard to believe that Dennis Kelly had never written a musical before MATILDA THE MUSICAL. Best known for his work in television and film, the British writer admits he was shocked when Jeanie O’Hare at the RSC first approached him about adapting Roald Dahl’s classic for the stage but it was a risk that paid off...

Like a fine wine, the MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE franchise just seems to get better with age with MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE FALLOUT upping the ante both in terms of overall look and action

Considering MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE is now on its sixth outing, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the film franchise is sure to be running out of steam but in the case of MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE FALLOUT, the opposite is true...

Despite its weak script, Nick Winston’s new touring production of FAME THE MUSICAL is full of energy and vigour

Before GLEE (2009-2015) and HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL (2006) came FAME, the original teen musical drama. Directed by Alan Parker, the 1980 film about a group of wannabe New York performers quickly became a success, spawning a hit TV show and a stage musical. 30 years later, FAME THE MUSICAL out on tour once again to celebrate its 30th anniversary, opening at Manchester’s Palace Theatre ...

Lyricist and comedian Tim Minchin talks about the success of MATILDA THE MUSICAL and what it means to be taking it out on tour

When comedian Tim Minchin was approached by The Royal Shakespeare Company back in 2008 to write the music for a new stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s MATILDA, he never could have imagined its success.

Opening to widespread critical acclaim and box-office popularity, MATILDA THE MUSICAL has grown to become one of the most popular theatre shows in London’s West End, wi...