Blog Archives

Theatre Review: HERE & NOW – THE STEPS MUSICAL – Opera House, Manchester

The cast of HERE & NOW. Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

Packed with humour, heart, HERE & NOW – THE STEPS MUSICAL is a lively, nostalgic jukebox show that will delight long-time Steps fans and win over newcomers.

4 out of 5 stars

With a career spanning 25 years, over 22 million records sold, and one of pop’s strongest back catalogues, it’s surprising it has taken two decades for a musical based on the songs of British group Steps to reach the stage.

But fans need wait no longer, as HERE & NOW – TH...

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Theatre Interview: Rebecca Lock, Jacqui Dubois, Blake Patrick Anderson, Rosie Singha and River Medway Talk HERE & NOW – THE STEPS MUSICAL

Jacqui Dubois, Blake Patrick Anderson, Rosie Singha & Rebecca Lock in HERE & NOW. Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

Joyful, diverse, and emotional theatrical, the cast of HERE & NOW – THE STEPS MUSICAL promise audiences an uplifting night of music and escapism.

Returning to the HERE & NOW musical for the UK and Ireland tour, Rebecca Lock promises that audiences are in for a theatrical treat...

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Theatre Review: MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL – Palace Theatre, Manchester

Cameron Blakely as Harold Zidler and the original world tour company of MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL
Cameron Blakely as Harold Zidler and the original world tour company of MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL. Photo Credit: Matt Crockett

With its spectacular set design, powerful performances, and high-energy choreography, MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL is a visually stunning celebration of truth, beauty, freedom, and love.

5 out of 5 stars

Following its hit run on Broadway and in London’s West End, MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL finally heads to Manchester’s Palace Theatre, in a dazzling spectacle, romance, and hig...

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Brit Fest 2025 – Ashley Hall Showground, Altrincham

Brit Fest made a triumphant return for a weekend of music, magic, and memorable moments

Brit Fest made a triumphant return to Ashley Hall Showground in Altrincham this past weekend, welcoming over 30,000 excited festivalgoers to its 100-acre site. With music, food, fun, and a dash of British weather, it was a four-day celebration that won’t soon be forgotten.

Thursday’s pre-opening night set the tone in style, with iconic performances from Squeeze, Badly Drawn Boy, and China Crisis...

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The 5 Biggest Mistakes People Make Watching Films in Bed and How to Avoid Them

From poor posture to misusing pillows and messy snacking, we offer practical tips to help improve comfort, avoid pain, and enhance the home cinema experience.

There’s something comforting about turning your bedroom into your own personal cinema. No need for overpriced popcorn or the quiet fury of someone kicking the back of your seat. Just your film of choice, soft lighting, and maybe a blanket or two.

But here’s the thing: while the setup might feel ideal, the way we watch films at home isn’...

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Theatre Review: JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT – Opera House, Manchester

The cast of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. Photo Credit: Tristram Kenton

With stunning performances, dazzling visuals, and timeless songs, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT remains a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

4 out of 5 stars

The smash-hit London Palladium production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT makes a welcome return to Manchester this week as part of its UK tour.

Originally written as a school production, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZIN...

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Theatre Review: MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS – The Lowry, Salford

The cast of MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS. Photo Credit: Manuel Harlan

Cleverly staged, Lucy Bailey’s new touring production of MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS offers a thrilling and sumptuous evening of mystery and intrigue.

5 out of 5 stars

After directing productions of WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION and AND THEN THERE WERE NONE, Lucy Bailey goes for the Agatha Christie hat trick with a new touring production of MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS.

Set in Winter 1934, MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS follows Christie’s belov...

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Theatre Review: DISNEY’S ALADDIN – Palace Theatre, Manchester

Yeukayi Ushe and Ensemble in DISNEY’S ALADDIN. Photo Credit: Deen Van Meer.

With its captivating performances, stunning set designs, and beautiful score, Disney’s ALADDIN offers a dazzling and magical theatrical experience on its first UK and Ireland tour.

5 out of 5 stars

After ten years on Broadway and the West End, Disney’s hit musical ALADDIN finally heads to Manchester’s Palace Theatre for its first UK and Ireland tour.

Based on the 1992 animated film, ALADDIN tells the story of a lovable street urchin d...

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Theatre Review: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR – The Lowry, Salford

With standout performances and impressive choreography, Timothy Sheader’s 2024 reimagining of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is a dark, symbol-rich, and emotionally intense production.

5 out of 5 stars

Following its opening at Manchester’s Palace Theatre last year, Timothy Sheader’s bold reinterpretation of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR has finally arrived at Salford’s The Lowry as part of its UK tour.

First staged on Broadway in 1971, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR explores the final weeks of Jesus Christ’s life...

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Theatre Review: KAY MELLOR’S THE SYNDICATE – The Lowry, Salford

The cast of KAY MELLOR’S THE SYNDICATE. Photo Credit: Craig Sugden

Kay Mellor’s final stage play, THE SYNDICATE, is a well-executed adaptation with strong performances and plenty of Northern humour.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Following the success of her other stage adaptations, BAND OF GOLD and FAT FRIENDS, Kay Mellor’s final stage play, THE SYNDICATE, makes its world premiere at Salford’s The Lowry this week as part of a new UK tour.

Based on the hit BBC TV show, THE SYNDICATE follows the fortunes of five supermarket e...

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