Blog Archives

Theatre Review: I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY – Opera House, Manchester

The cast of I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY UK Tour. Photo Credit: Marc Brenner

Feel-good, funny, and bursting with energy, I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY hits all the right notes.

4.5 out of 5 stars

With more than 100 UK top-40 hits to their name, it’s surprising that it’s taken this long for a musical based on the music of Stock Aitken Waterman to hit the stage. Finally, the beloved hit factory songs that we all know, and love, have been brought to life in an all-new, feel-good musical.

I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY follows young couple, ...

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Theatre Review: QUIZ: THE COUGHING MAJOR MILLIONAIRE SCANDAL – The Lowry, Salford

Lewis Reeves and Rory Bremner in QUIZ. Photo Credit: Johan Persson

Blending populism, impressionist comedy, and social satire, QUIZ is an interactive and thought-provoking theatrical experience.

4 out of 5 stars

Six years after its initial success, James Graham’s QUIZ makes a welcome return to the stage as part of a new UK tour.

Based on real events, QUIZ delves into the origins of the iconic quiz show WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE and the notorious “coughing Major” scandal of 2001, where Charles Ingram cheat...

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Theatre Review: NOISES OFF – The Lowry, Salford

The cast of NOISES OFF UK Tour. Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

Inventive, fast-paced and witty, NOISES OFF hasn’t lost an ounce of its humour or heart, even after four decades.

4 out of 5 stars

Long before the hilarity of THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG and the mystery of CURTAINS came the timeless comedy gem NOISES OFF. Since 1982, Michael Frayn’s uproarious play-within-a-play has been delighting audiences. Now, it’s back at The Lowry, returning after a triumphant West End run, celebrating its 40th anniversary in all its...

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Theatre Review: 42ND STREET – Opera House, Manchester

Michael Praed as Julian Marsh in 42ND STREET. Photo Credit: Johan Persson

Driven by its talented cast, showstopping tap sequences and fresh direction, 42ND STREET solidifies its place as a beloved classic in the world of musical theatre.

4 out of 5 stars

Few shows can boast the spectacle of 42ND STREET, and the latest touring production at Manchester’s Opera House is no exception...

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#LFF 2023: ESSEX GIRLS (Short) Film Review

Busayo Ige in ESSEX GIRLS (2023)

ESSEX GIRLS is a short but impactful film about identity, race and the power of female friendships.

4 out of 5 stars

When you look up the term “Essex Girl” on Google, you’ll come across a stereotype: a loud, materialistic white woman, typically with blonde hair and a fake tan. It’s a stereotype we all know, but it doesn’t fit Bisola.

Growing up in Benfleet, Essex as a British-Nigerian girl hasn’t been easy for Bisola...

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#LFF 2023: LAST SUMMER (L’ETE DERNIER) Film Review

Léa Drucker and Samuel Kircher in LAST SUMMER (2023)

LAST SUMMER is an oddly subdued affair about the impulsive and regrettable choices people make when desire takes control.

2.5 out of 5 stars

French filmmaker Catherine Breillat returns to the screen with LAST SUMMER, an unsettling anti-romance, which is a remake of May el-Toukhy’s award-winning Danish film QUEEN OF HEARTS.

The story revolves around Anne (Léa Drucker), a successful lawyer with a wealthy husband and two adopted daughters...

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Theatre Review: Jesus Christ Superstar – Palace Theatre, Manchester

The company of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Photo Credit: Paul Coltas

Timothy Sheader’s bold reinterpretation of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR provides the perfect platform for rock-star extravagance.

5 out of 5 stars

Timothy Sheader’s fresh take on JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, which initially gained acclaim at Regent Park Open Air Theatre, finally embarks on a UK tour, opening at Manchester’s Palace Theatre this week.

The sung-through rock opera, originally released as a concept album, follows Jesus Christ in his final days be...

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Theatre Review: LIZZIE THE MUSICAL – Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester

The Company of LIZZIE THE MUSICAL. Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

Driven by its blistering score, simple set design and powerhouse lead performances, LIZZIE THE MUSICAL is a night at the theatre to die for!

4 out of 5 stars

The tale of Lizzie Borden is the stuff of American legend. Accused of brutally murdering her father and stepmother with an axe in the late summer of 1892, Borden’s trial became a media sensation, inspiring numerous films, literary works, and even a twisted nursery rhyme...

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Theatre Review: HEATHERS THE MUSICAL – Palace Theatre, Manchester

Elise Zavou, Verity Thompson & Billie Bowman in HEATHERS THE MUSICAL. Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

Retaining the sharp wit and satirical edge of the cult 1989 film, HEATHERS THE MUSICAL juxtaposes catchy songs with dark humour.

4 out of 5 stars

Following two smash-hit West End seasons and a record-breaking run at The Other Palace, HEATHERS THE MUSICAL makes a welcome return to Manchester’s Palace Theatre as part of a new national tour.

Based on the cult 1989 film starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, HEAT...

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Theatre Review: STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL – The Lowry, Salford

Kevin Clifton and Faye Brooks in STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL

Kevin Clifton and Faye Brooks in STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL

Despite being unpolished in places, STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL captures the quirky Australian charm of the movie thanks to its vibrant set and talented cast performance.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Kevin Clifton makes a welcome return to the ballroom in the musical adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s cult 1992 film, STRICTLY BALLROOM, marking a full-circle moment for the professional dancer after his 2018 victory on STRICTLY COME DANCING.

Set in early 1990s Austra...

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