Blog Archives

Ammar Duffus (Conor) and Keith Gilmore (Monster) in A MONSTER CALL.S Photo Credit: Manuel Harlan

Using performance art, music and movement, Sally Cookson brings to life Patrick Ness’ emotional, thought-provoking and inspiring bestseller A MONSTER CALLS to life on stage

I’ve never read Patrick Ness’ bestseller A MONSTER CALLS or seen the hit 2016 film starring Sigourney Weaver and Liam Neeson, so when Sally Cookson’s critically acclaimed stage adaptation announced it was heading out on a ne...

John Partridge as Emcee in CABARET. Photo Credit: The Other Richard

Using the Kit Kat Club as a metaphor, Rufus Norris delivers a visual spectacle with CABARET

It’s testament to the popularity of hit musical CABARET that the Bill Kenwright’s production is back on the road just two years after its last UK tour starring Will Young and Louise Redknapp.

Set in Berlin in 1931, the multiple Tony award-winning musical follows American writer Cliff Bradshaw who stumbles across the seedy Kit Kat Cl...

Director Todd Haynes takes a somewhat different turn with his latest feature DARK WATERS, a whistleblower drama about corporate corruption

It’s fair to say that DARK WATERS isn’t your typical Todd Haynes movie. The American Director, best known for his pioneering queer cinema and inventive cinematic style, takes a somewhat different turn with his latest feature, DARK WATERS, a whistleblower drama about corporate corruption.

Based on a true story, DARK WATERS follows Robert Bilott (Mark Ruff...

The cast of WE WILL ROCK YOU UK Tour. Photo Credit: Johan Persson

Subtle changes to the script, set and cast give WE WILL ROCK YOU a fresh edge for 2020

As crowds descended on Manchester’s Palace Theatre for the opening night of WE WILL ROCK YOU, it’s hard to believe that this very musical was pounded by the critics when it first made its debut back in 2002...

Emma Osman, Laurie Brett and Gaynor Faye in BAND OF GOLD. Photo Credit: Robling Photography

Despite its brisk pace, BAND OF GOLD shines an important light on the realities of poverty, domestic abuse and the sex industry

25 years after it was first broadcast on ITV, multi-award-winning crime drama BAND OF GOLD makes its world premiere on the stage.

Inspired by research into the lives and experiences of sex workers on the streets of Leeds and Bradford, BAND OF GOLD tells the story of four wom...

Despite its repetitive score, this musical production of HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS is as pretty as a picture

The wet weather, a football match and a general election didn’t stop the residents of Manchester and Salford from getting in the festive mood as they headed to The Lowry for HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS the musical.

Based on the beloved Dr Seuss tale, HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS follows the mean-spirited and scheming Grinch who lives just north of the whimsical town of W...

Alexandra Burke as Rachel Marron in THE BODYGUARD. Photo Credit: Paul Coltas

Best described as a cross between a pop concert, a musical and a night at the movies, THE BODYGUARD is an adrenaline-fuelled stage version of the hit 1992 film

Following her triumphant West End run and sell-out 2015 UK tour, Alexandra Burke returns to the role of Rachel Marron in award-winning musical THE BODYGUARD.

Based on the 1992 hit film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, THE BODYGUARD tells the story of...

With nine sold-out UK tours under their belt, The Overtones prove that they’ve learnt a thing or two about throwing a CHRISTMAS PARTY

Over the past few years, its become somewhat of a tradition to see The Overtones at Christmas. Almost every year since 2015, the multi-platinum-selling vocal harmony group have performed a Christmas show, taking their trademark sense of celebration and party on the road. 2019 is no exception.

Bounding onto stage dressed in sharp white suits and black ties, The ...

Ria Jones as Rose in GYPSY at Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester. Photo Credit: Johan Persson

“Everything’s Coming Up Roses” once again for the Royal Exchange with their wild and magnificent Christmas production of GYPSY

From GUYS AND DOLLS and SWEET CHARITY to THE PRODUCERS, it’s fair to say that Royal Exchange Theatre has a bit of a reputation for redefining Broadway musicals...

Paul Greenwood & Ryan Kopel in THE ASTONISHING TIMES OF TIMOTHY CRATCHIT. Photo Credit: Phil Tragen

While THE ASTONISHING TIMES OF TIMOTHY CRATCHIT isn’t without its flaws, it is a show with immense promise

Ever wondered whatever became of Tiny Tim after the events of A CHRISTMAS CAROL? Hope Mill Theatre answers this very question with their latest production of THE ASTONISHING TIMES OF TIMOTHY CRATCHIT, a Victorian sequel to the Charles Dickens’ classic.

Set almost a decade after the events...