Blog Archives

Lucy Ellinson (Macbeth) in MACBETH at Royal Exchange Theatre. Photo Credit: Johan Persson

Despite Lucy Ellinson’s nuanced and edgy performance, Christopher Haydon’s contemporary version of MACBETH ultimately lacks intensity

It’s fair to say that Sarah Frankcom’s tenure at the Royal Exchange has been a success...

Choreographer and director Bo Jackson talks about the launch of her thrilling new dance company Z BO JACKSON

Innovative choreographer and director Bo Jackson launches her thrilling new dance company Z BO JACKSON this month with a star-studded gala night at the Manchester’s Palace Theatre.

From free runners to hip hop, ballet to street dance, the Z BO JACKSON Company will combine a diverse mix of dance styles with compelling storytelling and magnetic physicality.

The mix of dance styles, combi...

Jodie Prenger in rehearsals for A TASTE OF HONEY. Photo Credit: Marc Brenner

Jodie Prenger talks about taking on the iconic role of Helen in a new National Theatre production of Shelagh Delaney’s career-defining play A TASTE OF HONEY

More than 60 years after its controversial run in London’s West End, Shelagh Delaney’s career-defining play A TASTE OF HONEY returns home to Salford with a new National Theatre production opening at The Lowry before embarking on a new UK tour.

Featuring Jodi...

Despite towering performances from Timothy Spall and Vanessa Redgrave, MRS LOWRY & SON feels more like an extended chamber piece than a portrait of an actual artist

The city of Salford is famous for many things – its part in the industrial revolution, Ordsall Hall and Eccles cakes to name but a few. But its most famous export is undoubtedly LS Lowry, the artist famous for his distinctive urban life paintings and “matchstick men”...

Writer Henry Filloux-Bennett talks to Frankly My Dear UK about adapting Nigel Slater’s memoir for the stage

When Nigel Slater released his memoir TOAST: THE STORY OF A BOY’S HUNGER back in 2004, little did he know the impact it would have. Of course, many expected the book to be a best-seller, which it was – Slater is one of Britain’s best-loved food writers and presenters after all...

Fusing music and movement with smell and taste, Henry Filloux-Bennett’s adaption of Nigel Slater’s TOAST quietly stirs the soul and the senses

From the wafts of almost-burnt toast which fill the auditorium as the audience takes to their seats to the bags of old-fashioned sweets handed out midway through the performance, few theatre shows can claim to be as multi-sensory as Nigel Slater’s TOAST...

Michael Howe as Jerry Springer in JERRY SPRINGER – THE OPERA. Photo: Anthony Robling

Just like the TV talk show, JERRY SPRINGER THE OPERA is not for the faint-hearted – or the easily offended – yet this controversial musical feels more relevant today than ever before

It’s fair to say that JERRY SPRINGER THE OPERA caused a bit of a stir when it last came to the UK back in 2006...

Miriam-Teak Lee talks about taking on the exciting lead role in brand new musical & JULIET

Vibrant new musical & JULIET opens at Manchester’s Opera House next month, flipping Shakespeare’s infamous love story on its head to prove that when it comes to love, there’s always life after Romeo.

Set to some of the biggest pop anthems of the last 30 years from acclaimed songwriter Max Martin, including …BABY ONE MORE TIME, EVERYBODY (BACKSTREET’S BACK), LOVE ME LIKE YOU DO and CAN’T FEEL MY FACE, & J...

Audrey Brisson and cast in AMELIE THE MUSICAL. Photo Credit: Pamela Raith Photography

Director Michael Fentiman talks about the challenges of adapting the hit film AMELIE for the stage

Five-star musical adaptation of 2001 Oscar-nominated film AMELIE heads to Manchester’s Opera House next week as part of a new UK tour.

AMELIE THE MUSICAL tells the story of a young woman with a gift for quietly bringing joy to those around her...

Audrey Brisson and Danny Mac in AMELIE THE MUSICAL. Photo: Pamela Raith Photography

Ahead of its run at Manchester’s Opera House, Audrey Brisson (Amelie) and Danny Mac (Nico) about the five-star musical adaptation of the hit film AMELIE

The musical version of hit film AMELIE heads to Manchester’s Opera House next week as part of a new UK tour.

Based on the 2001 Oscar-nominated of the same name, AMELIE tells the story of a young woman with a gift for quietly bringing joy to those around her.

Bu...