Theatre Review: 42 BALLOONS – The Lowry, Salford
With its vibrant direction, inventive staging, and 80s-inspired soundtrack, 42 BALLOONS delivers an uplifting and captivating musical experience. Six years in the making, 42 BALLOONS finally makes its world premiere at Salford’s The Lowry this month, with a journey that echoes Larry Walters’ astonishing true story. Set in 1980s America, 42 BALLOONS follows Larry, a […]
Theatre Review: THE MOUSETRAP - The Lowry, Salford
Driven by a strong cast performance, THE MOUSETRAP continues to enthral with its timeless blend of mystery, humour, and intriguing characters. Celebrating over 70 years, it's easy to see why Agatha Christie's THE MOUSETRAP is the world’s longest-running play. Its timeless blend of mystery, humour, and intriguing characters has kept audiences on the edge of […]
Theatre Review: CLUEDO 2 - The Lowry, Salford
CLUEDO 2 offers a fresh twist on the classic whodunnit, blending farce with mystery to great effect. The much-anticipated return of the beloved whodunnit play, CLUEDO, graces the stage in 2024 with its sequel, CLUEDO 2, bringing with it a refreshing twist on the original formula. Set in the swinging 1960s, CLUEDO 2 centres on […]
Theatre Review: I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY - Opera House, Manchester
Feel-good, funny, and bursting with energy, I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY hits all the right notes. 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 […]
Theatre Review: QUIZ: THE COUGHING MAJOR MILLIONAIRE SCANDAL – The Lowry, Salford
Blending populism, impressionist comedy, and social satire, QUIZ is an interactive and thought-provoking theatrical experience. 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 […]
Theatre Review: NOISES OFF - The Lowry, Salford
Inventive, fast-paced and witty, NOISES OFF hasn't lost an ounce of its humour or heart, even after four decades. 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 […]
Theatre Review: 42ND STREET - Opera House, Manchester
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. Few shows can boast the spectacle of 42ND STREET, and the latest touring production at Manchester’s Opera House is no exception. This musical extravaganza, based on Bradford Ropes' novel, […]
#LFF 2023: ESSEX GIRLS (Short) Film Review
ESSEX GIRLS is a short but impactful film about identity, race and the power of female friendships. 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 […]
#LFF 2023: LAST SUMMER (L'ETE DERNIER) Film Review
LAST SUMMER is an oddly subdued affair about the impulsive and regrettable choices people make when desire takes control. 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 […]
Theatre Review: Jesus Christ Superstar - Palace Theatre, Manchester
Timothy Sheader's bold reinterpretation of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR provides the perfect platform for rock-star extravagance. 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 […]