Blog Archives

Theatre Review: THE PRODUCERS – Royal Exchange, Manchester

Julius D'Silva (Max Bialystock) & the Ensemble of THE PRODUCERS

Julius D’Silva (Max Bialystock) & the Ensemble of THE PRODUCERS. Photo Credit: Johan Persson

Combining satire with spectacle, Raz Shaw’s production of Mel Brooks’ THE PRODUCERS is outrageous for all the right reasons

With hits like LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, SWEET CHARITY and GUYS AND DOLLS already under its belt, the Christmas musical at the Royal Exchange is fast becoming a Manchester tradition...

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Theatre Review: WICKED (UK Tour) – Palace Theatre, Manchester

Helen Woolf as Glinda & Amy Ross as Elphaba in WICKED UK Tour.

Helen Woolf as Glinda & Amy Ross as Elphaba in WICKED UK & Ireland Tour. Photo Credit: Matt Crockett

From its striking set and breathtaking special effects to Stephen Schwartz’s memorable score, WICKED continues to cast a spell over all those who see it

It’s fair to say that Manchester theatregoers are spoilt for choice with shows this Christmas. From THE PRODUCERS at the Royal Exchange to DR DOLITTLE at The Lowry, there is pretty much something for everyone this festive season here in the ...

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Theatre Review: SIX – The Lowry, Salford

The cast of SIX The Musical. Photo Credit: Idil Sukan/Draw HQ

The cast of SIX The Musical. Photo Credit: Idil Sukan/Draw HQ

Smart, sexy and super sassy, SIX remixes 500 years of historical heartbreak into a 75-minute celebration of sisterly sassitude

“Do you remember us from your GCSEs?” shouts Jarneia Richard-Noel’s Catherine of Aragon as SIX takes to the stage. But this isn’t your average history lesson. Oh no...

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Book Review: THE HUNTING PARTY by Lucy Foley

THE HUNTING PARTY by Lucy Foley

With its atmospheric setting, psychological plot twists and character-driven storyline, THE HUNTING PARTY by Lucy Foley is an Agatha Christie-inspired that keeps you guessing right until the very end

With Christmas fast approaching, the book on everyone’s lips at the moment is THE HUNTING PARTY...

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Music Review: SHALAMAR – O2 Ritz, Manchester

Shalamar UK Tour 2018

Delivering their unique blend of funk, disco and soul, 80s legends Shalamar still know how to give the audience a night to remember

Following their successful FRIENDS 35TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR earlier this year, American R&B and soul group Shalamar make a welcome return to the UK for two extra dates at the Indigo O2 in London and O2 Ritz in Manchester.

Best known for their hits in the 1970s and 80s, Shalamar was originally created by SOUL TRAIN TV producer and host Don Cornelius and talent promoter...

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Theatre Review: BENIDORM LIVE – Palace Theatre, Manchester

Tony Maudsley as Kenneth and Adam Gillen as Liam in BENIDORM LIVE

Tony Maudsley as Kenneth and Adam Gillen as Liam in BENIDORM LIVE. Photo Credit: Paul Coltas

Cheesy, brash and gloriously OTT, Derren Litten’s BENIDORM LIVE successfully makes the transition from screen to stage

There is always a risk when TV programmes make the transition from screen to stage, especially one popular as BENIDORM...

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Things To Do: MAGICAL CHRISTMAS MOVIE EXPERIENCE – Mayfield Depot, Manchester

Festive Cinema at the Magical Christmas Movie Experience

The Fairytale Festive Cinema at the Magical Christmas Movie Experience in Manchester.  © Donna Kelly

With its enchanted forest, live entertainment and Christmas themed refreshments, the MAGICAL CHRISTMAS MOVIE EXPERIENCE is sure to get you in the festive mood

Pop-up cinemas seem to be the “in thing” at the moment but rarely are they done well. Despite the best intentions of the organisers, many guests are often left disappointed by cold venues, poor refreshments and expensive ticket prices...

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Theatre Review: MATTHEW BOURNE’S SWAN LAKE– The Lowry, Salford

Matthew Bourne's SWAN LAKE UK Tour 2018.

Matthew Bourne’s SWAN LAKE UK Tour 2018. Photo Credit: Johan Persson

With its masterful choreography, stunning set and innovative costume design, you can’t help but fall under the spell of Matthew Bourne’s SWAN LAKE

It’s hard to believe that Matthew Bourne’s SWAN LAKE is a whopping 23 years old. As the iconic dance piece returns to the stage for a new UK tour, it still feels as bold, fresh and inventive as ever.

Best known for shattered conventions by replacing the female corps-de-ballet ...

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Film Review: THE GIRL IN THE SPIDER’S WEB

Claire Foy in The Girl in the Spider's Web (2018)

Claire Foy as Lisbeth Salander in THE GIRL IN THE SPIDER’S WEB (2018)

Opting for style over substance, THE GIRL IN THE SPIDER’S WEB boasts enough inventive set pieces to keep you engaged but ultimately feels disconnected from the rest of the series

Considering its been seven years since David Fincher’s THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO hit UK cinema screens, you kind of wonder why Sony has even bothered reboot the Millennium series once again...

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INTERVIEW: Lara Cowin Talks STICK MAN

The cast of STICK MAN. Photo Credit Steve Ullathorne

The cast of STICK MAN. Photo Credit Steve Ullathorne

Following her recent run in London’s West End, Lara Cowin talks about returning to the role of Stick Lady Love in Scamp Theatre’s adaptation of STICK MAN

Scamp Theatre’s adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s STICK MAN makes a welcome return to Salford’s The Lowry for a month-long run over Christmas.

Based on the hugely popular children’s book, STICK MAN tells the tale of a happy-go-lucky father’s epic journey to make i...

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