Blog Archives

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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Theatre Review: STEEL MAGNOLIAS – The Lowry, Salford

Despite some odd directorial choices, STEEL MAGNOLIAS remains a heartwarming tale of community, showcasing the strength and resilience of women.

3.5 out of 5 stars

It’s been over 30 years since Robert Harling’s play STEEL MAGNOLIAS first made its premiere. The comedy-drama, inspired by his sister’s battle with type 1 diabetes, was adapted into a movie in 1989, starring Dolly Parton and Julia Roberts, and still continues to draw a crowd, as demonstrated by the new UK tour.

Set in small-town Lousiana, STEEL MA...

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Theatre Review: Agatha Christie’s THE MOUSETRAP – Opera House, Manchester

The cast of THE MOUSETRAP 70th Anniversary Tour

The cast of THE MOUSETRAP 70th Anniversary Tour. Photo Credit: Matt Crockett

Successfully blending comedy and mystery, Agatha Christie’s THE MOUSETRAP continues to entertain, thanks to its impressive set, talented cast, and skilfully written plot.

4 out of 5 stars

It’s been a big week for the creative team behind Agatha Christie’s THE MOUSETRAP...

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Theatre Review: MATTHEW BOURNE’S SLEEPING BEAUTY – The Lowry, Salford

MATTHEW BOURNE'S SLEEPING BEAUTY. Photo Credit: Johan Persson

MATTHEW BOURNE’S SLEEPING BEAUTY. Photo Credit: Johan Persson

With its sumptuous sets, masterly storytelling and superb dance performances, MATTHEW BOURNE’S SLEEPING BEAUTY is a visually spectacular piece worthy of the ticket price.

5 out of 5 stars

It’s been 10 years since MATTHEW BOURNE’S SLEEPING BEAUTY first made its premiere at London’s Sadlers Wells Theatre...

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Theatre Review: Disney’s THE LION KING – Palace Theatre, Manchester

Filling the stage with song and spectacle, Disney’s THE LION KING is every bit as moving as the original movie.

5 out of 5 stars

Few musicals can claim to be as popular as Disney’s THE LION KING. Since it first opened on Broadway in 1997, the musical has been seen by more than 110 million people worldwide, has played in over 100 cities and is the highest-grossing Broadway production of all time...

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Theatre Review: THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION – The Lowry, Salford

Staying true to the 1994 film, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION translates well to the stage thanks to its talented cast ensemble and captivating storyline.

4 out of 5 stars

Few stories can claim to be as culturally significant as Stephen King’s THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION...

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Theatre Review: BLOOD BROTHERS – The Lowry, Salford

Niki Evans (Mrs Johnstone) & the cast of Blood Brothers- Blood Brothers UK 2022 Tour- Photo by Jack Merriman

Niki Colwell Evans & the cast of BLOOD BROTHERS. Photo: Jack Merriman

Carefully balancing moments of intensity with comedy, BLOOD BROTHERS continues to draw a crowd thanks to its compelling storyline, talented cast performance and instantly recognisable songs.

4 out of 5 stars

Few musicals can claim to be as popular as Willy Russell’s smash-hit show BLOOD BROTHERS...

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Wagamama Seijaku Event and Autumn Menu

Celebrating Seijaku, the Japanese philosophy of finding calm and tranquillity, Wagamama launch their brand-new Autumn menu to help bring a moment of calm.

This autumn, Wagamama is celebrating Seijaku, a Japanese philosophy of finding calm and tranquillity in the midst of activity.

Offering a warm and safe sanctuary for guests, the British restaurant, which serves Asian food based on Japanese cuisine, has launched a brand-new Autumn menu inspired by Seijaku to help bring a moment of calm.

To mar...

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