Blog Archives

Denzel Washington in THE EQUALIZER 2 (2018). © Sony Pictures 2018

While THE EQUALIZER 2 offers a more compelling and higher stakes story than its predecessor, its slow pace and weak script means it ultimately fails to find its footing

It’s fair to say that the original THE EQUALIZER was a bit of a surprise hit. The 2014 film which follows a former C.I.A. operative turned vigilante, took an impressive $192 million at the box office...

Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly in ANT-MAN AND THE WASP. © Marvel Studios 2018

Despite its fast-and-loose narrative, ANT-MAN AND THE WASP makes for a fresh and worthwhile breather in the dark Marvel universe

After the huge implications of AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR, Marvel could only go one way with their next release – small, of course...

Playwright Dennis Kelly talks about his work on MATILDA THE MUSICAL and what it means to be taking the musical out on tour

In many ways, it’s hard to believe that Dennis Kelly had never written a musical before MATILDA THE MUSICAL. Best known for his work in television and film, the British writer admits he was shocked when Jeanie O’Hare at the RSC first approached him about adapting Roald Dahl’s classic for the stage but it was a risk that paid off...

Like a fine wine, the MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE franchise just seems to get better with age with MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE FALLOUT upping the ante both in terms of overall look and action

Considering MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE is now on its sixth outing, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the film franchise is sure to be running out of steam but in the case of MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE FALLOUT, the opposite is true...

Despite its weak script, Nick Winston’s new touring production of FAME THE MUSICAL is full of energy and vigour

Before GLEE (2009-2015) and HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL (2006) came FAME, the original teen musical drama. Directed by Alan Parker, the 1980 film about a group of wannabe New York performers quickly became a success, spawning a hit TV show and a stage musical. 30 years later, FAME THE MUSICAL out on tour once again to celebrate its 30th anniversary, opening at Manchester’s Palace Theatre ...

Lyricist and comedian Tim Minchin talks about the success of MATILDA THE MUSICAL and what it means to be taking it out on tour

When comedian Tim Minchin was approached by The Royal Shakespeare Company back in 2008 to write the music for a new stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s MATILDA, he never could have imagined its success.

Opening to widespread critical acclaim and box-office popularity, MATILDA THE MUSICAL has grown to become one of the most popular theatre shows in London’s West End, wi...

Katherine Kingsley as Dusty and Roberta Taylor as Kay in DUSTY. Photo Credit: Johan Persson

Katherine Kingsley steals the show as the blue-eyed soul singer in Jonathan Harvey’s new musical DUSTY

Few singers are as loved, revered and fondly remembered as Dusty Springfield. But behind the hits, the hair and the husky voice was a complex and troubled artist as Jonathan Harvey’s new musical DUSTY demonstrates.

Drawing on personal memories of those who knew her best, DUSTY is a warts-and-all biogr...

Robert Powell in SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE FINAL CURTAIN. Photo Credit: Nobby Clark

SHERLOCK HOLMES – THE FINAL CURTAIN boasts all the ingredients of a great thriller but ultimately fails to live up to expectation

From Basil Rathbone’s memorable interpretation to Benedict Cumberbatch’s modern portrayal, it’s easy to see why Sherlock Holmes is the most portrayed literary character in film and television history...

Christine Baranski, Julie Walters & Amanda Seyfried in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again © Universal Pictures

Full of love, life and song, MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN outshines the original in almost every way

It’s been a decade since the original MAMMA MIA! hit cinema screens. The 2008 musical rom-com, based on the 1999 musical of the same name, fast became a fan favourite grossing $615 million at the box office to become the fifth highest-grossing film of 2008...

Caroline Clegg, Founder and Director of Feelgood Theatre talks to Frankly My Dear UK about their new promenade production of ROMEO AND JULIET

Following the success of their 2017 production of MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, award-winning theatre company Feelgood Theatre Productions make a welcome return to Manchester’s Heaton Park to stage William Shakespeare’s classic love story, ROMEO AND JULIET.

Fusing music from Gounod to the Stone Roses, with sword fighting and dance by graduates from the N...