Blog Archives

Atmospheric, absorbing and packed full of suspense, FORCE OF NATURE is a worthy follow-up to THE DRY

Following the success of her debut novel THE DRY, Jane Harper returns with her second book in the Agent Aaron Falk series, FORCE OF NATURE.

Set in the rugged Australian outback, FORCE OF NATURE tells the story of five female work colleagues who reluctantly set out on a hike as part of a team building weekend...

Molly Chesworth and George Parker in TEDDY. Photo by Scott Rylander

George Parker talks to Frankly My Dear UK about his role in 1950s rock ‘n’ roll musical TEDDY

Following its award-winning premiere at Southwark Playhouse in 2015, 1950s rock ‘n’ roll musical TEDDY makes a welcome return to the stage as part of a UK tour.

Set in the aftermath of the Blitz, TEDDY tells the story of two teenagers, Teddy and Josie, who get ready for an unforgettable night out, no matter how dangerous the conseq...

Ben Adams as Nick Hurley in FLASHDANCE. Photography by Brian Hartley

Ben Adams talks to Frankly My Dear UK about his role in FLASHDANCE and his new found love for musical theatre

It’s fair to say that Ben Adams is a busy man. Best known as one-fourth of British–Norwegian pop group A1, the singer, songwriter and music producer is now turning his hand to musical theatre, performing alongside Strictly Come Dancing’s Joanne Clifton in FLASHDANCE.

Based on the 1983 Oscar-winning film starring J...

Jim Sturgeon as Alec and Isabel Pollen as Laura in BRIEF ENCOUNTER. Photo: Steve Tanner

Isabel Pollen talks to Frankly My Dear UK about taking on the iconic role of Laura in Kneehigh’s BRIEF ENCOUNTER

Following its hugely successful run in 2008, Kneehigh’s production of Noël Coward’s BRIEF ENCOUNTER makes a welcome return to the stage.

Running for a limited season at Empire Cinema Haymarket in London’s West End, BRIEF ENCOUNTER tells the timeless love story of Laura and Alec who meet by cha...

Inventive, moving and nostalgic, Kneehigh’s production of BRIEF ENCOUNTER is a witty and sympathetic homage to Coward’s timeless love story

Bringing a classic movie to life on stage is always a tricky endeavour, especially one as much loved as BRIEF ENCOUNTER. So when Kneehigh’s Emma Rice decided to take on the mammoth task of bringing Noel Coward’s timeless classic to life, it made sense for her to incorporate David Lean’s iconic film into the live action performance.

Based on the f...

Margot Robbie shines as disgraced figure skater Tonya Harding in Craig Gillespie’s darkly comic biopic

Like Margot Robbie, I’d never heard of Tonya Harding before I, TONYA but I certainly won’t forget her in a hurry. The former champion figure skater certainly has an interesting story to tell, so interesting in fact that you’d be forgiven for thinking its fiction.

I,TONYA tells the life story of Harding (Robbie), from her introduction into ice skating at age four to her rise amongst the r...

Craig Warner strips back Patricia Highsmith’s 1950 thriller STRANGERS ON A TRAIN to focus on the mystery, psychological drama and dark wit of the piece

It takes a brave man to take on an Alfred Hitchcock thriller which is probably why Craig Warner decided to opt for a slightly different approach with his stage adaption of STRANGERS ON A TRAIN.

Reworking Patricia Highsmith’s 1950 novel, Warner’s taut and effective production chooses to draw out the mystery, psychological drama and dark wit o...

Adam Meggido talks about what inspired him to co-create SHOWSTOPPER! THE IMPROVISED MUSICAL

Following three sell-out Edinburgh Fringe seasons and a successful run in London’s West End, SHOWSTOPPER! THE IMPROVISED MUSICAL heads out on tour visiting Manchester’s Palace Theatre this Saturday for one night only.

Based on audience suggestions, SHOWSTOPPER! THE IMPROVISED MUSICAL is an entirely improvised musical show created from scratch every night...

From gripping thrillers to show stopping musicals, we take a look at the top five theatre shows on in Manchester this week

It’s fair to say that Manchester theatre lovers are spoilt for choice this week. From gripping thrillers to show stopping musicals, there is something for everyone in Manchester this week.

To help make your choice a little easier, Frankly My Dear UK has put together a list of our top five shows that are on this week.

STRANGERS ON A TRAIN – Opera House

First up is Craig...

Becky Prestwich during rehearsals of CHIP SHOP CHIPS. Image Credit: Lucas Smith

Playwright Becky Prestwich chats to Frankly My Dear UK about CHIP SHOP CHIPS

Following the success of STREETLIGHTS AND SHADOWS (2007) and LETTING IN AIR (2009), Becky Prestwich makes a welcome return to the stage with CHIP SHOP CHIPS, a funny and nostalgic tale of love over fish and chips.

Commissioned by Box of Tricks Theatre Company, CHIP SHOP CHIPS is a play about love, family, nostalgia and nation’s favourite fo...