Blog Archives

Thom Tuck and Dennis Herdman in THE PLAY WHAT I WROTE. Photo: Manuel Harlan

Fast-paced, nostalgic and packed full of laughs, THE PLAY THAT I WROTE is a loving celebration of good old-fashioned comedy.

When THE PLAY WHAT I WROTE first hit the stage 20 years ago, it became a hit on both sides of the Atlantic. Paying homage to the legendary comedy duo Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise, the play was nominated for four Olivier Awards, winning Best Comedy and Best Supporting Actor for Toby Jones...

Vicky Edwards talks to Jay Osmond about his life, career and the world premiere of THE OSMONDS: A NEW MUSICAL

They say you should never meet your heroes, but seriously? I mean, asking a 70s kid to interview an ACTUAL Osmond? The guy who sang Crazy Horses? WILD horses wouldn’t have stopped me.

Any fears about heroes having feet of clay prove unfounded. Jay Osmond is lovely...

Gaynor Faye, Luke Ward-Wilkinson, Leon Stewart & Adam Woodyatt in LOOKING GOOD DEAD Photo: Alastair Muir

Peter James’ LOOKING GOOD DEAD carefully balances humour with plenty of chilling scenes, despite its increasingly complex plot and light-hearted delivery

Following the stage success of THE PERFECT MURDER and DEAD SIMPLE, the world premiere of Peter James’ LOOKING GOOD DEAD heads to The Lowry this week, starring EastEnders icon Adam Woodyatt and award-winning actor Gaynor Faye.

Based on James...

Fun, energetic and featuring a tremendous young cast, SCHOOL OF ROCK is a thrilling musical that the whole family will enjoy.

Manchester’s Palace Theatre kicked off 2022 in true Rock ‘n’ Roll style with the first ever UK tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s West End and Broadway hit musical SCHOOL OF ROCK.

Based on the 2003 movie starring Jack Black, SCHOOL OF ROCK tells the story of failed rock star Dewey Finn who poses as a substitute teacher at an elite prep school to pay his rent.

Despera...

THE BOOK OF MORMON. UK touring company. Photo Criedit: Paul Coltas

Damnably clever, brilliantly conceived and superbly executed, THE BOOK OF MORMON is one of the funniest and clever musicals of the last decade.

Smash hit musical THE BOOK OF MORMON makes a welcome return to Manchester’s Palace Theatre this week. The Tony Award-winning show enjoyed a sold-out stint in 2019 when it opened its first UK tour at the venue with extra dates added several times due to high demand.

Written by Trey Park...

The main stage at Silcock’s Winter Wonderland. Photo Credit: Prakash Bhalsod

Featuring more than 50 family rides and attractions, Silcock’s Winter Wonderland is a family-friendly event that will appeal to children of all ages

Silcock’s Winter Wonderland makes a welcome return to Manchester’s EventCity this week for the first time in four years.

Organised by Kingpin Events, the family festive extravaganza features more than 50 family rides and attractions, all under one roof for a set tick...

Tarik Fimpong, Cherelle Williams, Jonathan Andre & Llewellyn Graham in THE WIZ. Photo: Pamela Raith

Reimagined for a contemporary audience, THE WIZ is a glorious celebration of self-determination, self-empowerment, and Black culture.

Hope Mill Theatre stage the first new UK production of THE WIZ in 10 years, bringing this award-winning Broadway musical to life this Christmas.

Based on L...

Matthew Bourne’s NUTCRACKER! Photo Credit: Johan Persson

Refreshed and reinvigorated for 2021, Matthew Bourne’s NUTCRACKER! is a spectacular treat for the eyes and ears

It’s hard to believe Matthew Bourne’s NUTCRACKER! is almost 30 years old. The award-winning choreographer has a rare knack for keeping his productions fresh, as his latest touring production aptly demonstrates.

Inspired by E.T.A...

Actress Samantha Womack talks about her role as the villainous White Witch in Michael Fentiman’s adaption of THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE

Samantha Womack has long been a familiar and much-admired presence on TV, but the actress currently touring the country in THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE wants to make one point clear: the stage, she feels, is her natural home.

“The theatre feels to me kinder,” Womack was saying one recent afternoon, speaking to theatre critic Matt Wolf from ...

With its farcical delivery, Anthony Banks’ adaption of DIAL M FOR MURDER takes a different approach to Frederick Knott’s classic thriller

It’s fair to say that DIAL M FOR MURDER has somewhat of a fond place in this reviewer’s heart. As the first ever theatre review published on Frankly My Dear UK, the show marks a return to full circle for the site, as a new production by Anthony Banks’ production heads out on a UK tour.

Based on the play by Frederick Knott, DIAL M FOR MURDER tells t...