Blog Archives

Theatre Review: DEATH OF A SALESMAN – The Lowry, Salford

The cast of DEATH OF A SALESMAN. Photo Credit: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan

Powerful and emotionally raw, DEATH OF A SALESMAN is a haunting portrayal of one man’s unravelling under the weight of the failed American dream.

4.5 out of 5 stars

It’s been 75 years since Arthur Miller wrote his searing indictment of the American dream, and this current touring production of DEATH OF A SALESMAN has lost none of its sting.

We meet Willy Loman, a failing salesman clinging to past glories...

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Theatre Review: BOYS FROM THE BLACKSTUFF – The Lowry, Salford

This powerful and faithful revival of BOYS FROM THE BLACKSTUFF captures the raw despair of post-industrial Britain with a superb cast and striking staging.

5 out of 5 stars

The early 1980s in Britain was a time of change. Industrialisation was on its way out, and with it went thousands of men trained in trades that were suddenly no longer needed. The youth culture reflected the worries of the working class, and whether through confrontation or escapism, the sense of movement was undeniable.

In 1982, these conc...

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Theatre Review: MARY POPPINS – Palace Theatre, Manchester

Stefanie Jones in MARY POPPINS. Photo Credit: Danny Kaan.

Combining flawless performances, breath-taking staging, and old-school showbiz glamour, MARY POPPINS is a masterclass in theatrical magic.

5 out of 5 stars

It is easy to see why MARY POPPINS the musical has won so many awards from Oliviers to Tonys and entranced audiences from Broadway and the West End to productions across the globe; it is simply perfect in every way...

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Theatre Review: LITTLE WOMEN – The Lowry, Salford

The cast of LITTLE WOMEN. Photo Credit: Nobby Clark

With strong performances, clever staging, and a warm, engaging atmosphere, this charming and faithful stage adaptation of LITTLE WOMEN brings the March sisters’ story vividly to life.

4 out of 5 stars

Since its publication in 1868–1869, Louisa May Alcott’s novel about the about the fates and fortunes of four sisters has become regarded as one of the great “coming of age” novels for young women...

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Theatre Review: CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG – Palace Theatre, Manchester

Ore Oduba and Ellie Nunn in CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG. Photo Credit: Paul Coltas

With standout performances, infectious comedy, and stunning visuals, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG is a vibrant, joy-filled spectacle.

5 out of 5 stars

In CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, Ian Fleming wrote, “Never say no to adventures” and anyone attending this touring production is certainly in for an adventure filled with spectacle and infectious joy...

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Theatre Review: THE MERCHANT OF VENICE 1936 – The Lowry, Salford

Tracy-Ann Oberman in THE MERCHANT OF VENICE 1936. Photo Credit: Marc Brenner

This powerful reimagining of THE MERCHANT OF VENICE 1936 highlights the play’s enduring relevance, with standout performances and a chilling portrayal of historical and modern antisemitism.

5 out of 5 stars

The well-known saying that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it feels especially relevant in this striking and audacious production of THE MERCHANT OF VENICE 1936...

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Theatre Review: THE SHARK IS BROKEN – The Lowry, Salford

The cast of THE SHARK IS BROKEN. Photo Credit: Manuel Harlan

Based on Robert Shaw’s diaries, THE SHARK IS BROKEN offers a witty and poignant behind-the-scenes look at the tense, complex relationships between the three JAWS actors.

4 out of 5 stars

Any fan of the 1974 film JAWS will know that its production was notoriously difficult...

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Theatre Review: NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL A MUSICAL – Opera House, Manchester

The cast of NOW That’s What I Call A Musical. Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL A MUSICAL is a fun, nostalgic jukebox musical packed with 1980s hits, strong performances, lively choreography, and plenty of laughs.

4 out of 5 stars

Ah, the 1980s – a time when every hairbrush doubled as a microphone, ra-ra skirts were all the rage, and you could dream of being anything you wanted to be...

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Theatre Review: CALAMITY JANE – Opera House, Manchester

The cast of CALAMITY JANE. Photo Credit: Mark Senior

A whip-cracking production of CALAMITY JANE at Manchester’s Opera House delivers infectious energy, stunning performances, and lively choreography, making it a feel-good musical triumph.

5 out of 5 stars

It’s a cold, wet evening in Manchester but inside the Opera House there’s a whip cracking staging of CALAMITY JANE with an ensemble cast who are more than up to the job of taking the audience on a feel good tale of romance; well, eventually.

Jamie Wilson’...

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Theatre Review: ELF THE MUSICAL – Palace Theatre, Manchester

With joyful performances, seamless set transitions, and engaging audience interaction, ELF THE MUSICAL is a feel-good, festive experience that leaves audiences brimming with holiday cheer.

5 out of 5 stars

This year sees 21 years since the hit film ELF was released, becoming an instant Christmas classic...

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