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Theatre Review: GREAT EXPECTATIONS – Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester

The cast of GREAT EXPECTATIONS. Photo Credit: Ellie Kurttz

Driven by its immersive set and impressive cast performances, Tanika Gupta’s adaptation of GREAT EXPECTATIONS delivers a fresh perspective on the classic novel.

4 out of 5 stars

Tanika Gupta’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ GREAT EXPECTATIONS makes its third outing at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre, following its debut in Watford a decade ago and a 2017 stint in Chicago.

Directed by Pooja Ghai, who originally played Krishna in the first product...

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Theatre Review: THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW – Opera House, Manchester

The cast of THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW. Image Credit: The Other Richard

The cast of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW. Image Credit: The Other Richard

Sequins, sparkles, and sweet transvestites make a welcome return to Manchester’s Opera House as Richard O’Brien’s THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW takes to the stage

4.5 out of 5 stars

In a week that Manchester hosts Pride, it seems only fitting that the Opera House hosts Richard O’Brien’s cult classic THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW with all its sequins, sparkles, and sweet transvestites – and that’s just the audience...

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Theatre Review: Northern Ballet – Dangerous Liaisons – The Lowry, Salford

Abigail Prudames as the Marquise in Dangerous Liaisons. Photo Emma Kauldhar

Abigail Prudames as the Marquise in Dangerous Liaisons. Photo: Emma Kauldhar

Northern Ballet’s tour of DANGEROUS LIAISONS is beautifully danced and evocatively performed, despite its rushed ending

3.5 out of 5 stars

Tasteful passion with a side of raunch, Northern Ballet’s tour of DANGEROUS LIAISONS hits Salford’s The Lowry this week before it heads to Sadlers Wells from 8 to 10 June.

Set in pre-revolution France where bedroom games are a way to combat boredom and everyone is everyone else’s lover or mistress, DA...

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Theatre Review: C-O-N-T-A-C-T – The Lowry, Salford

The cast of-C-o-n-t-a-c-t

The cast of C-O-N-T-A-C-T. Photo Credit: Phil Tragen

A narrative defined by longing and sorrow, C-O-N-T-A-C-T is a unique sensory and immersive theatre experience

4 out of 5 stars

Aria Entertainment and WEF Productions join forces with The Lowry to bring the critically acclaimed live production of C-O-N-T-A-C-T, to two new outdoor locations in Salford and Manchester from May 18 for six weeks.

After a week of torrential downpours, the clouds parted and the sun shone on a 50-minute evening promenade around Salfor...

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TRICK OR TREAT Film Review

Trick or Treat Film

Best-made plans don’t quite turn out as expected in TRICK OR TREAT, an interesting story of male mental health, brotherly trust and escapism

4.5 out of 5 stars

Released on Amazon, Sky & iTunes, TRICK OR TREAT is an independent new British film with a brilliant cast of well-known faces and has picked up awards at international film festivals.

Starring Kris Marhsall ( LOVE ACTUALLY); Hugo Speer (THE FULL MONTY); Jason Flemyng ( LOCK STOCK AND TWO SMOKING BARRELS); and Frances Barber (MISTER HOLMES)...

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Theatre Review: THRILLER LIVE – Palace Theatre, Manchester

David Julien in THRILLER LIVE

Despite its loose narrative, THRILLER LIVE successfully pays homage to the King of Pop

3 out of 5 stars

It’s been nearly 11 years since Michael Jackson died but as the audience took to their seats in Manchester’s Palace Theatre for the press night of THRILLER LIVE, it’s clear to see his legacy still lives on. 

An icon of the 20th Century, Jackson began his career enjoying chart-topping success with his brothers in the Motown era as the Jackson 5, before embarking on a solo career in 1971...

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Theatre Review: THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD – The Lowry, Salford

Combining magical storytelling with music and audience participation, THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD is just what theatre for children should be – engaging and beautiful

4 out of 5 stars

Children, parents, guardians and grandparents alike all piled into the Quays Theatre for THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD at The Lowry. 

Based on the bestselling sequel to the smash-hit picture book THE GRUFFALO, THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD follows the adventures of said youngster who sets foot in the deep dark wood...

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Music Review: Lisa Stansfield AFFECTION 30TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR – The Lowry, Salford

Lisa Stansfield AFFECTION 30th Anniversary UK Tour

Lisa Stansfield AFFECTION 30th Anniversary UK Tour. Photo Credit: Ed Fielding

30 years after the release of her debut solo album AFFECTION, Lisa Stansfield still knows how to command an audience

4 out of 5 stars

Lisa Stansfield brought an early 90s dance party vibe to Salford’s The Lowry on Saturday to mark the 30th-anniversary release of her debut solo album AFFECTION.

Released in 1989, the multi-platinum album went onto sell over 5 million copies worldwide, winning 3 BRIT Awards, 2 Ivor Novello Awards, a Bil...

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Theatre Review: 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL – Palace Theatre, Manchester

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL Tour

Inspired by the hit cult film, 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is a laugh-a-minute production about teaming up, standing up and taking care of business!

4.5 out of 5 stars

Based on the hit 1980s cult film, 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL tells the story of Doralee, Violet and Judy, three workmates pushed to boiling point by their sexist and bigot boss. Fed up, the ladies create a plan to kidnap and turn the tables on their despicable supervisor...

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Theatre Review: ROUNDABOUT Festival 2019 – DAUGHTERHOOD – Albert Park, Broughton

Charlotte Bate and Charlotte O'Leary in DAUGHTERHOOD

Charlotte Bate and Charlotte O’Leary in DAUGHTERHOOD. Photo Credit: Rebecca Need-Menear

Opening the ROUNDABOUT Festival at Albert Park in Broughton, DAUGHTERHOOD is a powerful and ferocious play about the bonds that tie us

3 out of 5 stars

A bright yellow dome in the middle of a park certainly attracts attention. The Paines Plough ROUNDABOUT is the UK’s first-ever fully accessible and portable plug-and-play theatre...

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