Theatre Review: SWEET CHARITY – Royal Exchange, Manchester
When SWEET CHARITY first premiered on Broadway in 1966, the musical defined a decade. Beginning with the hope and optimism of the 1960s and ending with the cynicism of the 1970's, the production set new limitations for the characters in musicals, particularly women. 50 years later, the Tony-nominated musical has been revived in a brand […]
Theatre Review: CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG – The Lowry, Salford
James Brining breathes new life into Fleming’s classic tale CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG It’s fair to say that CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG holds a special place in most people’s hearts. Since 1968, the British musical has entertained audiences of all ages with its mixture of madness, intrigue and exuberance. Understandably then, expectations are high for the stage […]
Interview: Jos Vantyler takes on his most iconic role yet as The Child Catcher in CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG
Jos Vantyler chats to Frankly My Dear UK about his role as The Child Catcher in CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG Jos Vantyler has taken on some iconic roles in his acting career (Mercutio, Dracula and Tom Sawyer to name but a few) but the Irish actor is about to take on his most iconic role […]
Theatre Review: THE RED SHOES – The Lowry, Salford
Brave, bold and intensely gripping, Sir Matthew Bourne’s magical new adaptation of THE RED SHOES dazzles the senses and breaks the heart Sir Matthew Bourne’s magical new adaptation of THE RED SHOES makes its world premiere at The Lowry this week, reviving the classic story of love, passion and obsession for a new generation. Based on […]
The National Ballet of China: THE PEONY PAVILION - The Lowry, Salford
Complex, beautiful and utterly enchanting, National Ballet of China's production of THE PEONY PAVILION is a sumptuous feast for the eyes and ears Following a sell-out performance at the Edinburgh Festival in 2011, The National Ballet of China bring their captivating production of THE PEONY PAVILION to Salford’s The Lowry. Adapted from Tang Xianzu’s play […]
Comedy Review - Griff Rhys Jones: JONES & SMITH - The Lowry, Salford
Griff Rhys Jones has been in the comedy business for more than three decades. After rising to fame the late 1970s alongside long-term comedy partner Mel Smith in the hit BBC TV show NOT THE NINE O’CLOCK NEWS, the comedian has founded TV production company Talkback Productions, appeared in a number of films, won two […]
Theatre Review: BLOOD BROTHERS – The Lowry, Salford
Now in its 33rd year, Willy Russell’s tale of poverty, class, love and tragedy continues to captivate in this touring production of BLOOD BROTHERS If you asked me to name my top five musicals, BLOOD BROTHERS would certainly be on the list. Now in its 33rd year, Willy Russell’s tale of poverty, class division, love […]
Theatre Review: SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION - Winter Gardens, Blackpool
Despite its strong cast performances, pacing issues spoil an otherwise impressive stage adaption of the SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION Originally a 1982 Stephen King novel, then adapted into one of the most-loved films of our lifetime, the SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION has been brought to the stage in a new adaption directed by David Esbjornson. The SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION is a […]
Theatre Review: BREAKING THE CODE – Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
Intelligent, multi-layered and incredibly touching, BREAKING THE CODE explores the life and career of Alan Turing Alan Turing’s story is certainly a fascinating one. In his mere 41 years, the British mathematician and pioneer of computer science not only helped to break the German Enigma code at Bletchley Park during World War II but also […]
Theatre Review: FRENCH WITHOUT TEARS – Oldham Coliseum
Light-hearted and witty, FRENCH WITHOUT TEARS is a charming exploration of love, friendship and infatuation This review was originally written for The Reviews Hub When Terence Rattigan’s play FRENCH WITHOUT TEARS first made its debut in London in 1936, critics hailed it as ‘gay, witty and thoroughly contemporary’. 80 years later, the sparkling comedy still continues […]