Category Theatre

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 new production by Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre.

Based on the original screenplay by Federico Fellini, SWEET CHARITY tells the story of Charity Hope Vale...

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 show which flies into Salford’s The Lowry for a 6 week run over Christmas.

Based loosely on the novel by Ian Fleming, CHITTY CHITTY...

Jos Vantyler 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 yet as The Child Catcher in CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG.

Stepping into the shoes of screen legend Sir Robert Helpmann who starred in the original 1968 film, Van...

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 Hans Christian Andersen fairytale and the iconic 1948 film of the same name, THE RED SHOES is the story of one girl’s dream to be the greatest dancer in t...

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 of the same name, THE PEONY PAVILION tells the tale of heroine Du Liniang who, whilst dreaming, falls in love with a young scholar called Liu...

Photo Credit: Steve Ullathorne

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 Olivier awards and hosted of IT’LL BE ALRIGHT ON THE NIGHT...

Lyn Paul as Mrs Johnstone and the cast of BLOOD BROTHERS UK Tour (previous touring cast).

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...

THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION (previous touring cast). Photo Credit: Mark Yeoman.

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 tale of hope, corruption, frustration, anxiety, longing, and f...

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 created one of the world’s first computer designs before his untimely suicide in 1954 following chemical castration for homosexual activity...

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 to entertain audiences with a fresh and lively revival by Paul Miller.

FRENCH WITHOUT TEARS  tells the story of a group of ...