Category Theatre

This review was originally written for The Public Reviews

Following their successful Manchester Rep Season, it’s clear that 1956 Theatre don’t shy away from a challenge. Last year the company tackled four plays in just four weeks, from Alfred Hitchcock’s The Lodger to the ambitious and original Juke Box Baby.  This year, they return to Salford Arts Theatre with a fresh take of the risque play Sexual Perversity in Chicago.

Written by David Mamet, Sexual Perversity in Chicago examines the...

This review was originally written for The Public Reviews

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s musical Oklahoma! may be 67 years old but it’s still as refreshing and thrilling as the day it was written. The award-winning musical has been revived in a brand new touring production directed by Rachel Kavanaugh and it certainly doesn’t disappoint.

Set at the turn of the twentieth century, Oklahoma! tells the story of two young cowboys Curly McLain (Ashley Day) and Will Parker (James O’Connell) who compete...

This review was originally written for The Public Reviews

If the thought of being buried alive fills you with fear, then Dead Simple will scare you to death.

Based on the best-selling novel by Peter James and adapted for stage by Shaun McKenna, Dead Simple is a gripping, chilling thriller about a stag night prank that goes horribly wrong.

The story begins on the eve of Michael Harrison’s (Jamie Lomas) stag night...

This review was originally written for The Public Reviews

More than thirty years after The Bradshaws was first broadcast as a short story on Manchester’s Piccadilly radio station, the fictitious family are still going strong as they embark on a new UK tour called Goosed.

For those who aren’t familiar with the show, The Bradshaws is a fictional family created and voiced by comedian and musician Buzz Hawkins...

This review was originally written for The Public Reviews

Susan Hill’s spine-chilling novel The Mist in the Mirror makes its world premiere at Oldham Coliseum Theatre this month before embarking on a national tour… and it’s not for the faint hearted!

Adapted for stage by Ian Kershaw, The Mist in the Mirror tells the story of intrepid traveller James Monmouth and his pursuit of his childhood hero, the explorer Conrad Vane...

Julie Atherton releases most personal studio album to date with Rush of Life

West End star Julie Atherton is back on top with the release of her brand-new studio album Rush of Life.

For those who don’t recognise the name, Julie Atherton is a singer/actress and one of Britain’s finest West End stars. She is best known for her work on stage with appearances in shows such as Avenue Q, Sister Act: The Musical and Thérèse Raquin...

Michael Bourne’s wildly ambitious adaptation of Edward Scissorhands heads to the Liverpool Empire

Tim Burton’s gothic fairytale about being different has been brought to life in a fresh, new dance adaptation that is just that – different.

Told through theatrical magic of ballet, Michael Bourne’s bold, inventive and wildly ambitious adaptation of Edward Scissorhands heads to the Liverpool Empire this month as part of a UK wide tour.

Based on the classic Tim Burton film starring Johnny De...

This review was originally written for The Public Reviews

Believe it or not, 30 Million Minutes is actually Dawn French’s first ever solo tour. The Queen of British comedy may have been entertaining audiences since 1982 as one half of successful female double act French and Saunders, but it’s taken 32 years for the award-winning comedienne to take to the stage on a solo tour. Thankfully, she still has what it takes when it comes to making people laugh.

Open, honest and incredibly funny, 30 ...

Festive, fun and fabulous, The Flanagan Collective’s A Christmas Carol will have you whipped up into the festive spirit quicker than you can suck a Humbug

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is my favourite Christmas story so you can imagine my excitement when I received an invite to The Flanagan Collective’s festive adaptation at Manchester’s New Playhouse...

This review was originally written for The Public Reviews

Dust off your dancing suit and polish up your shoes because Saturday Night Fever is back in town!

Inspired by the 1977 film starring John Travolta, Saturday Night Fever tells the story of Tony Manero (Danny Bayne), a young man with one ambition – to become the disco king. He teams up with Stephanie (Naomi Slights), a young dancer who also dreams of a world beyond Brooklyn, and together they decide to train for a dance competition...