Category Theatre Reviews

John Partridge as Emcee in CABARET. Photo Credit: The Other Richard

Using the Kit Kat Club as a metaphor, Rufus Norris delivers a visual spectacle with CABARET

It’s testament to the popularity of hit musical CABARET that the Bill Kenwright’s production is back on the road just two years after its last UK tour starring Will Young and Louise Redknapp.

Set in Berlin in 1931, the multiple Tony award-winning musical follows American writer Cliff Bradshaw who stumbles across the seedy Kit Kat Cl...

With its hair-raising special effects, dramatic lighting and spine-tingling storytelling, GHOST STORIES makes for a terrifyingly terrific evening

It’s been 10 years since GHOST STORIES made its debut in London. Since then, it has moved to the West End, toured the globe and has even been made into a successful film in 2017 starring Martin Freeman and Paul Whitehouse...

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

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...

Despite its lacklustre plot, BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY makes for an enjoyable evening thanks to its talented cast and glorious soundtrack

When BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY opened in London in 1989, it was one of the earliest examples of the now wildly popular jukebox musical. 30 years later, the musical is back on tour to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

The show tells the story of Buddy Holly’s rise to fame and his 18 months of stardom before his tragic death.

Set between January 1956...

The cast of WE WILL ROCK YOU UK Tour. Photo Credit: Johan Persson

Subtle changes to the script, set and cast give WE WILL ROCK YOU a fresh edge for 2020

As crowds descended on Manchester’s Palace Theatre for the opening night of WE WILL ROCK YOU, it’s hard to believe that this very musical was pounded by the critics when it first made its debut back in 2002...

Emma Osman, Laurie Brett and Gaynor Faye in BAND OF GOLD. Photo Credit: Robling Photography

Despite its brisk pace, BAND OF GOLD shines an important light on the realities of poverty, domestic abuse and the sex industry

25 years after it was first broadcast on ITV, multi-award-winning crime drama BAND OF GOLD makes its world premiere on the stage.

Inspired by research into the lives and experiences of sex workers on the streets of Leeds and Bradford, BAND OF GOLD tells the story of four wom...

Despite its repetitive score, this musical production of HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS is as pretty as a picture

The wet weather, a football match and a general election didn’t stop the residents of Manchester and Salford from getting in the festive mood as they headed to The Lowry for HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS the musical.

Based on the beloved Dr Seuss tale, HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS follows the mean-spirited and scheming Grinch who lives just north of the whimsical town of W...

Alexandra Burke as Rachel Marron in THE BODYGUARD. Photo Credit: Paul Coltas

Best described as a cross between a pop concert, a musical and a night at the movies, THE BODYGUARD is an adrenaline-fuelled stage version of the hit 1992 film

Following her triumphant West End run and sell-out 2015 UK tour, Alexandra Burke returns to the role of Rachel Marron in award-winning musical THE BODYGUARD.

Based on the 1992 hit film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, THE BODYGUARD tells the story of...

Craig Revel Horwood as the Wicked Queen in SNOW WHITE. Photo Credit: Phil Tragen

Fresh from the ballroom, Craig Revel Horwood shines as the Wicked Queen to make SNOW WHITE the fairest panto in all the land

With its jaw-dropping dance sequences, side-splitting comedy and sensational special effects, SNOW WHITE proves itself to be the fairest panto in all the land – or in Manchester at least, this Christmas. 

Fresh from the ballroom, Craig Revel Horwood leads the cast as the extraordinarily ad...

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

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...