Category Theatre Reviews

Fast-paced, funny, and mysterious, SPINACH is the perfect mix of music and comedy with an unusual, twisting storyline.

Manchester’s The Edge Theatre and Arts Centre celebrates its 10th anniversary with two-week run of Janine Waters’ critically acclaimed musical SPINACH, which coincidentally, also celebrates its 10th year anniversary.

Upon entering the auditorium, the audience’s attention is captured by two individuals tied back-to-back on chairs in a dark setting, accompanied by the faint ...

Tarik Fimpong, Cherelle Williams, Jonathan Andre & Llewellyn Graham in THE WIZ. Photo: Pamela Raith

Reimagined for a contemporary audience, THE WIZ is a glorious celebration of self-determination, self-empowerment, and Black culture.

Hope Mill Theatre stage the first new UK production of THE WIZ in 10 years, bringing this award-winning Broadway musical to life this Christmas.

Based on L...

Matthew Bourne’s NUTCRACKER! Photo Credit: Johan Persson

Refreshed and reinvigorated for 2021, Matthew Bourne’s NUTCRACKER! is a spectacular treat for the eyes and ears

It’s hard to believe Matthew Bourne’s NUTCRACKER! is almost 30 years old. The award-winning choreographer has a rare knack for keeping his productions fresh, as his latest touring production aptly demonstrates.

Inspired by E.T.A...

Hard-hitting, emotional, and incredibly powerful, WHO CARES gives a vital insight into the lives of young carers across the country.

Adapted from real-life testimonies, award-winning theatre company LUNG examines the impact of austerity, our failing social care system and what happens when a child becomes the parent in their latest production, WHO CARES.

Set against a backdrop of blue school lockers, three actors are already on stage as the audience enters the intimate performing space, taking...

With its farcical delivery, Anthony Banks’ adaption of DIAL M FOR MURDER takes a different approach to Frederick Knott’s classic thriller

It’s fair to say that DIAL M FOR MURDER has somewhat of a fond place in this reviewer’s heart. As the first ever theatre review published on Frankly My Dear UK, the show marks a return to full circle for the site, as a new production by Anthony Banks’ production heads out on a UK tour.

Based on the play by Frederick Knott, DIAL M FOR MURDER tells t...

Brave, bold and perfectly cast, Opera North’s CARMEN brings George Bizet’s iconic opera into the present.

Opera North’s decision to run George Bizet’s CARMEN as their post-Covid breakout performance is a brave and a bold one – and is as camp as you like!

A far cry from the cliched Spain of Bizet’s original, Edward Dick opts to set his version in an indistinctly defined American border town...

With its sweet staging, stunning musical numbers, and sparkling wit, WAITRESS proves itself to be the perfect recipe.

After being rescheduled from winter 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first UK tour of WAITRESS finally heads to the Opera House this week, giving Manchester’s theatre lovers the sweet treat they have been craving.

Based on the 2007 indie film of the same name, WAITRESS follows Jenna, an expert pie-maker and waitress at a local diner who dreams of some happiness in her lif...

Mixing music with comedy to great effect, POPCORN is a cinema-themed musical comedy extravaganza.

Following their critically acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe live show POP LAB, cabaret comedy duo Frisky and Mannish make a welcome return to the stage with their all-new digital project: POPCORN.

Described as part-movie, part-live show, part-parody and part-love letter to cinema, POPCORN is a cinema-themed musical comedy extravaganza celebrating the music of great films.

In true Frisky and Mannish styl...

Rufus Hound as Tom in THE GOOD LIFE. Photo Credit: Dan Tsantilis

A strong cast performance and delightful staging help to keep THE GOOD LIFE engaging, even if the comedy fails to generate the genuine belly laughs that the original generated

With sustainability and climate change high on the UK’s agenda, you can see why Adapter and Director Jeremy Sams decided to bring THE GOOD LIFE to the stage. After all, if the recent pandemic has taught us anything, it’s the importance of self-sufficiency.

Y...

The cast of BEDKNOBS AND BROOMSTICKS. Photo Credit: Johan Persson

With its dazzling effects, accomplished puppetry, catchy score and excellent cast performance, BEDKNOBS AND BROOMSTICKS is a feast for eyes and ears.

It’s been 50 years since Disney’s BEDKNOBS AND BROOMSTICKS cast its spell on the big screen. Often unfairly regarded as the poor relation to MARY POPPINS due to its similarities in style and song, this magical musical has taken a good while to make it onto the stage...