Category Theatre Reviews

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...

Ria Jones as Rose in GYPSY at Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester. Photo Credit: Johan Persson

“Everything’s Coming Up Roses” once again for the Royal Exchange with their wild and magnificent Christmas production of GYPSY

From GUYS AND DOLLS and SWEET CHARITY to THE PRODUCERS, it’s fair to say that Royal Exchange Theatre has a bit of a reputation for redefining Broadway musicals...

The cast of PETER PAN GOES WRONG UK Tour. Photo Credit: Alastair Muir

Clever, funny and a riot to watch, PETER PAN GOES WRONG is a brilliant example of slapstick and physical comedy

The fictional Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society is a plucky, sometimes misguided theatre company. For their Christmas play (it is NOT a panto!) director Chris Bean (Connor Crawford) has decided to produce Peter Pan...

Paul Greenwood & Ryan Kopel in THE ASTONISHING TIMES OF TIMOTHY CRATCHIT. Photo Credit: Phil Tragen

While THE ASTONISHING TIMES OF TIMOTHY CRATCHIT isn’t without its flaws, it is a show with immense promise

Ever wondered whatever became of Tiny Tim after the events of A CHRISTMAS CAROL? Hope Mill Theatre answers this very question with their latest production of THE ASTONISHING TIMES OF TIMOTHY CRATCHIT, a Victorian sequel to the Charles Dickens’ classic.

Set almost a decade after the events...

The company of LIGHT FALLS at Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester. Photo: Manuel Harlan

Funny, emotional and wonderfully performed, LIGHT FALLS is a bittersweet, richly layered play about life in the face of death

After 21 years at the venue including four as Artistic Director, Sarah Frankcom says goodbye to Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre this month with another stunningly staged production about family, community and the fragility of life. 

LIGHT FALLS tells the story of a family, draw...

Philippa Stefani as Gloria Estefan and Company of ON YOUR FEET. Photo Credit: Johan Persson

What ON YOUR FEET lacks in drama, it more than makes up for with its music

You may not know the story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan but you’ll certainly know their sound. Throughout the 80s and 90s, Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine topped the charts with their unique Latin-dance vibe, selling an estimated 115 million records worldwide and bagging three Grammy awards on the way...

Susannah Edgley (Regan) and Paul Nicholas (Father Merrin) in THE EXORCIST. Photo Credit: TheOtherRichard

With more tricks than Houdini, THE EXORCIST is a nostalgic revival of the classic 1973 film, paying homage to its unique narrative and direction

All your favourite horror tropes are hitting the Opera House as audiences call on Damien to resurrect the Oscar-winning thriller.

The live rendition of the supernatural tale continues the battle between good and evil, following 12-year-old Regan (...