Category Theatre Reviews

Big, bold and beautiful, HAIRSPRAY is a fun, lively and light-hearted musical that is sure to put a smile on your face

It’s not often that the atmosphere in the auditorium is electric before a show but it soon becomes apparent why HAIRSPRAY is such a crowd-pleaser. Since its star-studded Hollywood film revival in 2007, HAIRSPRAY has grown to become a firm favourite with musical theatre fans, with a new smash hit production currently on tour in the UK cementing its place in our hearts.

Set in ...

Weaving songs from musical theatre with stories from his ten-year career, Lee Mead offers something for everyone in TEN YEARS: THE ANNIVERSARY TOUR

It’s been ten years since Lee Mead won the reality TV show ANY DREAM WILL DO and to celebrate, he treats us all to a set containing many songs from his career and a few stories to go with them.

Not only does Mead remind us all why he won the show whenever he sings but we are also reminded of how he won over the public...

Sooha Kim and Gerald Santos in MISS SAIGON. Photo Credit: Johan Persson

Cameron Mackintosh’s epic touring production of MISS SAIGON is musical theatre at its very best

Since its London premiere in 1989, MISS SAIGON has become one of the most successful musicals in history...

Kulvinder Ghir as GEORGE KHAN in EAST IS EAST at Bolton Octagon. Photo Credit: Richard Davenport

Ayub Khan Din’s award-winning comedy EAST IS EAST feels as fresh and as funny as ever

EAST IS EAST may be more than twenty years old but Ayub Khan Din’s award-winning comedy feels as fresh and as funny as ever in a hilarious new production at Bolton’s Octagon Theatre.

Set in 1970s Salford, EAST IS EAST tells the story of the Khan family...

Jodie Prenger and Andrew Flintoff in FAT FRIENDS: THE MUSICAL. Photo Credit: Helen Maybanks

Witty, warm and wonderfully funny, Headingley’s favourite foodie friends make a welcome return in FAT FRIENDS: THE MUSICAL

It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost 20 years since Kay Mellor’s FAT FRIENDS first hit our TV screens. It feels like only yesterday since the lives and waistlines of the Super Slimmers group captured our hearts, as well as giving Ruth Jones and James Corden their big TV breaks...

Philip Goulding’s adaption combines the story of the Osiris Players with the true story behind WHISKY GALORE

This review was originally written for The Reviews Hub. 

As Britain marks 100 years since women first gained the right to vote, Oldham Coliseum Theatre, Hull Truck Theatre and New Vic Theatre present a brand new, all-female adaptation of Compton Mackenzie’s comedy classic WHISKY GALORE.

Set in 1955, WHISKY GALORE tells the story of the islanders of Great and Little Todday who ar...

FRANKENSTEIN at The Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester. Photo Credit: Johan Persson

Blending gothic horror with morality, Matthew Xia’s gripping adaptation of FRANKENSTEIN stays true to Mary Shelley’s classic tale

It’s been two hundred years since Mary Shelley penned the dark, gothic tale FRANKENSTEIN. Since 1818, Victor Frankenstein and his macabre monster has captivated audiences across the world with the Royal Exchange marking the landmark anniversary with a new stage adaption directed ...

The cast of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST. Photo Credit: The Other Richard

Alastair Whatley’s revival of THE IMPORTANCE BEING EARNEST is wonderfully witty and deliciously decadent

Oscar Wilde’s THE IMPORTANCE BEING EARNEST makes a welcome return to Manchester society this week as a new revival by The Original Theatre Company heads to Manchester’s Opera House for a week-long run.

Written by Wilde in 1894, THE IMPORTANCE BEING EARNEST tells the story of two bachelors, Jack and Algernon wh...

The cast of Matthew Bourne’s CINDERELLA. Photo Credit: Johan Persson

CINDERELLA is transported to 1940’s Britain in Sir Matthew Bourne’s unique and fitting tribute to this classic fairy tale

Using a score by Sergei Prokofiev originally penned during World War II as inspiration, Sir Matthew Bourne transports CINDERELLA to the nostalgic era of 1940’s Britain in a unique and fitting tribute to this classic fairy tale.

Set against the backdrop of a war-torn London, the performance begins w...

Manchester’s Palace Theatre is well and truly alive with THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Whether you’re familiar with the original Broadway musical or the classic 1965 film starring Julie Andrews, THE SOUND OF MUSIC remains a timeless classic. Now in its 59th year, the musical continues to enchant audiences across the world, with the latest touring production once again cementing its place in our popular culture.

Based on the real-life story of the von Trapp family, THE SOUND OF MUSIC tells the story of...