Category Theatre Reviews

Bold, brave and anarchic, SHE BANGS THE DRUMS is provocative piece which explores Manchester’s rich and radical past as a centre of protest

Manchester is known for many things – music, football and modern computer science to name but a few – but this behind great city is also a rich history of protest, something which Contact Young Company hope to highlight in their new theatre piece SHE BANGS THE DRUMS.

Devised following extensive research at the People’s History Museum, SHE BANGS THE DRUMS...

Howard Chadwick and Andrew Price in Northern Broadsides adaption of HARD TIMES. Photo: Nobby Clark

The warmth and camaraderie of the circus becomes the antidote to the cold, unfeeling world of Coketown in Northern Broadsides adaption of Charles Dickens’ HARD TIMES

With a title like HARD TIMES, it’s easy to mistake Charles Dickens’ novel of repression and longing as being a bit grim but behind this sweeping tale of supressed love, seduction and social mores is a story full of colour, life and m...

Moscow City Ballet capture the ethereal beauty and drama of Tchaikovsky’s much loved ballet SWAN LAKE

This review was originally published on The Reviews Hub.

It’s hard to believe that the original 1877 production of Tchaikovsky’s SWAN LAKE was considered a failure. Today, SWAN LAKE is one of the most famous and popular classical ballets of all time, with Moscow City Ballet billing it as one of their signature pieces.

SWAN LAKE tells the bewitching and ultimately tragic story of Prince Si...

Birmingham Royal Ballet once again captivate with their detailed revival of THE SLEEPING BEAUTY

When Sir Peter Wright’s production of THE SLEEPING BEAUTY for Birmingham Royal Ballet first hit the stage in 1984, it was acclaimed as one of the best in the world. 34 years later, the opulent ballet continues to captivate audiences worldwide, remaining a cornerstone of the repertory.

Based on the classic fairy tale, THE SLEEPING BEAUTY tells the story of the beautiful Princess Aurora who falls in...

Rafaela Carrasco brings the art of Flamenco to the stage in a breath-taking and memorising performance

Whether you’re in the smokey atmosphere of an old taverna or back room of a bodega, the Art of Flamenco can leave you mesmerised.

In Rafaela Carrasco‘s piece, the sound of a scorched, voiced singer combined with the passionate tones of the flamenco guitar, accompany this solo dancer.

This dance is a unique art form, native to the Andalucian region of Southern Spain and may have been influ...

Loud and lively, THRILLER LIVE is an electrifying visual and audio journey through Michael Jackson’s 45 year musical history

This review was originally written for The Reviews Hub

Seen by over four million people in over 30 countries, it’s fair to say that THRILLER LIVE is a crowd-pleaser. Now in its record-breaking ninth year in London’s West End, the musical extravaganza continues to draw big crowds and – much like Michael Jackson’s legacy – is showing no signs of slowing down.

Celebr...

Preston Nyman as George in GEORGE’S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE. Photo Credit: Manuel Harlan

Roald Dahl’s classic story GEORGE’S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE is brought to life on stage in this ‘phizz-whizzing’ production

Roald Dahl, a name that goes hand in hand with children’s fiction, is one of the most creative story-tellers of time...

Garrett Phillips as Frank Sinatra in THE RAT PACK – LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS. Photo: Betty Zapata

THE RAT PACK – LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS style-over-substance formula entertains but ultimately leaves you wanting more

Few tribute acts can boast the longevity or the popularity of THE RAT PACK. Since its West End premiere back in 2003, the musical production has enjoyed several return engagements, earning an Olivier Award nomination along the way...

Julie Hesmondhalgh and Norah Lopez Holden in THE ALMIGHTY SOMETIMES. Photo: Manuel Harlan

Powerful and thought-provoking, THE ALMIGHTY SOMETIMES is an impressive and striking debut by Kendall Feaver

It’s hard to believe that THE ALMIGHTY SOMETIMES is Kendall Feaver’s debut play. With its carefully crafted narrative, vividly drawn characters and emotional poignancy, this powerful and thought-provoking piece boasts the maturity of an established and experienced writer...

Roland Schimmelpfennig’s radical play WINTER SOLSTICE is a timely warning of how easy it is to be taken in by the deceptive face of extremism

I’ll admit that I hadn’t heard of German dramatist Roland Schimmelpfennig before watching WINTER SOLSTICE its clear to see why he is the most performed playwright in Germany.

Written four years ago in response to the resurgence of the far right across Europe, Schimmelpfennig’s subtle yet radical play WINTER SOLSTICE feels as timely as ever, warning u...