Category Theatre Reviews

Kathryn Hunter in THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA.  Photo by Jonathan Keenan

Intense, bitter and darkly comic, Graeae’s full-blooded adaptation of Lorca’s final tragedy focuses on the emotional intensity of the piece

Following their radical production of BLOOD WEDDING, Graeae Theatre Company return to the stage to take on another of Lorca’s classics, THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA.

Based on the Spanish play by Federico García Lorca, THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA centres on the events of a house of the ...

THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN: THE REACH OUT 10TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR is high-energy show that pays tribute to the motor city and its music

The golden age of Motown may have been over 50 years ago but if THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN: THE REACH OUT 10TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR is anything to go by, it’s still very much alive!

Described as an “explosive concert experience”, THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN is a feel-good musical celebration which pays tribute to popular Motown artistes of the 1960s and 1970s...

Joe Shipman as Jim Callaghan and the cast of Box of Tricks’ NARVIK. Image Credit: Decoy Media

NARVIK is a bold and powerful play about of love, guilt, heroism and betrayal

Over a year after its world premiere at Liverpool Playhouse Studio, Lizzie Nunnery’s acclaimed play NARVIK embarks on a national tour as part of Box of Tricks’ tenth anniversary season.

The enigmatic new play tells the story of Jim, a 90-year-old Liverpudlian who suffers a fall at his home...

Emma Beattie and Scott Reid in NT CURIOUS INCIDENT Tour 2017. Photo by BrinkhoffM+Âgenburg

Spellbinding, moving and incredibly poignant, THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME is as intoxicating and compelling as ever

It’s fair to say that since its premiere in 2012, the National Theatre’s production of THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME has become something of a modern classic...

Peter Pan is every child’s dream of never growing old, of always being a child and having the most amazing adventures. Mike Kenny’s reimaging UNDERNEATH A MAGICAL MOON, brings that magic to life in a sparkling new production.

Told through the eyes of Wendy Darling, UNDERNEATH A MAGICAL MOON, takes place in the back garden of Wendy’s home where three children, Wendy, Michael and John are having a sleepover in their Wendy house and find a Neverland of their own...

When SWEET CHARITY first premiered on Broadway in 1966, the musical defined a decade. Beginning with the hope and optimism of the 1960s and ending with the cynicism of the 1970’s, the production set new limitations for the characters in musicals, particularly women. 50 years later, the Tony-nominated musical has been revived in a brand new production by Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre.

Based on the original screenplay by Federico Fellini, SWEET CHARITY tells the story of Charity Hope Vale...

James Brining breathes new life into Fleming’s classic tale CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG

It’s fair to say that CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG holds a special place in most people’s hearts. Since 1968, the British musical has entertained audiences of all ages with its mixture of madness, intrigue and exuberance. Understandably then, expectations are high for the stage show which flies into Salford’s The Lowry for a 6 week run over Christmas.

Based loosely on the novel by Ian Fleming, CHITTY CHITTY...

Brave, bold and intensely gripping, Sir Matthew Bourne’s magical new adaptation of THE RED SHOES dazzles the senses and breaks the heart

Sir Matthew Bourne’s magical new adaptation of THE RED SHOES makes its world premiere at The Lowry this week, reviving the classic story of love, passion and obsession for a new generation.

Based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale and the iconic 1948 film of the same name, THE RED SHOES is the story of one girl’s dream to be the greatest dancer in t...

Complex, beautiful and utterly enchanting, National Ballet of China’s production of THE PEONY PAVILION is a sumptuous feast for the eyes and ears

Following a sell-out performance at the Edinburgh Festival in 2011, The National Ballet of China bring their captivating production of THE PEONY PAVILION to Salford’s The Lowry.

Adapted from Tang Xianzu’s play of the same name, THE PEONY PAVILION tells the tale of heroine Du Liniang who, whilst dreaming, falls in love with a young scholar called Liu...

Lyn Paul as Mrs Johnstone and the cast of BLOOD BROTHERS UK Tour (previous touring cast).

Now in its 33rd year, Willy Russell’s tale of poverty, class, love and tragedy continues to captivate in this touring production of BLOOD BROTHERS

If you asked me to name my top five musicals, BLOOD BROTHERS would certainly be on the list...