Category Theatre Reviews

The company of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Photo Credit: Paul Coltas

Timothy Sheader’s bold reinterpretation of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR provides the perfect platform for rock-star extravagance.

Timothy Sheader’s fresh take on JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, which initially gained acclaim at Regent Park Open Air Theatre, finally embarks on a UK tour, opening at Manchester’s Palace Theatre this week.

The sung-through rock opera, originally released as a concept album, follows Jesus Christ in his final days be...

The company of EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE. Photo Credit: Matt Crockett

EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE is the definition of a musical that will leave you feeling ‘bloody good’ at the end.

It’s true; everybody is talking about Jamie… they’re talking about how fabulously talented this new cast is as it hits The Lowry’s stage.

Based on the true story of Jamie New, “the boy who learned to fly,” EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE follows his journey to find himself and take the lea...

The Company of LIZZIE THE MUSICAL. Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

Driven by its blistering score, simple set design and powerhouse lead performances, LIZZIE THE MUSICAL is a night at the theatre to die for!

The tale of Lizzie Borden is the stuff of American legend. Accused of brutally murdering her father and stepmother with an axe in the late summer of 1892, Borden’s trial became a media sensation, inspiring numerous films, literary works, and even a twisted nursery rhyme...

Elise Zavou, Verity Thompson & Billie Bowman in HEATHERS THE MUSICAL. Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

Retaining the sharp wit and satirical edge of the cult 1989 film, HEATHERS THE MUSICAL juxtaposes catchy songs with dark humour.

Following two smash-hit West End seasons and a record-breaking run at The Other Palace, HEATHERS THE MUSICAL makes a welcome return to Manchester’s Palace Theatre as part of a new national tour.

Based on the cult 1989 film starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, HEAT...

With its beloved characters and exceptional cast performances, SHREK THE MUSICAL exudes the same rewatchable charm as the films.

You don’t need a magic mirror to predict the delight that SHREK THE MUSICAL’s live adaptation will bring to younger audiences, but its humdrum soundtrack may dim its shine for the big kids amongst them.

Pushing back on the familiar fairy-tale tropes and romanticised themes around true love, SHREK THE MUSICAL brings the 2001 animation to life with an honest take o...

Set in 1980s Soho, CRUISE is despairing and delightful, heart-wrenching and heartwarming.

CRUISE is a two-person, Olivier-nominated play teaming flawless acting with irresistible music...

Joseph Potter and Ned Costello in LEAVES OF GLASS. Photo Credit: Mark Senior

Raw and unflinching, LEAVES OF GLASS is a masterpiece of storytelling, dealing with love, hate, memory and loss.

Memories. Those fleeting shadows of the truth which may, or may not be, accurate and which are ours alone with our versions of the truth. The secrets we keep and the version of the truth that we hold onto to deal with loss...

UNTITLED F*CK M*SS S**GON PLAY. Photo Credit: ©The Other Richard

With its hilarious script and talented cast, Kimber Lee’s ‘UNTITLED F*UK M*SS S**GON PLAY is a scathing review of the western portrayal of Asian culture that’s not to be missed.

The winner of the inaugural Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting 2019, International Award, Kimber Lee’s UNTITLED F*CK M*SS S**GON PLAY’s makes its powerful world premiere at the Royal Exchange Theatre as part of Manchester International Festival.

Kevin Clifton and Faye Brooks in STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL

Despite being unpolished in places, STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL captures the quirky Australian charm of the movie thanks to its vibrant set and talented cast performance.

Kevin Clifton makes a welcome return to the ballroom in the musical adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s cult 1992 film, STRICTLY BALLROOM, marking a full-circle moment for the professional dancer after his 2018 victory on STRICTLY COME DANCING.

Set in early 1990s Austra...

Annalene Beechey in THE KING AND I. Photo Credit: Johan Persson

While it is impossible to separate THE KING AND I from its past, this lavish musical still has the power to enchant a modern audience.

A staggering seventy-two years since its first performance, the classic musical THE KING AND I returns to the Palace Theatre in Manchester as part of its 2023 UK tour.

Based on the novel ANNA AND THE KING OF SIAM by Margaret Landon, which in turn is based on the true story of English schoolteacher ...