Category Theatre Venues

Theatre Review: THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST – Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester

The cast of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST. Photo Credit: Johan Persson

With outstanding performances and contemporary touches, Josh Roche’s reimagined version of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST brings Oscar Wilde’s classic humour and themes of self-identity to a 21st-century audience.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Oscar Wilde’s classic play, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, receives a dazzling makeover for a 21st-century audience.

The well-known story of self-identity and quick humour follows the lives of the rich and t...

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Theatre Review: 2:22 A GHOST STORY – The Lowry, Salford

The cast of 2:22. A GHOST STORY. Photo Credit: Johan Persson

Exploring themes of love, loss, and truth, 2:22 A GHOST STORY is an engaging and atmospheric play featuring strong performances and a skillfully crafted set that evokes tension and suspense.

4 out of 5 stars

A tale of the supernatural has to be regarded closely and treated with care. Too much fear and the work becomes a caricature; too little, and there is no bite...

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Theatre Review: DISNEY’S ALADDIN – Palace Theatre, Manchester

Yeukayi Ushe and Ensemble in DISNEY’S ALADDIN. Photo Credit: Deen Van Meer.

With its captivating performances, stunning set designs, and beautiful score, Disney’s ALADDIN offers a dazzling and magical theatrical experience on its first UK and Ireland tour.

5 out of 5 stars

After ten years on Broadway and the West End, Disney’s hit musical ALADDIN finally heads to Manchester’s Palace Theatre for its first UK and Ireland tour.

Based on the 1992 animated film, ALADDIN tells the story of a lovable street urchin d...

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Theatre Review: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR – The Lowry, Salford

With standout performances and impressive choreography, Timothy Sheader’s 2024 reimagining of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is a dark, symbol-rich, and emotionally intense production.

5 out of 5 stars

Following its opening at Manchester’s Palace Theatre last year, Timothy Sheader’s bold reinterpretation of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR has finally arrived at Salford’s The Lowry as part of its UK tour.

First staged on Broadway in 1971, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR explores the final weeks of Jesus Christ’s life...

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Theatre Review: KAY MELLOR’S THE SYNDICATE – The Lowry, Salford

The cast of KAY MELLOR’S THE SYNDICATE. Photo Credit: Craig Sugden

Kay Mellor’s final stage play, THE SYNDICATE, is a well-executed adaptation with strong performances and plenty of Northern humour.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Following the success of her other stage adaptations, BAND OF GOLD and FAT FRIENDS, Kay Mellor’s final stage play, THE SYNDICATE, makes its world premiere at Salford’s The Lowry this week as part of a new UK tour.

Based on the hit BBC TV show, THE SYNDICATE follows the fortunes of five supermarket e...

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Theatre Review: MIND MANGLER: MEMBER OF THE TRAGIC CIRCLE – Palace Theatre,  Manchester

Henry Lewis in MIND MANGLER: MEMBER OF THE TRAGIC CIRCLE. Photo: Pamela Raith Photography

Blending magic, mentalism, and audience participation, MIND MANGLER: MEMBER OF THE TRAGIC CIRCLE is a hilariously executed comedy that masterfully balances planned chaos and improvisation.

5 out of 5 stars

Mischief Theatre returns with another brilliantly funny, wonderfully executed comedy in the form of MIND MANGLER: MEMBER OF THE TRAGIC CIRCLE.

Renowned for their signature brand of slapstick, often ‘stupid’ comedy stylin...

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Theatre Review: THE KITE RUNNER – The Lowry, Salford

The cast of THE KITE RUNNER. Photo: Barry Rivett / Hotshot Photography

With its stellar cast performance, minimalist staging, and powerful soundscape, Khaled Hosseini’s powerful tale of heartbreak and betrayal is brought to life in THE KITE RUNNER.

5 out of 5 stars

THE KITE RUNNER Khaled Hosseini’s gripping tale of heartbreak and betrayal comes to life on The Lowry’s Lyric stage...

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Theatre Review: BONNIE & CLYDE – Palace Theatre, Manchester

Katie Tonkinson and Alex James-Hatton in BONNIE & CLYDE. Photo: Richard Davenport

Powered by stellar performances, a catchy score, and striking visuals, BONNIE & CLYDE is a thrilling musical retelling of the infamous outlaws’ rise and fall.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Prison breaks, Ford V8s, and vigilante justice are spread across this murderous musical retelling of BONNIE & CLYDE...

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Theatre Review: 42 BALLOONS – The Lowry, Salford

The cast of 42 BALLOONS. Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

With its vibrant direction, inventive staging, and 80s-inspired soundtrack, 42 BALLOONS delivers an uplifting and captivating musical experience.

4 out of 5 stars

Six years in the making, 42 BALLOONS finally makes its world premiere at Salford’s The Lowry this month, with a journey that echoes Larry Walters’ astonishing true story.

Set in 1980s America, 42 BALLOONS follows Larry, a truck driver with a lifelong dream to defy gravity...

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Theatre Review: YOU’RE BARD – Sale Waterside Arts, Manchester

4 out of 5 stars

An unforgettable evening of Shakespeare unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, YOU’RE BARD is an expert masterclass in the art of improvisation.

As effervescent as a glass of Alka Seltzer, the cast of You’re Bard, gave Sale an expert masterclass in the use of improvisation throughout 90 minutes of hilarious comedy.

Take four actors and one compere, throw in audience participation in the form of Britney Spears and the themes come thick and fast, ricocheting like verbal ping pong...

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