Theatre Review: The Bradshaws – Goosed, The Lowry, Salford

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This review was originally written for The Public Reviews

More than thirty years after The Bradshaws was first broadcast as a short story on Manchester’s Piccadilly radio station, the fictitious family are still going strong as they embark on a new UK tour called Goosed.

For those who aren’t familiar with the show, The Bradshaws is a fictional family created and voiced by comedian and musician Buzz Hawkins...

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Theatre Review: The Mist in the Mirror – Oldham Coliseum

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This review was originally written for The Public Reviews

Susan Hill’s spine-chilling novel The Mist in the Mirror makes its world premiere at Oldham Coliseum Theatre this month before embarking on a national tour… and it’s not for the faint hearted!

Adapted for stage by Ian Kershaw, The Mist in the Mirror tells the story of intrepid traveller James Monmouth and his pursuit of his childhood hero, the explorer Conrad Vane...

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Film Review: Kingsman: The Secret Service

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Matthew Vaughn gives fresh take on classic British spy genre

As the world waits for the next Bond installment, a new spy is in town.

Due for release in UK cinemas later this week is Kingsman: The Secret Service, a new spy action film featuring Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Caine and Taron Egerton.

Based upon the acclaimed comic book by Mark Millar, Kingsman: The Secret Service tells the story of a veteran secret agent (Colin Firth) who recruits an unrefined but promising young protégé...

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Film Review: Alicia Vikander shines as Vera Brittain in Testament of Youth

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Vera Brittain’s First World War memoir is brought to life in Testament of Youth

With the awards season in full swing, one film hoping to make its mark in the world of cinema is Testament of Youth, a WW1 drama film starring Alicia Vikander and Kit Harington and directed by James Kent.

Based on the First World War memoir written by Vera Brittain, Testament of Youth is a searing story of young love, war and remembrance...

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Album Review: Rush of Life by Julie Atherton

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Julie Atherton releases most personal studio album to date with Rush of Life

West End star Julie Atherton is back on top with the release of her brand-new studio album Rush of Life.

For those who don’t recognise the name, Julie Atherton is a singer/actress and one of Britain’s finest West End stars. She is best known for her work on stage with appearances in shows such as Avenue Q, Sister Act: The Musical and Thérèse Raquin...

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Theatre Preview: Edward Scissorhands at Liverpool Empire

Edward-Scissorhands

Michael Bourne’s wildly ambitious adaptation of Edward Scissorhands heads to the Liverpool Empire

Tim Burton’s gothic fairytale about being different has been brought to life in a fresh, new dance adaptation that is just that – different.

Told through theatrical magic of ballet, Michael Bourne’s bold, inventive and wildly ambitious adaptation of Edward Scissorhands heads to the Liverpool Empire this month as part of a UK wide tour.

Based on the classic Tim Burton film starring Johnny De...

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Film Review: The Theory of Everything

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Oscar-worthy performance from Eddie Redmayne as Professor Stephen Hawking

The age of biopic is upon us. From Mr Turner (J.M.W. Turner) and Jimi: All Is by My Side (Jimi Hendrix) to Oscar front-runners The Imitation Game (Alan Turing) and Get On Up (James Brown), the once dreary biographical formula has finally re-energized itself, capturing the hearts of film lovers and critics alike.

One film that is sure to win you over is The Theory of Everything, a new film about the life and times of Camb...

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January Blues: 5 Albums To Soothe Your Soul

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If you’re suffering from the January Blues, we’ve got the perfect remedy to pick you up.

A wise person once said “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything” and frankly (my dear) we agree!

So, to help you beat those January blues, we’ve picked five of our favourite soulful albums to help quieten the mind and soothe your soul...

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Album Review: Paradise Lost Studio Cast Recording

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This review was originally written for The Public Reviews

The cast of Paradise Lost have taken the bold and ambitious move to launch their new musical as an album. Inspired by classic shows like Evita, Chess and Les Miserables, all of which were first launched as albums, writers Lee Ormsby and Jonathan Wakeham are hoping to find an audience for their new musical through the music, as ultimately it’s the songs that decide whether a show will stand or fall.

Based on the famous poem by John Milt...

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TV Series Preview: Crisis – Watch, Friday 2 January at 9pm

Crisis

Gillian Anderson and Dermot Mulroney star in gripping new US drama Crisis

US drama Crisis makes its UK premiere on Watch on Friday 2nd January and boy, is it good!

Starring Gillian Anderson and Dermot Mulroney, Crisis tells the story of the world’s most powerful people who are brought to their knees when their beloved children are kidnapped.

We had a sneak peek of the brand new and exclusive US series, which make its UK premiere on UKTV channel Watch on Friday 2nd January, earlier this week a...

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