This review was originally written for The Public Reviews

Following their successful Manchester Rep Season, it’s clear that 1956 Theatre don’t shy away from a challenge. Last year the company tackled four plays in just four weeks, from Alfred Hitchcock’s The Lodger to the ambitious and original Juke Box Baby.  This year, they return to Salford Arts Theatre with a fresh take of the risque play Sexual Perversity in Chicago.

Written by David Mamet, Sexual Perversity in Chicago examines the...

This review was originally written for The Public Reviews

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s musical Oklahoma! may be 67 years old but it’s still as refreshing and thrilling as the day it was written. The award-winning musical has been revived in a brand new touring production directed by Rachel Kavanaugh and it certainly doesn’t disappoint.

Set at the turn of the twentieth century, Oklahoma! tells the story of two young cowboys Curly McLain (Ashley Day) and Will Parker (James O’Connell) who compete...

This review was originally written for The Public Reviews

If the thought of being buried alive fills you with fear, then Dead Simple will scare you to death.

Based on the best-selling novel by Peter James and adapted for stage by Shaun McKenna, Dead Simple is a gripping, chilling thriller about a stag night prank that goes horribly wrong.

The story begins on the eve of Michael Harrison’s (Jamie Lomas) stag night...

Axwell Λ Ingrosso release Something New

Ahead of their eagerly anticipated debut album, Swedish House Mafia duo Axwell Λ Ingrosso have released their first official single, Something New… and boy, do we love it.

Fresh, catchy and infectious, Something New looks set to be the dance hit of 2015 and signifies a rebirth for Axwell Λ Ingrosso, who sold more than 10 million records worldwide with their former band Swedish House Mafia.

Released on 24 February, the new track boasts all the makings o...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...