Theatre Review: The Glass Menagerie – Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester

5 out of 5 stars

More than two years later, The Glass Menagerie finally takes to The Royal Exchange stage. With rehearsals due to start in March 2020, this adaptation of Tennessee William’s play was put on hold due to the dreaded Covid. But now, two years later the full team return with a play that is now only more poignant.

Tennessee Williams is known as one of the greatest American playwrights, his works include; A Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Suddenly Last Summer and another popular title, and previously adapte...

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Theatre Review: WE WILL ROCK YOU – Palace Theatre, Manchester

The cast of WE WILL ROCK YOU UK Tour 2022.

The cast of WE WILL ROCK YOU UK Tour 2022. Photo Credit: Johan Persson

2.5 out of 5 stars

With masterpieces like We Are the Champions and Bohemian Rhapsody, a jukebox musical comprised of the music of rock legends Queen requires some true musical talent. Fortunately, the cast of We Will Rock You has musical talent in abundance – from belting Broadway voices to gritty rock vocals; all combined with live music from an amazing band that more than hold their own against these classic songs...

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Theatre Review: IDENTICAL – The Lowry, Salford

Emme Patrick and Eden Patrick in IDENTICAL.

Emme Patrick and Eden Patrick in IDENTICAL. Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

Aided by its impressive set, engaging cast and catchy score, IDENTICAL is a delightful, heart-warming musical.

4 out of 5 stars

Kenny Wax’s brand new musical IDENTICAL is inspired by Erich Kästner’s 1949 novel THE PARENT TRAP. It tells the story of identical twins separated when they were babies due to their parent’s divorce. Fast forward to ten years later, and the twins meet by coincidence at summer camp.

As the curtain rises on this popu...

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Theatre Review: CRUISE – Apollo Theatre, London

Jack Holden in CRUISE. Photo Credit: Pamela Raith Photography

Driven by a powerhouse performance, Jack Holden’s CRUISE is an emotional and humorous journey through 1980s Soho.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Jack Holden’s Olivier-nominated play CRUISE takes storytelling to a whole new level in the production’s second run in London’s West End...

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THE OSMONDS: A NEW MUSICAL – Palace Theatre, Manchester

Alex Lodge and the cast of The Osmonds A New Musical.

Alex Lodge and the cast of THE OSMONDS: A NEW MUSICAL. Photo: Pamela Raith

Driven by some energetic and infectious performances, THE OSMONDS: A NEW MUSICAL gives us a glimpse into Osmond family life but barely digs beneath the surface.

3.5 out of 5 stars

With more than 100m record sales to their name and a wealth of hit songs in their back catalogue, it’s surprising that it’s taken so long for an official Osmonds musical to take to the stage… until now.

THE OSMONDS: A NEW MUSICAL tells the story of five brother...

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Theatre Review: SOUTH PACIFIC – Opera House, Manchester

Joanna Ampil (Bloody Mary), Sera Maehara (Liat) & Rob Houchen (Joe Cable) in SOUTH PACIFIC.

Joanna Ampil (Bloody Mary), Sera Maehara (Liat) & Rob Houchen (Joe Cable) in SOUTH PACIFIC. Photo: Johan Persson

Juxtaposing the lushness of the piece with an underlying threat of violent bigotry, Daniel Evans’ vibrant production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC emphasises the anti-racist message of the 1949 Broadway hit.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Following a successful run in 2021, Chichester Festival Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC launches at Manchest...

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25 YEARS OF LORD OF THE DANCE – Palace Theatre, Manchester

Despite some odd staging choices, 25 YEARS OF LORD OF THE DANCE is a fast paced, exhilarating and spectacularly fun crowd pleaser that will entertain the whole family.

25 YEARS OF LORD OF THE DANCE UK Tour. Photo Credit: Brian Doherty

4.5 out of 5 stars

After two and a half decades of standing ovations across 70 countries, 25 YEARS OF LORD OF THE DANCE arrives at Manchester’s Palace Theatre with a bang this week.

The buzz of excitement that runs through the audience as the lights begin to dim demonstrates the c...

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Theatre Review: SISTER ACT – Palace Theatre, Manchester

The cast of SISTER ACT

The cast of SISTER ACT. Photo Credit: Manuel Harlan

Big, bold and bright, SISTER ACT plays to its strengths, making this feel-good musical worthy of its new run.

4 out of 5 stars

Following its postponed run in 2021, the eagerly anticipated brand-new production of the Broadway and UK smash hit musical SISTER ACT finally makes its premiere at Manchester’s Palace Theatre ahead of a major London run.

Based on the hit 1992 movie starring Whoopi Goldberg, SISTER ACT follows club singer Deloris Van Cartier who is pu...

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Theatre Review: CLUEDO – The Lowry, Salford

The ensemble cast of CLUEDO UK Tour 2022.

The ensemble cast of CLUEDO UK Tour 2022. Photo Credit: Craig Sugden

Despite some uneven pacing, CLUEDO makes for a fun and nostalgic evening of entertainment.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Everyone’s favourite murder mystery board game takes to the stage this Summer, with a new UK tour of CLUEDO.

Based on the hit 1985 film CLUE and inspired by the classic board game, CLUEDO follows six distinguished guests who are invited to dinner one dark and stormy night by the mysterious Mr Boddy.

As the night progresses, it soon becom...

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Theatre Review: ANYTHING GOES – Palace Theatre, Manchester

With its show-stopping dance routines, stunning set, and all-star cast, ANYTHING GOES makes for a delightful, delicious and ‘de-lovely’ production.

5 out of 5 stars

Following its sell-out run at the Barbican in London, Kathleen Marshall’s award-winning revival of ANYTHING GOES makes a welcome return in 2022 as it heads out on a UK tour with an all-new cast.

Based on the songs of Cole Porter, ANYTHING GOES follows the lives of various passengers abroad ocean liner SS American from New York to London...

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