Theatre Review: BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL – Opera House, Manchester

The cast of BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL. Photo Credit: Johan Persson

With outstanding performances, superb orchestration, and stunning visuals, BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL is a must-see production that perfectly captures the essence of live theatre.

5 out of 5 stars

Another world premiere launches from our great city of Manchester: this time, “it’s Burlesque”.
There are truly no words to describe how phenomenal this new musical is, but here goes…

The 2010 movie musical burst onto screens with an all-star cast incl...

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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: ROBIN/RED/BREAST – Factory International, Manchester

Image courtesy of Wenjun Miakoda Liang.

Featuring a haunting and fractured score and a powerful performance from Maxine Peake, ROBIN/RED/BREAST is a powerful, disturbing, and provoking piece of theatre.

4 out of 5 stars

The early 1970s in Great Britain saw a resurgence in the folk horror genre with John Bowen’s BBC play ROBIN REDBREAST, now regarded as a cult classic and a precursor to the famed WICKER MAN in the cult lineage...

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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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