Theatre Review: LIZZIE THE MUSICAL – Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester

The Company of LIZZIE THE MUSICAL. Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

Driven by its blistering score, simple set design and powerhouse lead performances, LIZZIE THE MUSICAL is a night at the theatre to die for!

4 out of 5 stars

The tale of Lizzie Borden is the stuff of American legend. Accused of brutally murdering her father and stepmother with an axe in the late summer of 1892, Borden’s trial became a media sensation, inspiring numerous films, literary works, and even a twisted nursery rhyme...

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Theatre Review: HEATHERS THE MUSICAL – Palace Theatre, Manchester

Elise Zavou, Verity Thompson & Billie Bowman in HEATHERS THE MUSICAL. Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

Retaining the sharp wit and satirical edge of the cult 1989 film, HEATHERS THE MUSICAL juxtaposes catchy songs with dark humour.

4 out of 5 stars

Following two smash-hit West End seasons and a record-breaking run at The Other Palace, HEATHERS THE MUSICAL makes a welcome return to Manchester’s Palace Theatre as part of a new national tour.

Based on the cult 1989 film starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, HEAT...

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Theatre Review: SHREK THE MUSICAL – Opera House, Manchester

With its beloved characters and exceptional cast performances, SHREK THE MUSICAL exudes the same rewatchable charm as the films.

4 out of 5 stars

You don’t need a magic mirror to predict the delight that SHREK THE MUSICAL’s live adaptation will bring to younger audiences, but its humdrum soundtrack may dim its shine for the big kids amongst them.

Pushing back on the familiar fairy-tale tropes and romanticised themes around true love, SHREK THE MUSICAL brings the 2001 animation to life with an honest take o...

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Theatre Review: CRUISE – HOME, Manchester

Set in 1980s Soho, CRUISE is despairing and delightful, heart-wrenching and heartwarming.

5 out of 5 stars

CRUISE is a two-person, Olivier-nominated play teaming flawless acting with irresistible music...

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INTERVIEW: Sam Dickinson Talks About His New Track, Falling

Sam Dickinson talks about his new track, FALLING and his signing with global AEC Music

Sam Dickinson is back. The north-east singer has finally unveiled his new track, FALLING, his first since signing with global record label AEC music, and it is an absolute banger.

Reviews are already hailing FALLING as magnificent and Studio 54-inspired, and for dance tracks, the praise does not come much higher. FALLING is the first release since his lockdown album OFF SCRIPT and is worth the wait...

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Theatre Review: LEAVES OF GLASS – Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester

Joseph Potter and Ned Costello in LEAVES OF GLASS.

Joseph Potter and Ned Costello in LEAVES OF GLASS. Photo Credit: Mark Senior

Raw and unflinching, LEAVES OF GLASS is a masterpiece of storytelling, dealing with love, hate, memory and loss.

5 out of 5 stars

Memories. Those fleeting shadows of the truth which may, or may not be, accurate and which are ours alone with our versions of the truth. The secrets we keep and the version of the truth that we hold onto to deal with loss...

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Theatre Review: UNTITLED F*UK M*SS S**GON PLAY – Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester

UNTITLED F*CK M*SS S**GON PLAY. Photo Credit: ©The Other Richard

With its hilarious script and talented cast, Kimber Lee’s ‘UNTITLED F*UK M*SS S**GON PLAY is a scathing review of the western portrayal of Asian culture that’s not to be missed.

5 out of 5 stars

The winner of the inaugural Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting 2019, International Award, Kimber Lee’s UNTITLED F*CK M*SS S**GON PLAY’s makes its powerful world premiere at the Royal Exchange Theatre as part of Manchester International Festival.

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Theatre Review: STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL – The Lowry, Salford

Kevin Clifton and Faye Brooks in STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL

Kevin Clifton and Faye Brooks in STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL

Despite being unpolished in places, STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL captures the quirky Australian charm of the movie thanks to its vibrant set and talented cast performance.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Kevin Clifton makes a welcome return to the ballroom in the musical adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s cult 1992 film, STRICTLY BALLROOM, marking a full-circle moment for the professional dancer after his 2018 victory on STRICTLY COME DANCING.

Set in early 1990s Austra...

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Theatre Review: THE KING AND I – Palace Theatre, Manchester

Annalene Beechey in THE KING AND I. Photo Credit: Johan Persson

While it is impossible to separate THE KING AND I from its past, this lavish musical still has the power to enchant a modern audience.

4 out of 5 stars

A staggering seventy-two years since its first performance, the classic musical THE KING AND I returns to the Palace Theatre in Manchester as part of its 2023 UK tour.

Based on the novel ANNA AND THE KING OF SIAM by Margaret Landon, which in turn is based on the true story of English schoolteacher ...

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Theatre Review: QUALITY STREET – Bolton Octagon, Bolton

Driven by its clever direction, innovative use of puppetry and engaging cast, J. M. Barrie’s colourfully wrapped QUALITY STREET leaves a sweet taste in the mouth.

3 out of 5 stars

J. M. Barrie’s colourfully wrapped, sweet treat heads to Bolton Octagon as Northern Broadsides continue their tour of QUALITY STREET. The ill-fated production was into a 14-week tour in 2020 but was cut short due to a much-discussed global pandemic.

The play centres around the love affair between our protagonist, Phoebe ‘of the r...

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