Month: July 2022

South Pacific

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Reviewed by Matthew Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Credit: Johan Persson

Rather surprisingly that hottest place in Manchester last night wasn’t the mythical island of Bali Ha’i central to the plot of South Pacific (this was due the fabulous air con at the Manchester Opera House), however make no bones about Daniel Evans’s revival of this Roger and Hammerstein classic is one of the hottest tickets in town!

From the much-praised Chichester Festival Theatre production, South Pacific is a dual love story. The first involves a French plantation owner and an American nurse; the second an American GI, and a native Tonkinese woman. All four find themselves on an island in the South Pacific, with the spectre of World War 2 hanging over them. However, it’s not war that threatens their relationships, but their past lives, clashes of culture and most certainly current prejudices that stand in the way of true love.

Credit: Johan Persson

Cards on the table I’ve never seen South Pacific, so seeing racism tackled in such a forthright manner was quite unexpected, especially when the prejudice came in the guise of the production’s ‘heroine’, nurse Ensign Nellie Forbush. When Oscar Hammerstein penned the lyrics to ‘You’ve Got To Be Carefully Taught’ over 70 years ago he hoped that the subject of racial equality would have improved but sadly we’re not quite there yet.

With such a weighty subject matter the production requires some powerhouse performances and lucky for us that’s exactly what we get. Julian Ovenden is in sublime form as plantation owner, Emile de Becque. Charming, charismatic, and tortured, his rendition of ‘This Nearly was Mine’ is the highlight of the night from a show jam-packed with highlights. Opposite him is the equally excellent Gina Beck as Nurse Forbush, a performance packed with energy, like a 4tth of July firework set she draws your attention throughout, radiating warmth and joy which makes the characters prejudices all the more shocking.

Credit: Johan Persson

In addition, there are some fine supporting performances Joanna Ampil puts in a great comedic turn as Bloody Mary, the personification of a survivor, doing all she can to protect herself and family. Whilst Rob Houchen as Lieutenant Cable and Sera Maehra as Liat, bring something wonderfully different to the second love story. Houchen with his delicate vocals on the aforementioned, ‘You’ve Got To Be Carefully Taught’ is superb while Maehara opens the production with a beautifully haunting dance routine, which then feature throughout.

As well as Amil’s Bloody Mary, there is additional light relief from Douggie McMeekin’s scene stealing, Luther Billis, a dodgy GI, with a lot of fingers in a lot of pies, think Dad’s Army’s Private Walker and you’re on the right track.

Credit: Johan Persson

Of course, being such a classic South Pacific has some big ensemble numbers in its arsenal, from the hugely infectious ‘There is Nothin’ Like A Dame’ to the bright and breezy ‘I’m Gonna Wash that Man Right Outa my Hair’, that will have you itching to sing along.

Director Daniel Evans’ South Pacific has a contemporary feel to it and is all you could want from a night at the theatre, fantastic performances, great show tunes and more importantly a social commentary on racism, which sadly still blights society today. 

South Pacific is on at Manchester’s Opera House until Saturday 23rd July tickets available here.

Lord of The Dance

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Reviewed by Robyn Molyneux

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Last night I had the pleasure of attending one of Manchester’s most beautiful theatres, the Palace theatre. The architecture is just stunning, and having taken my seats with no pre-conceptions of what I was about to see, I was blown away by the talent shown by the dancers that made up the troupe for this mid-week evening performance; the energy was infectious, and it is clear to see the hard work and dedication that goes into preparing for and delivering each performance.

I wont lie, I’m not sure what I had expected but this felt like a dream you have had when you’ve had too much cheese before bed, the kind of randomness that just sort of works!

In almost equal measure was the cheesiness and fun that the show delivered, with a loose storyline of good triumphing over evil! The show was full of charisma and embodied the famous style of Michael Flatley, cut from the same cloth with light-hearted comedy moments and showcasing the talents of those toes whilst flexing and “blue steel” posing all at once.

Between the main acts of dancers was a solo female singer who although talented, felt like she was drafted in to give the audience a break from the high energy show however, I found a bit out of kilter with the rest of the shows essence. Also, there were two violinists who played beautifully that accompanied the dancers throughout some numbers, maybe they should stick to playing the violin and avoid the awkward dance moves that went with it?

In terms of the difference numbers, my favourite part has to be when a dance off takes place. The slow build of articulate noise that can be created from their tap shoes is amazing, you feel the beat and excitement build in the rhythm as it comes to point.

Overall, the show was great fun and something a little different that everyone should see at some point in their life, full of feel-good vibes and incredible talent!

Lord of the Dance is on at Manchester’s Palace Theatre until Sunday 17th July tickets available here.

Sister Act

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Reviewed by Jodie Crawford

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sister Act tells the story of wannabe club singer Deloris (Sandra Marvin), who is the mistress of gangster Eddie Souther (Clive Rowe). Ready to end their affair, after he gifts her his wife’s old fur coat, Deloris accidentally witnesses Eddie kill a man. Fearing for her life she flees to the police and is forced to enter witness protection. A convent isn’t quite what she had in mind though and it takes her a fair bit of adjusting! But being given the role of choir master helps Deloris bond with the other nuns and she sets about helping them raise money to fix the church roof.


This show is a roaring success, and the Manchester audience loved it. It’s clear that many people (judging from the huge applause she received before she had even opened her mouth to deliver a line) came to see the legend that is Jennifer Saunders and she really doesn’t disappoint. There is no hiding from the fact that she isn’t a singer – but she doesn’t need to be, she even acknowledges this during her performance herself. Her comic timing, stage presence and the way in which she engages with the cast means that the audience is captivated with her character, Mother Superior, immediately.

The cast is packed with stars of the stage and screen and this makes for a very polished performance all round. Lizzie Bea hitting the high notes was a highlight of the show- she is a great talent. While Clive Rowe in a sparkly 70s disco dancing outfit performing “I could be that guy” is something I won’t forget in a hurry!


The songs differ from those in the movie and they aren’t as catchy, but it really doesn’t matter. The way that the “nuns” come together and perform is absolutely first class – Sister Mary Lazarus played by Leslie Joseph is a triumph, 76 years of age and moves as fast and nimble as any cast member on that stage. Later in the year she will take on the role of Mother Superior, which I think will be well worth seeing.


The set design by Morgan Large is impressive and Tim Mitchell’s lighting design compliments it incredibly well. Visually it makes such an impact.

Sister Act has all the ingredients for a fun night out, filled with laughter, good music and spectacular performances. It doesn’t disappoint from start to finish. The audience couldn’t wait to get up on their feet for the finale.

Sister Act is on at Manchester’s Palace Theatre until Saturday 9th July tickets available here.