Month: January 2025

NOW That’s What I Call a Musical

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐

Written by Pippa Evans and directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood, NOW That’s What I Call a Musical takes everyone’s favourite compilation collections and delivers a jukebox musical bursting with 80s bangers.

At the heart of the production is a story based on friendship through the generations, and how while life and its challenges can often get in the way, true friendships stand the test of time (even if they do need a little assistance from an 80’s icon to remind them of the good times).

The story is set in Birmingham and simultaneously takes place in both 1989 and 2009 when a school reunion is on the horizon. In 1989 we meet younger Gemma and April (Nikita Johal and Maia Hawkins). The best friends are about to turn 18, both are ambitious and excited for what life has to offer. Gemma is keen to become a nurse while April has her sights set on stardom in the States. Both Johal and Hawkins shine in their respective roles, wide eyed and hopeful they perfectly encapsulate the characters teenage dreams.

Twenty years later their ambitions haven’t quite materialised and older Gemma and April (Nina Wadia and Sam Bailey) are no longer the close friends we first met. Gemma lives an unfulfilled life while April hasn’t been seen in the last decade. Sam Bailey and Nina Wadia make for a great pairing, although we see very little of Bailey until Act 2 with Act 1 largely being used to build an opportunity for her to return, an unusual choice and one that leaves you thinking the show would have been richer for including her character more throughout. When the two are together Bailey’s voice stuns while Wadia’s comic timing is superb. Once reunited the duo navigate their complex friendship with heart and humour as they’re forced to look back at their younger selves in a bid to work out what happened to those joyful dreamers portrayed so wonderfully by Johal and Hawkins.

The show very much follows the classic jukebox musical format. The characters are relatable, there’s plenty of humour, and of course brilliant bops which the talented cast deliver enthusiastically throughout. The result is a fun, feelgood show offering audiences a night of nostalgic escapism. While the humour is uncomplicated it’s well received by tonight’s audience.

The supporting characters complement the leads well with Gemma’s husband Tim (Keiran Cooper in 1989 and Chris Grahamson in 2009) portraying the villain of the piece convincingly making it very easy to hate him while April’s brother Frank (Luke Latchman in 1989 and Shakil Hussain in 2009) is a likeable addition to the story.

A notable positive to this production is the body diversity reflected on stage, something we’re thankfully seeing more and more and long may it continue.

As with many jukebox musicals there’s a significant level of shoehorning into scenes without adding anything to the narrative other than another tick on the song list count. However, when they are such bops as Video Killed the Radio Star and Hey Mickey, do we really care that much about their placement in the show? Judging by the audience’s reaction tonight I’m guessing probably not. They are here for a fun time and that’s exactly what this cast deliver.

The Act Two cameo by an 80’s icon; on this occasion Scouse sensation Sonia, adds to the fun of this piece as audiences get to indulge in even more uplifting nostalgia, even if it does feel a little like a fever dream (albeit a very fun one).

The plot while fairly predictable is entertaining and enjoyable as this confident cast deliver each much-loved track in this mixtape with bouncy enthusiasm ensuring a happy audience who, by the finale are bursting to boogie during the hit-filled megamix.

NOW That’s What I Call a Musical is on at Manchester’s Opera House until Saturday 1st February tickets available here.

The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals

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Back for the 4th year the National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals yet again proved the perfect way to beat the January blues and celebrate the wonderful work done by the National Lottery AND the very best of musical theatre.

Superbly hosted by comedian Jason Manford as well as offering performances from some of the hottest West End shows, the event showcased a range of touring productions – some which are headed to Greater Manchester soon.

The show also highlighted the support the National Lottery has given to more than 20,000 theatre-related projects over the last 30 years.

North West theatregoers got to see sneak peaks of some of the touring shows heading our way in 2025 – with exciting peformances from Chicago (Lowry, August), Bat Out of Hell (Palace Theatre, February), Mary Poppins (Palace Theatre, April), Dear Evan Hansen (Palace Theatre, February) and Here & Now – The Official Steps Musical (Opera House, September).

Stand out moments from West End productions included a first look at Marisha Wallace’s Sally Bowles from Cabaret – with Maybe This Times – and a brilliantly bonkers number from the new cult hit Titanique – starring Layton Williams and the brilliant Lauren Drew (you might remember her from starring in Lizzie at Hope Mill Theatre last year).

Perhaps most exciting was the chance to for a first look at the brand-new Disney’s Hercules, which is coming to the West End this summer, with a spectacular performance of ‘Zero to Hero’ and ‘Go The Distance’  from Luke Brady (Hercules) and his fiercely fabulous Muses.

Undoubtedly one of the most moving parts of the evening was when musicals legend Michael Ball made a special appearance, singing a spine-tinglinh rendition of ‘The Impossible Dream’ alongside National Lottery-funded charity, Our Dementia Choir, founded by actress Vicky McClure. It’s not an exaggeration to say the performance moved many audience members to tears.

There was also a beautiful performance of Electricity from Billy Elliot by two youth theatre groups from Stockport and Yorkshire – the young people absolutely did themselves proud.

The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals celebrates 30 years of The National Lottery funding theatre and performing arts across the UK and serves to thank players who have helped support theatre-related projects to the tune of £1.3BN. National Lottery funding has helped restore theatres as well as enabling hundreds of performing arts projects.

The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals will air on BBC One, BBC Radio 2, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds this Spring.

Calamity Jane

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the classic 1953 film starring Doris Day or toe-tapping your way into Deadwood for the first time, one thing is certain, you’ll have a whip-crackin’ whale of a time at this charming revival.

While sharp-shooting Calamity Jane can beat any man in the county, it’s Cavalry Officer Danny Gilmartin she is desperate to impress. She travels to Chicago to recruit glamorous cabaret star, Adelaide Adams, with the aim of bringing her back to Deadwood. However, things don’t quite go according to plan and when the majority of the locals including Danny fall for the new arrival’s charms, Wild Bill Hicock (Calamity’s sparring partner) is now left with the challenge of making a jealous Calamity see sense.

While staying faithful to the beloved musical movie this touring production starring West End favourite Carrie Hope Fletcher offers a revitalised energy which will undoubtedly appeal to modern audiences. Director Nikolai Foster’s decision to use actor musicians is one that pays off hugely giving this joyous production an immersive, wholesome feel. This musicality drives the narrative wonderfully, with bigger numbers like The Deadwood Stage (Whip-Crack-Away!) and Just Blew in from the Windy City impressing with a joyous, celebratory sound allowing this talented cast to show off their incredible versatility. Nick Winston’s lively choreography adds further to these impressive numbers as the cast deliver each routine with perfect precision.

Carrie Hope Fletcher slips perfectly into Calamity’s boots, with just the right amount of sass and spirit, she leads this talented cast skilfully. Her pairing with Vinny Coyle as Wild Bill Hickok is a joy to watch as they barb and bicker brilliantly making the more tender moments all the more special. Her big ballad Secret Love is perfection and will make you wish it was a verse of two longer while Coyle’s gentle version of ‘Higher than a Hawk’ is a gorgeous Act II opener.

Samuel Holmes is on fine form as Francis Fryer bringing laugh out loud humour to the role through his enormous sense of fun while Seren Sandham-Davies shines as Katie Brown. Her transition from wide-eyed new arrival to Deadwood diva is delicious while her pairing with Luke Wilson as Danny Gilmartin acts as further confirmation to the quality of this cast.

Matthew Wright’s music hall set remains unchanged throughout the show however the cast draw on some clever techniques to create multiple locations and settings, from the Deadwood Stage to Calamity’s cabin, everything is carefully considered and perfectly executed. Technically, the sound seemed a little muted at times in Act I however come Act I we were all perfectly primed for a hoe-down finale for hopefully just first night niggles.

This feel-good production is packed with toe-tapping tunes, lots of laughs and heaps of heart. Appealing to audiences of all ages it’s a whip-cracking theatrical treat that will have you wanting to head back to the Black Hills of Dakota quicker than Calamity can crack her whip.

Calamity Jane is on at Manchester’s Opera House until Saturday 25th January tickets available here.

Live Forever

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Reviewed by Matt Broadly-Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Images Jake Hodge

Going into 2025 seeing a sea of parka coats and bucket hats flooding the auditorium of the Bridgewater Hall, certainly wasn’t on anyone’s bingo card. However, it was a thing, and it did happen, and the reason being one of the country’s top Oasis, tribute acts Live Forever were in town with The Rise of Britain’s Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Bandshowcase.

 As the title suggests the show is a look back at Oasis’s early back catalogue. The first half of the show  incorporated songs from milestone gigs, such as the band’s 1991 hometown Boardwalk gig where Noel Gallagher first played with Oasis.  There are also songs from the Glasgow show at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut where the band were signed to their first record deal.    

 

Rather inevitably the band open with Rock ‘N’ Roll Star, and thrash through songs from Definitely Maybe, including Digsy’s Dinner, and Bring It On Down, however what sets this apart from other tribute acts is the visual attention to detail, it’s impressive to say the least. The stage is littered with Marshall and Orange Amps, a staple of the look and sound of Oasis. The stage design has incorporated the same black and white swirls used at Oasis’ huge Maine Road and Knebworth concerts from 1996. The fact that the second song of the night is a previously unreleased Oasis track, Take Me is impressive in itself but goes to strengthen how this is far from a covers show.

 The experience is further enhanced by the commitment to performance from Derek McCabe and Degsy Williamson as Noel and Liam. McCabe’s mimicking of Noel Gallagher’s appearance, guitar playing style and most importantly sound is first class, even going as far as recreating some of Noel’s outfits from previous  shows. He doesn’t put on a faux manc (he’s Scottish) accent, or sneak in some Noel Gallagher quips because he really doesn’t need to, because everything else is bang on point.

Degsy Williams on the other hand went into full Liam Gallagher persona, bantering with the audience, cheeky comments about learning his ‘lines’ in the toilet, or changing lyrics which Liam had done several times. He may not have looked entirely like Liam, but he did a great job with his vocals, a highlight being a storming rendition of Cigarettes and Alcohol. He gamefully interacted with young children and a few boozy revelers in the crowd. A highlight for me was the recreation of the Oasis Unplugged moment which saw Noel taking on singing duties for a TV recording whilst Laim heckled and became a bit of nuisance from the baloney, again showing an authenticity attention, to detail and playfulness you won’t find elsewhere.

 

The rest of the band also do a superb job of recreating the ‘Oasis’ sound, with special mention to lead guitarist Steve Allen and Kevin O’Rourke on keys. They are the driving force of the sound of the band and absolutely smash it.

Following an interval it’s just hit after hit, with the likes of Wonderwall, Don’t Look Back in Anger, and Stand By Me, the only track from Oasis’s third album to receive an airing. Throughout the second half the majority of the Bridgewater Hall audience were up on their feet clapping, singing along and having a good time. What was striking about the show was the audience was made up of children and pensioners and everyone in between who all in unison, lapped up the show, which is a testament to the Oasis back catalogue, and the quality of the Live Forever experience.

The whole world knows that Oasis have some huge dates this summer, and for those lucky enough to get tickets, Live Forever is the perfect aperitif to get you in the mood. For those not so lucky getting tickets, Live Forever is as nearperfect a way of experiencing what Oasis were like at the peak of their popularity, and well worth checking out.

Live Foverever are on  tour throughout 2025. Tickets available here here.

 

Full Casting Announced for World Premiere of David Baddiel’s ‘The Parent Agency – The Musical’ at Storyhouse Chester

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Producers John Berry and Anthony Lilley of Scenario Two and Suzie Henderson and Helen Redcliffe of Storyhouse are delighted to today announce the full cast for The Parent Agency – The Musical. This brand new musical adapted by comedian and author David Baddiel from his best-selling book with music and additional lyrics by the composer of Everybody’s Talking about Jamie’s Dan Gillespie Sells, will receive its world premiere at Storyhouse Chester on Saturday 15 February 2025, where it will be playing for two weeks until Sunday 2 March 2025.

Max Bispham (Les Miserables, Mrs Doubtfire), Osian Salter (Les Miserables, The Osmonds a New Musical), Eli Sowden-Mehta (Wonka, Blitz, Wicked)and Louis Wilkins (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) will share the role of Barry.

Rebecca McKinnis (Dear Evan Hansen, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie) will play Susan and Rakesh Boury (Matilda, The Creakers) will play Geoff.  

Completing the cast are Kazmin Borrer (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Elliot Broadfoot (Kathy and Stella Solve A Murder), Natasha Cayabyab (Shrek the Musical), Dylan Collymore (Shrek The Musical), Sarah McFarlane (SIX), Joshian Angelo Omaña (Why Am I So Single?) Alan Vicary (Girl From The North Country), Ralph Birthwell (Life of Pi), Althea Burey (The Gruffalo), Elliot Copeland (Becoming Nancy), Jessica Daugirda (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Sophia Lewis (Around The World in 80 Days) and Robbie Scott (Sunshine on Leith).

Eleven-year-old Barry Bennett hates his name. In fact, it’s number one on the list of things he blames his parents (Susan and Geoff) for along with “being boring, never buying him cool stuff, being tired all the time and being too strict”. So, he makes a wish for a better mum and dad and finds himself whisked away to Youngdon in the ‘United Kid-dom’, an alternate universe where kids get to pick out their perfect parents with the assistance of the staff of the eponymous Parent Agency.

For Barry, this seems like a dream come true, although he soon learns that choosing a new mum and dad isn’t as simple as it sounds…

The Parent Agency – The Musical will appeal to anyone who is, or has been, a child.
And also, to anyone who is, or has had, at least one parent.
And definitely, to anyone who wishes they weren’t called Barry.

The Parent Agency – The Musical opens at Storyhouse Chester from Saturday 15th February tickets available here.

Cinderella

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tony Peers Productions returns to Warrington’s Parr Hall this month with this year’s Panto offering, a sparkling spin on the classic fairytale, Cinderella. Combining traditional panto elements with wonderful modern touches this is a production all the family will undoubtedly enjoy.

The show tells the tale of Cinderella, who, despite being bossed around by her horrid stepsisters, lives a happy and hopeful life with the help of her loyal friend Buttons. With a yearning to meet the man of her dreams never too far from her thoughts she luckily meets a fabulous Fairy Godmother (TV’s Anne Hegarty) and a happy ending is hopefully in sight.

This entertaining production is well tailored for young audiences, there’s lots of gentle humour, a sprinkling of magic and plenty of brilliant bops woven perfectly into the familiar narrative. While the traditional sets are simple the glittering costumes and intricate choreography superbly delivered by local youth dancers from Felicia Burns School of Dance really ramp up the visuals in this super fun show.

The cast are clearly having a ball onstage with standout performance coming from the Ugly Sisters, played by Philip Meeks and Matt McInnes who provide laughs a plenty and that all important audience interaction. Buttons, played by Daniel Dean packs in the comedy with his much-loved silliness while The Chase’s very own Governess, Anne Hegerty really gets into the spirit of things delighting us all with superb vocals and great comedic timing.

There’s so much to enjoy about this production from the witty script to the vibrant costumes (shoutout to the Ugly Stepsisters and their epic costume changes). There’s plenty of innocent fun for the kids and just the right amount of innuendo for the adults. The localised references in the script allow the cast to really connect with the audience while the physical humour ensures the laughs keep on coming. It’s always wonderful to see families experiencing live theatre together and this show will guarantee magical memories for years to come.

Cinderella runs until Sunday January 12th, with concessions and family tickets available. Tickets and further information can be found here.

Accessible Performances 

Relaxed/Dementia Friendly performance – Saturday 11th January @ 9.45am – Created for people with special educational needs, this performance uses lower volumes for sound effects and fewer flashing lights. Special effects will also be reduced, so pyrotechnics and strobe lighting will not be used. For more information, please contact our box office on 01925 442345.

Signed performance – Sunday 12th January @ 11am – This performance will feature a British Sign Language interpreter who will stand to one side of the stage to translate the script as it is being performed. For more information, please contact our box office on 01925 442345.

Special Offers

Family – Buy 2 adult and 2 child tickets for just £43 (plus fees)

10th Ticket Free – Buy 9 or more tickets and get your 10th ticket free

Seniors BOGOF – Buy one senior citizen ticket and get one free (max 4 free tickets per customer) – Tuesday 7th Jan @ 1.30pm only