Month: May 2025

The Rocky Horror Show

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Reviewed by Matt Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐

It’s hard to believe that The Rocky Horror Show first hit the screen 50 years ago—but this
latest production proves the cult classic still packs a punch. Bursting with colour, camp,
and energy, Richard O’Brien’s gleefully outrageous homage to 1950s science fiction
remains as fun and provocative as ever.

The story follows the familiar beats of a classic B-movie: newly engaged Brad and Janet
find themselves stranded with a flat tyre and stumble upon the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank
N. Furter and his peculiar household Riff Raff, Magenta, and Columbia. What begins as a
simple detour quickly spirals into a surreal, sexually charged journey that puts their
relationship to the test.

Connor Carlson and Lauren Chia are spot-on as Brad and Janet, capturing the pair’s initial
innocence and their gradual unraveling as they’re drawn deeper into Frank’s wild world.
The pair demonstrate great comedic timing and tremendous vocals throughout.
They’re supported by a strong ensemble: Job Greuther brings a wonderfully sinister edge
to Riff Raff, Natasha Hoebergis shines in dual roles as Magenta and the Usherette,
opening the show with a stellar “Science Fiction/Double Feature”. Whilst Jayme-Lee
Zanoncelli adds eccentric flair and powerful vocals as Columbia.

Jason Donovan returns to the role of Frank N. Furter apart he first tackled in the late ’90s
with a performance that leans heavily into the character’s unhinged eccentricity.
Channeling shades of Grayson Perry and a generous dose of Heath Ledger’s Joker,
Donovan brings a more chaotic, unpredictable energy to Frank than previous incarnations.
At times, he appeared slightly flustered—thanks in part to some malfunctioning stilettos,
however he turned these moments into a positive, using them to heighten the character’s
manic volatility, much to the audience’s delight. While his vocals may not be as strong as
those of his fellow cast members, Donovan more than compensates with a committed,
absurdly entertaining performance.

Actor and comedian Jackie Clune, does a stellar job as the Narrator, holding her own with
wit and playful authority. The audience was clearly in on the fun, with interactive call-outs
and spontaneous reactions creating a palpable buzz throughout the evening. Tonight’s
performance led to some observations about Donald Trump’s second term and Prince
Andrew which landed well with the audience.

Director Christopher Luscombe’s high-octane production keeps things moving at a
breakneck pace. The campy, chaotic energy is perfectly matched by Hugh Durrant’s
classic horror/sci-fi set design: blood-red walls, a giant brain, and even a mounted dodo
head. It’s as weird and wonderful as you’d hope.

While the final act veers into near-total madness, losing a bit of narrative cohesion. It’s a
gripe I’ve always had with the film and previous productions, however tonight’s finale hit
the mark, mainly down to Donovan’s stellar work on “I’m Going Home”.

Whilst the summer is nearly upon us, here is the perfect opportunity to dig out the fishnets
one more time and see why The Rocky Horror Show is still the ultimate feel-good,
anarchic theatre experience. Give yourself over to absolute pleasure. You won’t regret it.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is at the Palace Theatre until 31st May tickets are available at here.

Peggy Seeger’s 90th Birthday Farewell Tour

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Peggy Seeger’s 25th and final solo album, released the month before her 90th birthday, is a fitting tribute to over 70 years as a working musician, feminist and activist. Peggy’s 25-date tour of the UK and Ireland in May & June will be her very last.  After the tour, Peggy will retire from recording and live performance.

This is no apologetic or quiet farewell – she’s going out with a thoughtful, philosophical and very satisfying BANG. Peggy’s voice and songwriting are still major forces to be reckoned with. Nine brand new songs and two reinterpretations span the pillars that have sustained her career.  Written and recorded with family members – established musician sons Neill and Calum (Calum also produced the album) and daughter-in-law Kate St John – this album is sheer class, suffused with love and respect.

Teleology is the belief that everything that has happened is an arrow aimed at a target called now, and this album celebrates both the now and the timeline that has led her here.

Peggy says: “It is unavoidable that at 90 I am preoccupied with life, love, loss, old age and death but I’ve never abandoned politics or the compulsion to speak up when something isn’t right.  How I got here is still a bit of a mystery, but I’m exactly where I should be right now, and I’m at peace with that.”

Peggy plays The Lowry on Wednesday 21st May with tickets available here.

A Knight’s Tale

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The highly anticipated new musical A Knight’s Tale, based on the 2001 cult movie of the same name starring Heath Ledger, has officially opened in Manchester and judging by tonight’s thunderous standing ovation, this jukebox musical is here to stay.

Adapted for the stage by Brona C Titley with direction from Rachel Kavanaugh and choreography by Matt Cole, A Knight’s Tale quickly sets the tone and lets the audience know from the off that they’re in for a very fun night, with an absolute bounty of a back catalogue and a whole heap of tongue in cheek medieval moments.

A Knights Tale takes us on a romp of a 14th Century road-trip following the antics of peasant squire Will Thatcher (Andrew Coshan) who passes himself off as a nobleman following the death of his master in his bid to beat the odds and become a jousting World Champion. The only thing standing in his way (aside from the fact he isn’t a nobleman and could go to prison for pretending to be one) is the current World Champ who also doubles up as a deliciously devious bad boy and villain of the piece, Count Adhemar (Oliver Tompsett).

As the wannabe Knight, Andrew Coshan is superb, dashing, dreamy and with vocals that pack a punch. He bursts with charisma and has the kind of twinkle in his eye that audiences go wild for. His pairing with pals What and Roland (Eva Scott and Emile Ruddock) is perfection, packing in the humour, both Scott and Ruddock are superbly cast.  Their comic timing is unmatched as they deliver each and every witty line with absolute precision. 

As the trio set off on their quest they gain two additions to their crew, Kate (Emily Benjamin), a local badass blacksmith and a frequently unclothed Geoffrey Chaucer, (Max Bennett) who is on the cusp of writing his ‘Canterbury Tales’ but for now is happy to join in with the jousters japes.

Emily Benjamin gives knockout vocals as Kate, while Max Bennett as Chaucer is pure joy. He quickly becomes the ultimate hype man while his wit and warmth as he skilfully breaks the fourth wall firmly sees him confirmed as an audience favourite. 

West End legend Oliver Tompsett proves ones again to be a world class performer, his delivery of Chesney Hawkes’ The One and Only and Adele’s Rolling In The Deep are iconic.

Of course, no story is complete without a love interest, enter Meesha Turner as the sexy, strutting Princess Jocelyn. With all going so well can Thatcher conceal his true identity or does his destiny lie firmly in the stocks?

While the cast are superb, the creatives have also pulled out all the stops to ensure this production is visually just as striking. Tom Rogers impressive set design is lit brilliantly by Howard Hudson while Gabriella Slade’s costume design feels modern, sexy and yet authentic as the medieval silhouette is carried through each scene. It’s very clear to see why choreographer Matt Cole is an Olivier Award-winner, each set piece is thrilling and the energy never wanes.

As with many jukebox musicals featured hits can often be eclectic and A Kight’s Tale is no exception, from Bonnie Tyler to Bon Jovi and almost everything in between there’s a whole host of familiar bops with some working more effectively than others, all however are delivered with 100% commitment from this talented cast. I can honestly say a Bowie – Golden Years/Ricky Martin – La Vida Loca mash up is something I never thought I’d witness but here in jukebox musical land I guess anything goes. 

There are moments where you do wonder what target audience they’re going for particularly with the frequency of swearing and adult humour which at times felt a little unnecessary and made the genuinely funny sweary moments have less of an impact. Reduce some of these and you’ve got a fantastic musical comedy offering for almost all ages, that’s visually stunning and enormously entertaining.

A Knight’s Tale provides another wonderful opportunity where we get to boast that Manchester gets it first. This silly, funny, feisty show will no doubt become a Knight to remember as this riotous new musical makes its raucous mark on theatre land, next stop surely must be the West End.

A Knight’s Tale is on at Manchester’s Opera House until Saturday 10th May tickets are available here

North By Northwest

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐

If anyone can put their own stamp on an Alfred Hitchcock thriller it’s Wise Children’s Emma Rice, her vibrant interpretation of the cinematic classic, North by Northwest is as witty and as whimsy as you’d wish for and has arrived in Manchester for a two week stay.

This high stakes spy-thriller introduces us to a very suave Roger Thornhill (Ewan Wardrop) who manages to find himself caught up in a rather serious case of mistaken identity, not ideal at any time but even less so in the midst of a Cold War conspiracy. Villain of the piece Vandamm, (Karl Queensborough) is out to get him with the assistance of his pals and fellow heavies (Mirabelle Gremaud as Anna and Simon Oskarsson as Valerian). Thornhill must out smart Vandamm in a bid to save himself however just as he’s gaining the upper hand, he meets the intriguing Eve Kendall (Patrycja Kujawska) who could just as easily be a sinner or a saviour. Completing the cast is The Professor (Katy Owen), who guides both the audience and Roger brilliantly through the perilous predicament he finds himself in.

This dynamic reworking of the original Hollywood movie is a joy, inventive, surprising and above all a whole lot of fun. As with all Wise Children productions music plays a significant role, with the choices made here really cementing the creativity of these visionary theatre-makers. Paired with inventive staging, where suitcases become Greyhound buses, Mount Rushmore and everything else in between, you really have got an impressive piece of theatre.

Ewan Wardrop is hugely entertaining as Roger Thornhill, the only cast member who doesn’t play multiple roles despite the characters very real identity crisis. Katy Owen as The Professor gives another standout performance, her comedic timing is second to none, her skill in breaking the fourth wall to ensure we, the audience are fully engaged and alert to our mission ensures that we’re captivated from the start. The four remaining cast members, Queensborough, Gremaud, Oskarsson and Kujawska, are equally as impressive bringing their own unique skills to the multiple roles they take on. Even via the slightest of adjustments, a different accent, a jaunty hat, they transform themselves into another surprising and entertaining character.

Rob Howell’s inventive set and creative costume design further adds to the playful, whimsical nature of this piece while Etta Murfitt’s Fosse-inspired choreography brings this piece further to life. The high energy is maintained throughout and by the curtain call the audience are up, enthusiastically applauding with as much energy as this talented cast have given for the entirety of this 2.5hr show. Visually impressive and incredibly playful until the final knife-edge moments when we’re reminded of the relevance of the themes of the piece, North By Northwest is a triumph.

Gods of Salford

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Reviewed by Matt Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Back in 2019 I was lucky enough to see Stephen Fry’s Mythos shows. Fry gave a brief history of Greek mythology, regaling a captive audience with tales of spiteful gods, gruesome monsters and heroic mortals. Well, Sir Stephen may want to revisit the Lowry, as Zeus and Hera have arrived in Salford filled with malice and wrath!

Commissioned by the Lowry as part of their 25th Anniversary celebrations, Gods of Salford, sees ancient Greece relocated to the Greater Manchester city nestled on the banks of the river Irwell. The mortals work and toil away in order to pay tribute to the King and Queen of the Gods, Zeus (Emmerdale’s Anthony Quinlan) and Hera (West End star Laura Harrison). However, soon the humans grow tired of being at the whim of the Gods and a few brave individuals begin voicing their concerns about their treatment at the hands of the immortal rulers.

Zeus, upon hearing the discontent of the people, proposes a series of tasks whereby the humans could win their freedom. However, the humans soon realise that God’s don’t always play fair, whilst the omnipotent overlords soon learn that you underestimate human endeavour at your peril.

Not Too Tame are gaining a reputation for putting on fun, interactive shows that deliver a hugely entertaining night out and Gods of Salford carries on with that tradition. High energy, action packed and innovative, the myths and legends of ancient Greece are intertwined with stories of folklore from the pubs and streets of Salford.

The show has something for everyone: a punchy, witty script from Andrew Butler and Louise Haggerty, which playfully weaves the bizarre and absurdities of Greek Myth, with no nonsense Northern charm and honesty. Brutal one-liners and well observed social commentary mesh to make the classic underdog story.

Under director and co-writer Jimmy Fairhurst, we are treated to a cross between a Saturday night entertainment show and gladiator style combat as Zeus’ tasks are revealed. The show has the luxury of having a super talented cast of young actors at its disposal, giving performances packed full of energy and attitude. They fully embody the resilience and ‘never give up’ attitude at the heart of the story.

This innovative piece features impressive, choreographed set pieces, fine solo offerings, some ballet, contemporary dance, powerful vocal performances and even the theme tune to 80’s kids show Fun House for the nice little nostalgia hit.

Anthony Quinlan is an imposing figure of Zeus. It’s a turn packed full of menace, reminiscent of the local hardman you meet down the pub, who you want to be friends with only so he doesn’t smash you in the face, which he probably will do anyway.  He is more than matched by Laura Harrison’s devious Hera, her stunning vocals are equalled by her ruthless streak. Jimmy Fairhurst and Max Healey bring a touch of razzmatazz to the mischievous compares for the tasks, Hermes Alpha and Hermes Beta while ensemble cast of young adults all get their chance to shine right from the get-go.

The set looked fabulous as the Quays Theatre transforms into Mount Olympus, if Mount Olympus were a building site. Jen McGinley’s impressive set design looks both gritty and majestic, but also allows for the cast to interact with the audience, and the audience to feel they are part of the drama, not immune from the Gods’ wrath.

Tonight’s show did have a few issues: at times during the first 15 minutes, it was hard to hear some of the cast members due to the frenetic nature of the show, however this was a minor quibble and understandable when you have a 20+ strong cast zipping around the stage.

This is a joyous, fun filled night at the theatre which showcases the talents of some fine young adults and allows them to do what they love and perform, and they do so with so much gusto and energy. Every Not Too Tame production I’ve previously seen has plenty of heart, soul and takes enormous pride in its working-class roots, everyone involved should be proud of what they have achieved: it is a no-nonsense, highly entertaining night out, which the Gods would more than approve of…👍

Further info here.