Month: December 2025

A Christmas Fair

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Reviewed by Matt Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Not Too Tame have built up quite the reputation for putting on fun, interactive shows that deliver an entertaining night out. For the latest offering, a reworking of playwright Jim Cartwright’s A Christmas Fair, in collaboration with Oldham Coliseum, the interaction and fun are present, but so is something a little grittier.

Set in the beautiful Chadderton Town Hall, we are introduced to a community group attempting to organise the annual Christmas fair. There is the Elvis loving Town Hall Caretaker (Lee Toomes), who isn’t filled with Christmas cheer at all, and just wishes that people would clear up after themselves. Next up is the fair’s organiser-in-chief, Veronica (Samantha Robinson), who wants the fair to be just like her, perfect in every way. Next up is the fun loving cycling enthusiast Vicar (Dickon Tyrell), who is roped in, despite having the Christmas sermon to write. 

Then there is cafe worker and all round good egg, Lucy (Kelise Gordon-Harrison), who is fully into the Christmas spirit and happy to help in any way she can. And finally there is out-of-town writer, Johnny (Paddy Stafford), whose cynicism and sharp tongue threatens to derail everything.

As the quidditative quintet begin setting up the hall making it look festive, with a Christmas tree and stalls, we learn a bit about each of them. However, later, when the fair has closed and the clean up begins, we learn that each one has a story to tell of Christmas’s gone by that isn’t quite as in keeping with the joyous, festive time of year.

This is very much a play of two very different acts. The first, a fun-filled hour where we are introduced to our characters and their foibles. All this is mixed in with festive-fun, with sing-along carols, festive readings from the works of Dylan Thomas and Charles Dickens, and possibly one of the most impressive and quick Christmas decorations performed in live theatre. Add in the mix a possible blossoming love story between the younger characters Johnny and Lucy, and it sets up for what promises to be a memorable show.

However, the warning signs were there in the first act, and the second act takes a darker turn, with lengthy monologues, involving loneliness, crime and murder. Whilst some of the stories successfully highlight that not everyone will be celebrating this Christmas, some felt they a little more development.

Lee Toomes is in fine form as the fed-up but kind hearted caretaker, and is the glue that holds everything together. He’s the most rounded of the five characters. Kelise Gordon-Harrison brings the energy as the lovely, infectious Lucy. She’s perfectly paired with Paddy Stafford’s misery, Johnny. The chemistry between the pair is engaging and their duet on Fairy Tale of New York is a treat. You just wish there was a bit more of their story.

Samantha Robinson is brilliant as Veronica. She nails the festive officiousness; it’s a great comedic turn, that could in lesser hands irritate, but never does.  She strikes the balance between comedy and anguish perfectly. Dickon Tyrell’s turn as the Vicar is somewhat restrained until his Christmas monlogue, which, despite being one of the grimmer stories, his charismatic turn makes it an engaging watch. They are supported by a fine group of young actors for some of the song and dance numbers, which enhances your viewing.

As always with Not Too Tame, there is a spot of audience participation, in this case we are required to peruse the Christmas fair during the interval. The cast set up the fair during the first half of the performance and this is just a nice touch that adds an extra layer to the show.

Overall this is a well-acted, clever production that is at times funny and poignant. Whilst it won’t leave you with a warm Christmas glow, it’s well worth a watch and offers something a little different for the Greater Manchester theatre scene this Christmas.

A Christmas Fair on at Chadderton Town Hall until 2nd January tickets are available here.

The Enormous Crocodile – The Musical

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Reviewed by Jodie Crawford

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Enormous Crocodile is a joyful, high-energy production that brings Roald Dahl’s much-loved story to life in a way that completely captivates both children and adults alike. From the moment it begins, the show is bursting with colour and imagination, making it a wonderful outing for the whole family.

The story follows the mischievous (and very hungry) Enormous Crocodile, who decides he’s bored of eating fish and comes up with a series of “clever tricks” to try and catch a child for his lunch. Disguising himself in increasingly ridiculous ways, he believes he’s unstoppable but his plans are repeatedly foiled by a group of sharp-eyed jungle animals who work together to protect the children. The tale is playful and funny, with a reassuring message about kindness, and teamwork.

Visually, the show is an absolute treat. The costumes are incredible, they are bold, inventive, and full of personality.  They add so much to the storytelling. The Enormous Crocodile himself is particularly impressive and delightfully dramatic, prompting plenty of excited reactions from the younger audience members. 

The audience engagement is another standout feature. The incredible cast interact brilliantly with the audience, keeping children fully involved and entertained throughout. The pacing is spot on, the atmosphere is warm and lively, and there’s never a dull moment. We loved the monkey nut scene!

All in all, this production is a real family treat. It is imaginative and memorable. A fantastic way to enjoy live theatre together and a show we would all happily recommend to any family.

 A truly brilliant family theatre experience!

The Enormous Crocodile is on at The Lowry until Sunday 4th January tickets are available here.

Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

She’s been giving main character energy since the premier of Disney’s The Little Mermaid back in 1989, so it’s only fitting that Ursula, finally gets her own moment in the spotlight. 

This outrageous musical parody with book and lyrics by Robyn Grant and Daniel Foxx and music by award-winning composer Tim Gilvin returns to The Lowry for festive season and is bigger, better and bolder than ever.

Taking on the role of Ursula is the insanely talented Sam Buttery who delights in deep diving into this delicious diva’s backstory. Buttery perfectly embodies this badass octowitch, flirty, filthy and frothing with talent, she draws your attention from the moment she splashes onto the Lowry stage. Blasting out the powerhouse vocals with ease while delivering every killer line with perfect precision, most importantly she is a whole lot of fun and will soon make you realise maybe we’ve been wrong about Ursula all along.

Her scenes with Blair Robertson as King Triton are outrageously funny, together they deliver this genius script with razor sharp precision. Buttery is effortlessly cool while Robertson hams it up to perfection, the result is laugh-out-loud scenes throughout.

Allie Dart returns in the role of Sebastin (as well as multiple other characters) and proves once again what a talent she is. She commits entirely to each and every role, never missing a beat in this fast-paced romp with some of her characters even appearing on stage at the exact same time! Her scenes with James Spence as Ursula’s slippery sidekicks Flotsam and Jetsam are particularly brilliant. Spence like Dart also takes on multiple roles, from the weirdly tactile King Neptune to the wildly camp Prince Eric he’s utterly superb ensuing this precessional debut is one to remember.

Miracle Chance returns as the desperate and dim Ariel, when has the audience in stitches from the off with her deliciously crude lines, each one more outrageous than the last. Her quest to find her own Prince Charming, played superbly by James Spence is a scream, adding another enormously entertaining element to this perfect parody. Special mention must also go to ensemble members Freya McMahon and Fionan O’Carroll who complete this talented cast.

While the adult jokes come thick and fast there’s also a gorgeous theme of individuality and acceptance which weaves its way through the story adding depth to an already impressive show. The shorter running time for this revamped production ensures the pace is fast and the show feels fresh. This gloriously queer, creatively camp, celebration of difference offers a hilarious alternative for theatre goers this Christmas, it’s gaudy, glittery and utterly gorgeous!

Unfortunate – The Untold Story of Usrula the Sea Witch is on at The Lowry until Sunday 11th January, tickets are available here.

 

 

Robin Hood

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Reviewed by Jodie Crawford

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Robin Hood: The Magical Panto Adventure at the Manchester Opera House is everything a great panto should be: loud, proud, joyfully chaotic, and absolutely hilarious. From the very first moment, it’s clear you’re in safe hands with a production that understands its audience and fully leans into what panto does best. This is a great northern night out, with bells on!

The chemistry between Jason Manford and Ben Nickless is once again pure magic. Year after year they somehow manage to outdo themselves, delivering effortless laughs, perfectly timed chaos, and that wonderful sense that anything could happen at any moment. Their interaction with each other, and with the audience, is the heartbeat of the show. I fear the day when they decide to hang up their Panto boots as it’s hard to imagine a Christmas without them on stage together.

And honestly? It doesn’t matter in the slightest that the plot is inconsistent because it’s completely irrelevant. This panto has all the ingredients that matter. The ghost scene? Brilliant. The “in the gap” scene? Predictably unpredictable. The bloopers, singalongs, cheeky asides, and bang-on cultural references, from the last 12 months, all land perfectly, keeping the audience crying with laughter from start to finish. There are as always, some fabulous surprises in there too!

The ensemble cast is outstanding, bringing energy, polish, and warmth to every scene, while the costumes are the best I’ve seen at an Opera house panto:  vibrant, inventive, and a visual feast that add to the magic at every turn. A huge shout-out also goes to Adam Strong as the Sheriff of Nottingham, who delivers a pitch-perfect performance, gloriously dastardly, fabulously over-the-top, and exactly what a panto villain should be.

This is truly a show for all generations. I took a nine-year-old and a seven-year-old and judging by the laughter (and the conversations afterwards), those memories will last a lifetime. Let’s just say they will forever laugh when they get to page nine… #iykyk

Manchester should be incredibly proud of this panto. It’s a tradition done right, packed with heart, humour, and festive magic. I highly recommend this show. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a reminder of just how brilliant panto can be and should be.

Robin Hood is on at Manchester’s Opera House until Sunday 4th January tickets available here.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

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Reviewed by Sophie Rowley

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What a treat this is – midweek show – hot chocolate and mince pies. I’m here at press night – settling down to watch the Lowry’s Christmas show “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe”. As we approach this festive season there tends to be a tradition of household favourites on the theatre scene, this year is no exception, the Lowry is once again hosting the children’s classic, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, which in 2021 impressed audiences with its contemporary take on an old favourite. Retuning direct from the West End, “the nations favourite novel” promises once again to delight audiences and bring festive cheer to the Salford scene. 

The novel is one of C S Lewis’ fantasy favourites which since the 1950s has gripped children and adults alike. It was the first story to be published from the seven novel collection “The Chronicles of Narnia” and it has seen many adaptations in its time on TV, in film and now on stage. The versatile Lyric stage is transformed as director Mike Fenton brings Sally Cookson’s original production to life. 

Set against the backdrop of wartime England, when children were being evacuated for safety, Lewis takes this one step further and sends the readers into the magical land of Narnia – which lets face it is a character all on its own. The story is mainly driven by the youngest of the 4 children, Lucy, who enters this mysterious land three times through a simple wardrobe in the spare room. The wardrobe acts as a portal to the magical land of Narnia, a land where time stands still and woodland fantasy creatures are in a war of their own, in a bid to bring back hope to their once pleasant land.

Here lies the power of Lewis’ storytelling – how many of you tried getting to Narnia through a wardrobe in your childhood homes – hoping you – like Lucy, could escape the reality of daily life through a doorway of hope. Narnia is brought to life superbly by the creative team. Visually this production is stunning, the contrast between black and white, light and dark throughout is so clever. The contemporary dance routines creates a wonderful parallel to the classic tale. The art of illusion especially with the witches scenes really are special and are delivered perfectly by the cast. A special moment must be taken to appreciate the sheer brilliance of the puppeteers (directed by Toby Olie and designed by Max Humphries). From household pets to woodland creatures the use of puppetry throughout is so creative. The subtle movement they give to all the animals allows them to become incredibly life like – so much so that you forget you’re watching puppets, instead you are drawn into the illusion and believe they are real. This combined with the arial artistry (directed by Gwen Hales) gives the whole production a fourth dimension feel – you are in Lucy’s shoes, you’ve entered Narnia. This show truly is a spectacle.

As Act 1 progresses the mentions of Aslan increase, building the tension ahead of his much anticipated arrival. “The King of the beasts’ finally comes to the stage in the second act through a cloud of smoke and I must admit I was excited – finally the title character is here portrayed by both a puppet and an actor. Aslan (Stanton Wright) commands the stage with a majestic presence that you can’t help but be transfixed by. I felt at times however that I was looking more at Wright than the Aslan puppet, which moments before I was so excited to see. This conflict continued throughout the show and personally as brilliant as Stanton Wright was, having both him and the puppet in equal spotlight made it feel like they were separate characters. In fact at times it felt like Aslan the puppet was a pet to Wrights’ character.

Second in the title ranking is the Witch played by Kate Stephens who with her impressive resume naturally bring a regal essence to the role. Literally at times towering above the audience with her crown of icicles and long fur coat, she definitely makes her presence felt, owning her stage. 

The children are equally as brilliant and the talent within the company is phenomenal. Kudzai Mangombe portrayal of Lucy brings a wonderful playful innocence that develops into a adolescent charm. Peter (Jesse Dunbar) and Susan (Joanna Adaran) bring reason and drive to the story, providing Lucy with a solid foundation – almost like parental figures – a beacon of truth and honesty. Contrasting completely with this is the rebellious Edmund who is played to perfection by Bunmi Osandolor. 

I cannot leave out one of literatures finest fawns – Mr Tumnus played by Alfie Richards – who brings a mystical quality to his performance, and by doing so adds a fantasy element to the show. Honestly the entire cast must be commended – not only for their wealth of talent, but because of their ability to play multiple characters and instruments. Mr and Mrs Beever also deserve a special mention – they bring a comedic element, that breaks up the plot which at times is quite bleak, with the wartime synergy.  

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe fits perfectly into the play with music genre, making it a wonderfully entertaining festive experience. Take that leap this Christmas and step through the wardrobe to see Narnia for yourselves! 

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is on at The Lowry until Sunday 11th January 2026 tickets are available here.

Dick Whittington

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Regal Entertainments Ltd have pulled out all the stops Christmas to bring St Helens Theatre Royal audiences their biggest and best panto to date, the brilliant and side-splittingly funny Dick Whittington.

Matthew Wolfenden has left the Dales for the festive season to discover if the streets of London (via St Helens) really are paved with gold. Accompanied by his trusty cat Tommi (played superbly by Jenna Sian O’Hara), Dick heads off with a heart full of hope and a knapsack full of dreams as the adventures quickly begin. Wolfenden is clearly having a ball in this role, he’s charming, confident and gifts us all with some gorgeous vocals.

This is the first time Regal Entertainments Ltd has produced Dick Whittington and it does not disappoint, it is fast-paced, outrageously funny and utterly fabulous.

Theatre Royal favourite Lewis Devine is on hand to ensure there’s just the right amount of chaos, piling on the silliness and slapstick throughout as the nice but dim Idle Jack. The audience lap up his humour; he’s razor sharp with his comebacks and second to none when it comes to audience interaction. Devine’s scenes with Tim Lucas as King Rat are nothing short of genius. Lucas like Devine never disappoints and as King Rat he well and truly earns his title as a panto legend, he is utterly brilliant. He knows just how far to go with the innuendo and has the audience crying with laughter with his incredible performance, he ensures we all absolutely love to hate him as the devious Cockney King Rat, lapping up the boos and revelling in the villainy.

Chantelle Morgan returns for the festive season having rightfully won the role of Snow White after a star-studded search last year and proves once again what a talent she is. Her strong vocals and likeable personality are perfect for the role of Dick’s love interest Alice, daughter to the buxom businesswoman Felicity Fitzwarren played superbly by Richard Aucott. Aucott’s costumes are incredible each one bigger and bolder than the last.

Rachael Wood sparkles as the delightful Fairy Bow Bells while the Senior Dancers elevate this production even further as they deliver Nazene Langfield’s choreography with perfect precision.

This wonderful production ticks every single box when it comes to entertainment, in addition to the knock-out cast and stunning costumes there’s an amazing 3D sequence which will thrill audiences young and old, taking us on an unforgettable underwater adventure.

The song choices are excellent with something for everyone from KPop to ABBA, it’s pure pop perfection. Mark Goggins’ script with additions from David Phillips Davis feels bang up to date, littered with plenty of modern cultural references and trends it really is a crowd pleaser.

Dick Whittington is an absolute Christmas Cracker, packed full of laughs, bursting with talent and brilliant entertainment from start to finish. This crowd pleaser of a panto gives every single person at St Helens Theatre Royal the opportunity to feel part of a truly joyous collective experience. If you’re looking for five-star theatre at fantastic family friendly prices this festive season, then look no further than St Helens Theatre Royal where Dick Whittington will thrill young and old alike.

Dick Whittington is on at St Helens Theatre Royal until Sunday 11th Jan tickets are available here.