Comedy

Peter Pan Goes Wrong

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Reviewed by Gill & Freddie Selkirk

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Mischief Theatre Company are the hilarious gift that keeps on giving, from their original offering, The Play That Goes Wrong to this current UK Tour of Peter Pan Goes Wrong it seems everything they touch turns to comedy gold.

Like the multi award-winning Play That Goes Wrong, Peter Pan Goes Wrong focusses on the Cornely Drama Society and their valiant attempt to deliver J.M. Barrie’s classic, Peter Pan, which of course gets a chaotic and calamitous Mischief Theatre makeover.

This play within a play introduces us to our cast who quite literally live and almost die by the mantra ‘the show must go on!’. With ambition that far outweighs their actual talents the scene is set for two hours of malfunctioning sets, lack of ability, faulty electrics and some painfully close near-misses as our players go about delivering their lines to hilarious effect. There are clashing egos, intense insecurities as well as unwanted affections within the company, all of which add to the glorious chaos of the piece.

Gareth Tempest portrays Jonathan who is our self-obsessed, narcissistic Peter Pan. With an eye for the ladies and an inability to fly in a straight line he continually plunges the show into absolute chaos. Wendy (a very keen to please Sandra) is played brilliantly by Ciara Morris, her enthusiasm paired with her exuberant arm waving never tire. Jack Michael Stacy, as Chris the director (who also plays Captain Hook and Mr Darling) displays a brilliant lack of self-awareness. His continued instance on treating the play as a serious piece and increased disappointment with both his fellow cast members and the audience who clearly don’t agree is genius.

Matthew Howell is superb as Robert (co-director/Nana the Dog, Peter’s shadow) with an ego bigger than Neverland he has the audience in the palm of his hand while Theo Toksvig-Stewart as Max, (playing Michael Darling/mermaid/the crocodile), has a soft-spot for Sandra and is only in the show because his uncle is financing it.

Dennis (Clark Devlin) offers some real comedy moments as he’s fed his lines through a very unreliable headset while Jamie Birkett as Annie (playing Mrs Darling, Lisa, and a superbly funny Tinkerbell) has more consume changes than a pantomime dame. Jean-Luke Worral as the narrator though blighted with technical issues, still adds a touch of sparkle every time he appears, pertified actor Lucy (Rosemarie Akwafo) has trouble finding her voice while Jake Burgum tries to keep it all together as stage manager Trevor, resulting in almost as much unforgettable stage time as the stars of the show themselves.

This really is a comic masterpiece; it’s fast pace never wanes while the gags and physical humour come thick and fast. It’s slapstick central and the audience lap it up, you’re just about recovering from one laugh when the next quickly and hilariously presents itself. Every cast member gets their moment to shine thanks to the witty writing and brilliant direction. High praise must also go to Simon Scullion’s impressive set design, its adaptability and revolve adding superbly to the carefully choreographed chaos.

Mischief Theatre have once again produced a comedy classic, which will appeal to all ages and leave you belly laughing long after the curtain call. My almost 11 year old, Freddie said it was the best thing he’s ever seen at the theatre, “I laughed from the very start to the very end, it’s ridiculously funny.”

Peter Pan Goes Wrong is on at Manchester’s Opera House until Sunday 31st March tickets are available here.

Work It Out

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Many of us have been there, stood in a random community centre or school hall early evening, trainers on, ancient leggings dug out of a long-forgotten drawer as we await the arrival of the class instructor and just hope they’re not quite as bouncy as we’ve imagined. 

It’s the perfect material for a piece of theatre, from the characters we meet to the problems and predicaments they find themselves in. It’s something we can relate to, empathise with, and laugh along with as we reflect on our own brushes with ‘fitness’. Writer Eve Steele (who also stars in the production as Siobhan) has taken this basic premise a step further with the exercise class being one specifically for people who have been referred due to the mental health challenges they face.

This distinct group of characters go on a unique and engaging journey, from beginning as strangers who struggle to be in the same room together to becoming their own unique and fiercely proud community. Each has their own story and moment to shine as the weeks pass by and the heart of each character is carefully revealed. From alcoholism to hoarding, sexual abuse to overeating the issues they’ve face are many, however together they find a sense of belonging and a genuine sense of purpose without this production ever feeling cliche.

Writer Eve Steele and Director Sarah Frankcom have lovingly worked with these characters to ensure they are relatable, believable and touch the hearts of the audience in ways we don’t see coming. The subtleties of their journeys collectively make for a powerful, emotive piece of theatre packed with heaps of heart and humour.

There’s Rebecca (Raffie Julien), who is deaf and refuses to speak who brings along her Grandma Marie (Eithne Browne), Rebecca gradually finds freedom and confidence as the weeks progress while Marie evolves from angry and anxiety ridden to loving, caring and contemplative. Shaq, portrayed sensitively by Dominic Coffey is a care-leaver who is struggling to survive in a wholly unsuitable home environment. His moving dance solo to a jazz version of Radiohead’s Creep is a real highlight of the show.

Eva Scott’s portrayal of Colette a shy, sensitive soul who struggles with body image is deeply moving, seeing her find her place and purpose within the group as they bid to secure funding feels like a monumental triumph. Aaron McCusker’s journey as Rob is perhaps one of the most profound, his transformation is poignantly realised in the final touching scenes as Siobhan (Eve Steele) with whom Rob has become close takes a step back from the group while her personal progress stalls. Class leader Alice (Elizabeth Twells) who seems so composed and complete at the start goes on her very own unique journey of vulnerability where she too realises, she needs the strength of the group to get her through.

The powerful final scenes illustrate both the positive change community and inclusion can bring while exposing the stark reality of the damage done to a society failed by ineffective Governments and underfunded services. The focus on individual stories brings a real sense of hope to this piece as the characters unify becoming closer and tighter as the weeks go by.

Work It Out is on at HOME until Saturday 16th March https://homemcr.org/theatre/

Unfortunate – The Untold Story Of Ursula The Sea Witch

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Malifcent and Cruella have both had their moments in the spotlight, so now feels like the perfect time to spill the tea on Disney’s most iconic villain, the queer queen herself, Ursula.

This is a deep dive like no other and a musical parody you won’t forget in a hurry as Ursula’s mysterious past is explored in the most hilarious way. It’s camp, colourful and completely outrageous.

Shawna Hamic takes on the titular role and succeeds entirely. She’s sassy, self assured and super fun with a hint of vulnerable where necessary. She blasts out powerhouse vocals with ease and quickly makes you realise perhaps you were wrong about Ursula all along.

Her scenes with Thomas Lowe as Triton are superb. They bounce off each other brilliantly ensuring this sharp script gets the quality delivery it deserves. They’re deliciously OTT, Hamic delivering Ursula’s cool, effortlessly while Lowe camps it up as Triton, all hair flicks and wanting sighs, hamming it up to perfection.

Allie Dart as Sebastian and multiple other characters is incredible, she delivers and then some. Such a brilliant actor, she doesn’t miss a beat in this fast paced parody. Her scenes with Jack Gray are a joy, their interpretations of Ursula’s faithful eels Flotsam and Jetsam are hilarious, a real highlight of the show as they weave effortlessly through Melody Sinclair’s brilliant choreography.

River Medway as the flame haired Ariel is hilarious. Ditsy, dim and desperate for a fumble ensuring the audience understand completely why Ursula sent her down the path she chose. Of course where there’s a whiff of Disney there’s always a Prince Charming, step forward Jamie Mawson as Eric. Mawson hams it up perfectly as the brattish, flute playing royal. Every line and every lyric exaggerated to level ten, he is a scream.

The cast are supported by a talented ensemble who bring further sass to this brilliant piece, they hold nothing back and make you feel like you’re part of this inclusive party.

There are bops and bangers, all delivered by a top notch cast. At two and a half hours this is a fairly long parody which might pack a little more punch with a slightly shorter running time but this really is a minor quibble.

Unfortunate is bold, brilliant theatre. Outrageous, unapologetic and a whole heap of fun.

Unfortunate – The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch is on at The Lowry until Saturday 2nd March tickets available here.

Noises Off

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Noises Off has arrived in Chester as part of a major UK tour following a sell-out West End run at the Phoenix Theatre. This clever play within a play follows the on and off-stage antics of a small theatre company as they attempt to bring their production of Nothing On to the stage.

As the story unfolds the audience is treated to a masterclass in farce. There are comedy mishaps a plenty, carefully choreographed calamities and superbly orchestrated chaos in this much-loved piece. First performed in 1982 this Michael Frayn play continues to bring in the audiences. It is fast paced, well delivered, and brilliantly directed.

Initially gently introducing us to the characters during their final rehearsal before their opening night, we quickly realise that director Lloyd Dallas (Simon Shepheard) well and truly has his work cut out.

Firstly, there’s Dotty Otley, (played by Liza Goddard) she has pumped a lot of her own money into the show and is keen to get things right. Next up is Garry Lejeune, (played tonight superbly by Mark Middleton), a talented actor with a simmering rage and jealous streak that may just be his and the rest of the casts undoing. Brooke Ashton (Lisa Ambalavanar) joins the cast as an inexperienced actress who will deliver her lines with gusto regardless of the mayhem that surrounds her.

They are joined by fellow cast members Belinda Blair (portrayed brilliantly by Lucy Robinson) a terrible gossip who loves to plant little seeds of scandal amongst the company. Frederick Fellows (Simon Coates) who is lacking in confidence since his wife left him but determined that the show must go on, and finally Selsdon Mowbray (Paul Bradley) whose hearing problems paired with his love of a tipple or two result in some hilarious moments in the script. There’s strong support also from backstage staff Daniel Rainford as Tim and Nikhita Lesler as Poppy.

We move from the hopeless final rehearsal in Act 1 to the back-stage antics during a mid-tour performance in Act 2 as the pressure amongst the cast and creatives nears boiling point, setting us up perfectly for a finale of fireworks. While Act 1 gently sets the scene introducing us to the players, Act 2 takes this production to another level, one that will leave you in awe of the skill and timing of this talented cast.

Director Lindsay Posner and choreographer Ruth Cooper-Brown ramp up the action in Act 2 as the cast bounce from one disaster to the next barely giving the audience time to catch their breath. Going way beyond missed lines as the carnage takes hold. This is a very traditional farce and certainly appeals to its target audience giving them exactly what they came for, laughs and plenty of them. While some of the elements may feel a little dated, scantily clad attractive female character, trousers round the ankles of male characters multiple times (and with multiple characters) and a rather stereotypical appearance from a Sheik and his wife, there’s no denying the quality of this production.

Noises Off is without doubt a comedy classic that will have audiences returning again and again. Entertaining, expertly delivered escapism.

Noises Off is on at Chester’s Storyhouse Theatre until Saturday 10th February tickets available here.

Jack and The Beanstalk

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Reviewers by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If there’s one thing that’s guaranteed to banish the January blues it’s the Parr Hall’s annual panto.

Partnering with Tony Peers Productions to bring plenty of feel-good fun, slapstick humour as well of course as all the traditional elements we all know and love, Jack and The Beanstalk certainly hits the spot.

This traditional take on panto sticks faithfully to the plot ensuring the magic of the story is retold to a new generation of theatre goers. Taking on the titular role of Jack is Lucy Summers, both a talented actor and superb vocalist, Summers shines on stage. Her delivery of Defying Gravity a particular highlight and one that would make any Elphaba green with envy. Summers pairing with Amy Thompson as Jill is a perfect one. The two have great chemistry with their vocals blending beautifully together. While Thompson’s connection with the audience is second to none.

Much of the comedy comes from audience favourites Daniel Dean as Jack Trott and his mother Dame Tilly Trott played brilliantly by Mark Newell. This is a pairing made in panto heaven, there’s silliness, audience participation and a touch of cheeky innuendo for the adults in the audience. Dean has perfected his craft and the kids just love him while Newell is a fantastic Dame, his witty one liners make for some of the most memorable parts of the show as he adds a modern twist to the traditional with his garish costumes and superb song choices.

Sara Nelson’s Fairy Sweet Pea is magical with her melodic rhymes while Frank Simms (who also directs the piece) laps up the boos as the villainous Fleshcreep. Kyle White also adds to the fun as the hapless King who isn’t quite in control of his kingdom.

This family friendly panto does not disappoint, a perfect introduction to theatre for little ones which will entertain young and old alike. Special mention must also go to the Felicia Burns dancers who make up the young company. Their sparkling presence and professionalism compliments the talented cast perfectly.

Jack and The Beanstalk will start your year off on a high and entertain you thoroughly, just watch out for the super soaker!

Jack and The Beanstalk is on at Warrington’s Parr Hall until Sunday 14th January tickets available here

Jack and the Beanstalk

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Reviewed by Jodie Crawford

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is Manchester, we do things differently round here – and Panto is no exception.

This year Crossroads pantomimes give us “Jack and the Beanstalk” in this version we follow the plight of Jack (Jason Manford) and Simon (Ben Nickless) as they try to rescue Princess Jill (Emma Williams) from the clutches of Myra Blunderbore (Myra Dubois) and her husband, the Giant.

They are helped along the way by The Spirit of the Beans (Samara Casteallo) who brings a little bit of magic, charm, and sparkle to their journey.

Crossroads pantomimes know that they have a recipe for success pairing Jason Manford and Ben Nicklless once more. These two are a match made in heaven and we love it. We can only hope they’ll return in 2024 – because let’s face it they’ve moulded Manchester Panto into what it now is and it just wouldn’t be the same without them.

This show is good for the soul. It’s got all the ingredients of a traditional panto: a wonderful charismatic dame, a talented ensemble, the classic gags and panto routines, sequins, dance sequences and audience participation. But this production has so much more. It’s a feast for the senses, from pyrotechnics to huge moving beanstalks, flying cars and some of the best comedy routines I’ve ever seen. Not to mention the giant himself.

What this panto also shows us is that you don’t need a token popstar to wheel out for the big numbers, because this cast is outstanding in the vocals department. Each can hold their own, in their own right. I know Manford has done much singing professionally, but I really think he gets better each year. Emma Williams is also an excellent vocalist along with the magnificent Myra Dubois.

Dubois is everything you want her to be as the Dame: brash, bold, quick witted, and a comic too. She is uber glamorous and we really weren’t sure whether we should be booing her or cheering her because deep down we are all just a little bit in love with her.

Ok, so the plot gets lost quite a bit, but who cares. Manford and Nickless command the audience, they have us in stitches from start to finish, so whether the cast have suddenly rescued the princess and the animals without much character exploration really doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things.

There is something for everyone in this panto, and it is an absolute must see. So, get down to the Opera House and have yourself a good giggle this Christmas, as well as a rave to old Macdonald – you won’t regret it!

Jack and the Beanstalk is on at Manchester’s Opera House until Sunday 31st December, tickets available here.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto Cinderella

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

An absolute staple of the Everyman’s calendar and a festive tradition for families across the region, Liverpool’s legendary Rock ‘n’ Roll panto is back and it’s more fabulous than ever.

This sparkling retelling of the classic Cinderella story, written by Luke Barnes, is brought to brilliant life by a highly talented group of actor musicians who sing, dance, act and play their way through this joyous production.

Dame Fairy Godmother (Ben Welch) opens the show in tremendous style, making it clear from the off that we’re in for a whole heap of fun, Beyoncé eat your heart out! With DFG announcing their plans for retirement following one last love match, trainee Graham (Adam Keast) is introduced allowing this tremendous twosome to set about ensuring Ellanora (Grace Venus) gets the happy ending she deserves.

Of course, where there’s Cinderella there’s always a pair of undesirable stepsiblings and their even more insufferable parent, and this story is no different with the Ooglay’s throwing a spanner in the works as the villains of the piece. Mr Ooglay (Zoe West) is desperate for his children Judi Ooglay (Rebecca Levy) and Dench Ooglay (Folarin Akinmade) to marry rich, and as if by magic a ball at the palace might just offer the perfect opportunity.

This is a Cinderella for today as we soon realise our heroine has so much more about her than just waiting by the ashes for her Prince Charming to come along. Ellanora just needs a little help from a few friends in order to realise what will truly make her happy. And what better way to do that than via brilliant bops, beltin’ bangers and a whole heap of belly laughs along the way.

This superb ensemble production has something for everyone. There’s your usual cheeky panto innuendo, glittering gowns, hilarious local references, and great gags but in addition there’s a whole heap of heart, proud inclusivity, and a true message of self-belief.

Ben Welch is superb as Dame Fairy Godmother; he skilfully pushes the narrative along and is a born entertainer. He gifts us with powerhouse vocals and superb comic timing. His pairing with Adam Keast as Graham is perfect, the two bounce off each other brilliantly taking the audience along with them for this wonderful ride.

Grace Venus is excellent as Ellanora, showing vulnerability as well as relatability while letting the audience know it’s ok to be different and choose your own path in life.

The Ooglay’s are the perfect panto baddies, with special mention going to Zoe West who delights in whipping the audience up into a booing frenzy. Their trip to Rumpleskims and resulting fashion show is an inspired highlight.

Aminita Francis gives us stunning vocals as The Queen, hosting the most incredible vogue ball where the category no doubt is FAB-U-LOUS, while Thomas Fabian Parrish as a Prince Charming who’d prefer to be reading his Superman comic is an absolute hoot.

Panto has long offered the perfect opportunity for friends and families to collectively experience live theatre in a relaxed and accessible way, seeing such an inclusive story told here with such joy and honesty will be a magical memory for so many this Christmas. Director James Baker has ensured there’s opportunities to laugh, sing, dance and truly celebrate love in all its forms.

The song choices are genius, the costumes incredible, while the talent on stage give their all to make sure each and every audience member goes away feeling uplifted and thoroughly entertained. A special shoutout must also go to BSL interpreter June who was perfection as well as audience member Brian who stole everyone’s hearts.

This Rock ‘n’ Roll panto will illuminate your festive season, warm your heart, and give you magical memories to treasure. Pure joy.

The Everyman Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto Cinderella is on at The Everyman until here.

I Should Be So Lucky

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Take the mega hits of Stock, Aitken and Waterman, the writing skill of Nativity creator Debbie Isitt, the choreography of Strictly’s very own creative director Jason Gilkison, an insanely talented cast, sprinkle it with a little Kylie magic and you’ve just about got the recipe for the most fun show in town!

Featuring beloved hits from Kylie, Jason, Rick Astley and Bananarama to name but a few, I Should Be So Lucky has arrived, bringing the party with it and judging from last night’s thunderous standing ovation is here to stay.

Ella’s (Lucie-Mae Sumner) fairytale wedding quickly becomes a nightmare as groom, Nathan (Billy Roberts) gets more than just cold feet, the wedding may be off but Ella’s friends and family sweep in, reminding her there’s more to life than a white wedding. What follows is a couple of hours of pure, fun-filled escapism all played out to the sounds of the biggest Hit Factory the UK has ever seen.

Featuring ten number 1 singles and over 25 beloved bangers, I Should Be So Lucky gives the audience exactly what they want, fun with a capital F. This isn’t a show that takes itself too seriously, its camp, colourful and just wants you to have a bloomin’ good time.

Leads Lucie-Mae Sumner and Billy Roberts are supported by the most insanely talented cast who put their stamp well and truly on this world premiere production. Scott Paige is an absolute scream as Michael, he has the audience in the palm of his hand from his first tongue pop and keeps the laughs coming right through to the finale. His duet with Ralph Bogard as Hassan is comic genius, if there’s ever a sequel can I request a Michael and Hassan spin off please?

Jessica Daley is excellent as Ella’s sister Britney belting out the powerhouse vocals while Mum Shelley (Melissa Jacques) lifts the pop lyrics we know and love with the most stunning of voices. Giovanni Spano is perfection as Best Man Ash, a cheeky chappie who doesn’t realise he’s looking for love until Bonnie, played superbly by Kayla Carter makes him realise it’s been under his nose the whole time.

Matthew Croke as smooth-talking Nadeem is the perfect holiday romancer while Jamie Chapman controls the chaos with his own unique and utterly brilliant charm. There’s even guest appearances from Queen of Pop Kylie who sprinkles her own form of magic on this glittering production.

The sub-plots add depth to the storyline with some more successful than others but ultimately, they all combine to ensure that this is a show that will uplift, entertain, and leave you reminiscing about the good old day of pop. The creatives have worked hard to ensure this show delivers a strong message of friendship, self-belief, and love, all within a wonderfully inclusive story.

In a time when we all need a little hope and happiness, I Should Be So Lucky delivers entirely, if this show comes on prescription, sign me up for a double dose!

I Should Be So Lucky is on at Manchester’s Opera House until Saturday 25th November tickets available here. The tour then continues across the UK and Ireland until May 2024

Noises Off

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Reviewed by Matt Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Slip the word meta into conversation and most people may think you were talking about Mark Zuckerberg’s name for Facebook, and lots of other stuff in the ‘meta-verse’ I don’t understand, and quite frankly have no interest in understanding either! The meta I wish to talk about relates to Noises Off, a play within a play, from the pen of  playwright Michael Frayn, that is as clever and smart as it is silly and absurd, and I absolutely loved it!

First performed in 1982, Fryan’s script focuses on Britain’s obsession with farce, and the sex comedies of the 60’s and 70’s such as the Carry On and Confession films. He has taken some of these familiar elements and crafted a piece of work that still has a place in modern Britain, some 40 years on and the result is a riot from start to finish.

Noises Off  focuses  on a small touring theatre company as they attempt to bring their production of Nothing On to the stage. We see the production at three different stages of its lifespan. The first being the final rehearsal before opening night as director Lloyd Dallas (Simon Shepherd), attempts to get something half decent from his woefully  underprepared cast.

We are slowly introduced to this cast of misfits each with their own little quirk and foibles: First there is Dotty Otley (Liza Goddard), the star of the show, who has pumped a lot of her own money into the production. Next is the leading man, Garry Lejeune (Dan Fredenburgh) , a good actor, prone to bouts of jealousy. They are joined by Brooke Ashton (Lisa Ambalavanar) an inexperienced actress, who will plough through her lines regardless of what is going on around her.

Other cast members include: Belinda Blair (Lucy Robinson), a professional to the hilt, as well as being a hopeless gossip. Also there is Frederick Fellows (Simon Coates) a rather slow creature, low on confidence after his wife left him. The final actor making up the cast of Nothing On is Selsdon Mowbray (Matthew Kelly), a seasoned actor whose hearing problem matches his drink problem. The are joined by the easily flustered duo of Poppy Norton-Taylor (Nikhita Lesler) and Tim Allgood (Daniel Rainford) as the assistant stage manager and manager, with both also on hand as understudies should any misfortune befall the cast.

From the rehearsal space of Act 1, we are transported to back stage mid-tour for Act 2, where the cast and creatives’ personal lives and animosity towards each other are impacting the show, finally reaching it’s crescendo during the final act, which takes place on the final week of the tour.

Despite an initial gentle start, where characters are introduced and various plot strands are seeded,  Fryan’s script pokes fun at the genre with its more than familiar tropes of affairs, middle-aged men wandering around with their pants round their ankles,and young women managing to walk around with very little clothing. Don’t get me wrong there are gags-a-plenty in the first act, but nothing on the scale of what happens next.

It’s following the interval where we are treated to a tour-de-force of brilliant physical comedy from the entire cast beautifully directed by Lindsay Posner and choreographed by Ruth Cooper-Brown. As the illicit backstage shenanigans and petty squabbles begin to seep into the performances front-of-house, we have everything from shoe laces tied together, to prickly cactuses, at times it’s hard to keep track of what’s going on at such a frenetic pace, but it’s a visual feast, and worth the price of admission alone.

It’s easy to see why Noises Off has survived for so long as all the right ingredients are there: a smart, intelligent script which never seems dated or out of touch, a fantastic ensemble cast, who just know how to do comedy, who all get their moment to shine and finally a wonderfully directed series of set pieces that will tickle every funny bone they can reach. With all that is going in the world, Noises Off is just the tonic that is needed for 2 ½ of silly escapism.

Noise Off is at the Lowry until Saturday 21st October. Tickets available here.

TONY! The Tony Blair Rock Opera

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Co-written by Harry Hill and Steve Brown, Tony Blair (The Tony Blair Rock Opera) examines both the incredible rise and significant fall of Labour’s most successful Prime Minister in a sequence of musical comedy sketches varying from the downright bonkers to the outrageously brilliant.

This witty take on the former MP for Sedgefield won’t fail to raise a smile as political and cultural figures from the period are given a silly and satirical going over. We see a bagpipe toting Alastair Campbell, the coining of the ‘People’s Princess’ Diana, there’s balloon modelling from Peter Mandleson while true to life poor old Gordon Brown’s calls for meaningful change go largely ignored.

Jack Whittle is fantastic as the wide-eyed wannabe Tony Blair, grinning and green as he embarks on his Premiership while a seriously Scouse Cherie (Tori Burgess) utters an ominous “What could possibly go wrong?” as the giddy heights of No.10 are reach as we head into the interval.

This wacky waltz through Blair’s ill-fated premiership is like Ed Balls’s appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, you simply can’t stop watching and the more ridiculous the more riveted you become.

The cast are on fine form, taking on multiple roles throughout, there’s strong support from all with special mention going to Howard Samuels who spectacularly stirs the pot as Peter Mandleson. Rosie Strobel pulls off a brilliant John Prescott reminding us just how little we’d like to mess with ‘Two Jags’ and Phil Sealy shows his brilliant versatility as both Gordon Brown and Saddam Hussein.

The script is off the wall and inventive, while the songs are clever and catchy, some however would benefit from a little trimming to ensure they pack more of a punch. While the show is great fun it does at times linger slightly longer than feels necessary within several of the scenes. The committed cast however work their Labour red socks off to keep the piece moving forward.

This whistle stop tour of Blair’s giddy heights and unforgettable lows is nicely summarised in the final song, ‘The Whole Wide World’ it might not fill you with hope for a better tomorrow but it will give you a jolly good giggle today. Sir Keir take note!

TONY! (The Tony Blair Rock Opera) is on at The Lowry until Saturday 7th October tickets available here.

Rachel Fairburn

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Reviewed by Jodie Crawford

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was super excited to be asked to review a stand up comic – one, because I haven’t seen any stand up since before I had my kids seven years ago and two, because I’ve never reviewed a stand up gig before and I’m always keen to try something new. And this show really is new! Tonight was opening night for a nationwide tour – a tour that you absolutely have to go and see, and take every friend you have with you, because they are not going to want to miss out.

My only knowledge of Rachel Fairburn is that she once sat next to a friend of mine on a train to London and moved seats once my friend started eating crisps! Which is possibly the best “I once met” story I have ever heard. And before tonight, before getting a small insight into Rachel’s soul, I considered this to be a big precious. But now I know that there is absolutely nothing precious about Rachel Fairburn. She just literally won’t do anything she doesn’t want to do – including have kids, sit in the pub with other people’s kids and have anyone stay over at her house! 

Rachel draws a good size crowd for opening night in Manchester and from the minute we entered the auditorium I realised that Rachel clearly has a strong following and while most of the audience were women, they were woman of all ages.  

The show begins with Rachel entering onto stage as the warm up to her warm up act. And she captures us with her warm, no nonsense storytelling from the minute she opens her mouth. Mancunians, love another Mancunian- and Rachel is no exception. You can tell the audience are willing her to be funny- and there was nothing to fear because this woman is bloody hilarious.

Rachel spins us a few very funny tales and then leaves the stage all warmed up for Tom Lawrinson, her support act. Tom is funny, slightly odd (in a good way) and the crowd love him. He nudges the boundaries of appropriate and the crowd lap it up. The people sat next to me were chanting his name in joy after his set. 

When Rachel returns to the stage, she returns as the title of her show “the showgirl” – how she wore that outfit for the whole show in the 30 degree heat, and under the lights of the stage, I will never know. This show is unlike any I’ve seen before, she is so spot on with her observations and her reflections on nostalgic culture. The comparisons between the haves and the have nots, the observations of TV culture and her hilarious tales of her childhood. I don’t want to give away any of her gags – but if your name is Paula, then you’re in for a treat or two! 

Rachel Fairburn is clever, bold, brilliant and does one of the best Mancunians swaggers I’ve ever seen anyone, who doesn’t have the surname Gallagher, do. This show is a triumph, a masterpiece and an ode to turning middle aged. In a world where often people try to put us down and tell us to stop showing off – we could all just be a bit more Rachel, a bit more of a Showgirl. 

Tickets are on sale from ATG for the remainder of the tour – don’t hesitate – go see it. And take tissues because you will 100% be crying with laughter – just “ask Jeeves”.

Tickets for Rachel Fairburn’s tour are on sale now, click here for more info.

The SpongeBob Musical

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Opening Night Verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Opera House in Manchester has been transformed into Bikini Bottom for the week with the arrival of SpongeBob Squarepants the Musical, the hit Broadway show currently on its first outing in the U.K.

For those living under a …pineapple? SpongeBob Squarepants is a hit/cult cartoon series that launched on Nickelodeon in 1999. While it probably isn’t the most obvious source material for a musical, nevertheless it opened in New York in 2017 and was nominated for a dazzling 12 Tony Awards.

It isn’t a jukebox musical – the show has original songs written by some of the biggest names in music including Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend and Sara Barellis.

The result is a veritable smorgasbord of eclectic musical styles, each one different from the next with everything steered in shipshape fashion by director Tara Overfield Wilkinson.

And there’s some real bangers in there there – from the opening number Bikini Bottom Day (Jonathan Coulton) to SpongBob’s uplifting Hero is My Middle Name (by Cyndi Lauper).

The plot really doesn’t matter – but it centres around a volcano that’s due to erupt putting Bikini Bottom at risk – and there’s some nice messaging in there like sticking together, being a good friend and how family is more important than money.

As the titular sponge Lewis Cornay (Book of Morman) puts in a charismatic lead performance. Not only does he nail SpongeBob’s trademark squeaky voice but the fact he makes it all look so easy is testament to the skill involved by him.

Tom Read Wilson – four-legged Squidward – is best known for his role as ‘client co-ordinator’ in Celebs Go Dating, but he trained in musical theatre and boy does it show! He gets one of the best numbers on of the night in the They Might Be Giants-penned I’m Not a Loser – a full on company tap number that is pure joy. 

Clear local favourite Divina De Campo is having lots of fun as the dastardly Shelton J Plankton, who doesn’t let his small stature (and the fact he’s a one cell organism) stop his scheming.

The principles are complimented by a hard-working supporting cast including Irfan Damani as the sweet starfish Patrick, Tik Tok & Heathers favourite Hannah Lowther as Karen, Chrissi Bhima as Sandy Cheeks, Sarah Freer as Pearl and Richard J Hunt as Eugene Krabs. The company is terrific and it looks like genuine fun is being had by all.

Sarah Mercade’s witty and wonderful costumes help bring the characters to life and there’s lots of in-jokes to spot during proceedings (we loved that the Mayor of Bikini Bottom lives at 10 Drowning Street…. and that Tuna Turner and Cod Stewart were in the band!)

Theres much fun to be had for die hard SpongeBob fans but if you’re new to the phenomenon then just sit back and let the madness wash over you!

A few opening night sound gremlins didn’t detract too much from the fantastic vocals on display, and while a delayed start for technical reasons meant a bit of a later than planned finish for little ones, at the end everyone was up on their feet singing the TV theme tune.

Fabulous, fluorescent fun for SpongeBob devotees or newbies alike – trust us, you’ve got to ‘sea’ it!

The SpongeBob Musical is on at Manchester’s Opera House until Sunday 21st May tickets available here.