Family

Coming To England

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Reviewed by Jodie Crawford

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Coming to England at the Lowry is a heartwarming, exploration of migration, the windrush generation, identity, and the pursuit of a better life. 

The production is based on the children’s book by Florella Benjamin about her life and her family’s journey from Trinidad and the struggles they faced when they arrived in England. 

It is important that stories like this are shared, and this production is a success because it’s at a level that children can access the themes. The plot isn’t heavy, but the key messages about equality and inclusion are prominent. 

The standout feature of the show is undoubtedly its cast, who bring passion and authenticity to their roles. Each actor shines in their portrayal of individuals facing personal and societal challenges, infusing their performances with depth and emotion as well as humour. The chemistry between the ensemble members is palpable, drawing the audience into the struggles and triumphs of their respective characters. The theme of family underpins every scene- you can feel the love shared between the characters. 

Equally impressive are the songs, which are catchy and full of energy. The musical numbers are some of the strongest moments of the show, with a mix of heartfelt ballads and upbeat tunes that capture the emotional range of the story. The music does an excellent job of supporting the narrative, offering both emotional resonance and moments of levity. 

However, while the cast and songs are excellent, the plot itself feels a bit uneven at times. Some parts of the story could benefit from further development, it would be wonderful to see how Florella rose to fame. Despite this, the production as a whole is a hugely enjoyable experience, thanks to its talented performers and the strength of its music. It’s an important story to tell.  The production is aimed at children, and that is where it is pitched- it addresses important themes about discrimination and racism, but equally highlights the love of a family and the way in which they don’t let the discrimination define who they are. 

Coming to England is a show that delivers strong performances and memorable songs. For fans of Florella Benjamin and those interested in heartfelt stories about migration and the windrush generation it’s a wonderful watch.  

Coming To England is on at The Lowry until Sunday 9th February tickets available 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

Cinderella

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Reviewed by Jodie Crawford

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s my favourite time of year, that time of year when we gather together and head into Manchester to be entertained at the annual Opera House Panto. Oh yes it is!

This year we are treated to the age old tale of Cinderella. It has all the traditional ingredients needed to tell the story. From a wicked step mother, a Prince Charming, two step sisters, a Fairy Godmother and our old mate Buttons. 

But as we have now come to expect, from a Manchester Opera House Panto, this show has so much more to give than an old school Panto. This is Manchester. We do things differently here, and Panto is no exception.

Everything about this show is slick. Crossroads Pantomimes deliver a well carved and crafted show with a glitzy set and dazzling costumes. The effects team have gone to town this year, and the scene with Cinderella’s carriage is one of the most magical moments I have ever seen in Panto (and I have seen A LOT of pantos).

I am not sure I am ever going to be ready for a world of Manchester Panto where Nickless (Buttons, this year) and Manford aren’t on stage together. This duo is a match made in Panto heaven. You can see the bond that these two men have with each other both in character and out. They work together elegantly on stage – there is no other Mancunian duo that could capture the audience like these two do.  And boy do we love it! Who knew it was possible to cry tears of laughter while singing Sweet Caroline on a Tuesday night in town! 

Make no mistake, Manford is an all round performer, he’s so much more than just a comedian (which he also does very well obviously) he has become a seasoned Panto pro. He has a rich and deep voice and while his dancing still gives off full on dad dancing vibes, (which is part of the charm) he is enormously entertaining throughout the entire production. But he isn’t alone. Nickless, his right hand man, shines brightly in his role as Buttons. He is a first class panto star. It’s like he was born for it. The gags keep coming, his comic timing is genius, and he clearly loves what he is doing and that makes us, the audience, love him even more. And his James Blunt impression is more James Blunt than James Blunt could do himself. If laughter is the best medicine than Nickless is a healer! 

The whole cast of Cinderella is exquisite, they come together so perfectly to create a night of magical Christmas memories.   

There were stand out performances from Liz Carney and Chloe Chesworth, as the wicked step sisters. Manford and Nickless might need to watch their backs with these two storming onto the Opera House panto scene. I thoroughly enjoyed this comedic duo throughout the show.  

And Panto wouldn’t be panto without a villain for us all to hate (love) and Myra DuBois delivers: the costumes, the gags, the bullying of the bloke who wished he hadn’t sat front centre in the audience, the boos and hisses- all came together perfectly! The dame is an integral part of a Panto, but it takes a special Dame to do what DuBois does – and makes it look so effortless. 

Cinderella is absolutely top notch, a must see, be prepared to laugh your socks off and leave wanting more. 

Cinderella is on at Manchester’s Opera House until Sunday 5th January (with best availability in January) tickets available here.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s that time of year again when Dame’s don their sparkliest frocks and soap stars leave the chaos of the cobbles for something altogether more dramatic, panto!

St Helens Theatre Royal and Regal Entertainment have pulled out all the stops this festive season to bring audiences an absolute Christmas cracker with their glittering version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

The cast boasts Maureen Nolan as the Wicked Queen, Corrie star Emrhys Cooper as Prince Fredrick, Hits Radio’s Leanne Campbell as the Magic Mirror, everyone’s favourite funny man Lewis Devine as Muddles, Richard Aucott as Nurse Nelly and Chantelle Morgan as Snow White.

With superb sets and stunning costumes there’s something for everyone in this hugely entertaining production. 

Writer Liam Mellor has packed in many of the traditional panto elements with ample opportunity for booing the Wicked Queen and of course plenty of ‘it’s behind you” while also adding to the traditional with the addition of Jena Leopold & Doggy Delights who utterly charm the audience with their cute canine acrobatics.

Chantelle Morgan who was found in an open casting absolutely shines as Snow White, her vocals are stunning while she embodies the character perfectly. Emrhys Cooper is superb as Prince Fredrick, he’s a real triple threat with a wonderful stage presence, incredible vocals and moves worthy of winning a Stictly glitterball, he’s clearly not afraid to have fun with the role endearing himself to the audience immediately.

St Helens favourite Lewis Devine has the audience in the palm of his hand as Muddles, his pairing with Richard Aucott as Dame Nelly is a joy. The gags come thick and fast keeping the little ones entertained while there is plenty of humour for the adults in the audience too.

Leanne Campbell appears in prerecorded scenes in the form of a magic mirror which works perfectly. The dwarfs are also prerecorded voices of several local celebrities from Johnny Vegas to Pete Price, brought to life by talented puppeteers. 

Maureen Nolan saves her most loved hit last gifting us with the chance to boogie during the finale while the senior dancers deliver Nazene Langfield’s choreography with precision adding depth to the production and really upping the wow factor to the ensemble numbers.

The show is packed with laugh out loud moments, heaps of audience interaction and impressively high production values ensuring that this Snow White is another crowd pleaser. This fabulous family show is the perfect opportunity to gather with your loved ones and make some wonderful festive memories together.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is on at St Helens Theatre Royal until Sunday 12th January tickets available here.

A Christmas Carol

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

There something so very special about A Christmas Carol, with its timeless story and perfect message for the festive season, this classic Dickens tale is a firm audience favourite. 

This Christmas, Hope Mill Theatre bring Scrooge’s redemption to magical life at The Lowry with the added twist of the Ebenezer Scrooge we all know and love becoming Evelina Scrooge, played superbly by Claire Moore. 

Seeing Scrooge as a woman offers an incredible opportunity to revisit a story we think we know so well and see it through fresh eyes as the tale takes on new meaning. We see an increased depth to Scrooge and gain a deeper understanding of what led to her life of stingy frugality. 

Set amidst the inky pages of a book this stunning musical adaptation is everything you want from a Christmas production. This traditional take oozes quality with its stunning set, impressive projections, wigs and costumes while the cast are truly phenomenal.

From Claire Moore as Scrooge right down to Team Holly’s Marnie Fletcher as an 8 year old Eveline, this cast is second to none. Their vocals are sublime while the ensemble deliver George Lyons choreography to perfection. 

Director Joseph Houston alongside co-director William Whelton have created a production that would be at home on any West End stage, how lucky we are to have it right here in Salford.

Scrooge’s night of reckoning begins with a visit from a ghostly Jacob Marley, played superbly by Barry Keenan. His words ring true as the clock strikes one and the Ghost of Christmas Past (Mari McGinlay) appears. McGinlay is wonderful, full of memories and merriment as she reminds Scrooge of monumental moments from past which seem long buried by the Scrooge of present. Both painful and perfect memories emerge culminating in a celebratory scene at the Fezziwig’s Annual Christmas Ball.

This big company number is tremendous, showcasing George Lyons’ choreography while allowing Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens stunning music the ideal opportunity to shine. Alexander Evans and Josie Benson play the perfect hosts as Mr and Mrs Fezziwig, comedic and commanding.

Next we meet James Hume as the Ghost of Christmas Present. Hume is an absolute joy while the staging of his scenes is a total triumph and a real highlight in an already wonderful show. His witty approach combined with a stunning company number will live long in the memory.

As Josie Benson returns to the stage as the Ghost of Christmas Future we see Evelina Scrooge repent as she lightens and brighten before us. Claire Moore shows such incredible versatility in her characterisation, from the cantankerous early Scrooge to the jovial Scrooge of the finale she takes us with her, every step of the way on this heartwarming journey. 

The entire company all deserve high praise, their vocals are breathtaking while their skilful set changes become beautifully crafted choreography. Special mention must go to Matthew Jeans and Team Holly’s Joel Tennant whose pairing as Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim is a joy.

From Andrew Exeter’s stunning set design to Alex Musgrave’s rich lighting magic has been made. The band led by Joseph Clayton solidify the sheer quality of this production.

After 9 award-winning years producing their own in-house productions, this is the first Hope Mill Theatre have created and produced for another venue and to say the bar has been set high would be a wild understatement. A Christmas Carol : The Musical is sublime. It will lift your spirits, warm your heart and remind you just how magical live theatre can be, sensational!

A Christmas Carol : The Musical is on at The Lowry until Sunday 5th January tickets available here.

The Bear

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Reviewed by Jodie Crawford

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Waterside Arts in Sale, brings us another Christmas feast of entertainment for the family. This year it is The Bear, a stage adaptation of the wonderful Raymond Briggs book. The tale has similar themes to that of another beautiful story of Briggs’, the Snowman. 

This show, a Pins and Needles Production, features young Tilly, a girl with an imagination and a friendly Teddy Bear, who kept the children entertained while waiting for the show to begin. One blustery night a polar bear comes to stay, blundering through her bedroom window in the deep of the night. 

Tilly adores the Bear from the moment he arrives. She desperately wants him to stay. Together they play games such as hide and seek (he’s very good at it). Tilly quickly comes to realise that taking care of a bear is not the easiest of tasks.  

This story is one of friendship and love. You can’t help but be touched by the closeness and companionship these two characters create on stage. There are so many moments that give us, the audience, the complete warm and fuzzies. There is a woven thread through this whole story of the power of the imagination and the importance of closeness for a child. 

The heartwarming scenes are linked together with comedy, song and some good old fashioned dance moves. We are treated to bubbles and snow and even a blast of a water pistol (bad luck if you’re near the front). 

But what the most spectacular thing about this production is, is the Bear itself. The puppetry is divine, it’s carefully considered, gentle, dynamic and purposeful. The fact that we can clearly see the puppeteers does not distract from the way in which we are captivated by the bear, the characterisation from both actors allows us to simply see them as part of the bear. It’s very clever and powerful. 

We were mesmerised, transfixed and entertained through out the entire production, it’s one we will talk about for Christmases to come.

The Waterside always knows how to do Christmas, and this year they have excelled themselves by bringing this show to town.

The Bear is on at The Waterside, Sale until Sunday 29th December tickets available here.

Wicked

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Reviewed by Matt Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐

It may come as quite the shock to find out that Wicked has been gracing theatres across the globe for 21 years, yes that’s right folks Wicked has the key to the door! 2024 has been a huge year for this musical theatre titan: there was of course Hollywood’s much anticipated take, with part one hitting the silver screen last month. Then there is an epic 10 venue UK tour which arrives in Manchester, its final stop for a six week run

Based on the novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire, and adapted for the stage by Winnie Holzman, this tale from the land of Oz resembles a Greek tragedy more than a fantasy adventure. Beginning with the citizens of Oz celebrating the demise of The Wicked Witch of the West. Glinda the Good (Sarah O’Connor) isn’t fully invested in the celebrations, when questioned about her friendship with the tyrannical witch, we are taken on a journey to see how these two rivals go from foes, to friends, and right back to perceived enemies once more.

Before she became the Wicked Witch of the West, she was Elphaba (Laura Pick), a young woman shunned by her father and ridiculed by everyone she meets because of her green skin.  Elphaba is sent to the Shiz University, where she is a carer for her younger paraplegic half-sister Nessarose (Megan Gardiner).

Here Elphaba meets Gailnda, a popular social climber that seemingly everyone adores. The pair soon clash when they are placed as roommates. The relationship is further strained when Elphaba is picked by Madame Morrible (Donna Berlin) for one-to-one sorcery tutorials. In addition, the arrival of a playboy prince, Fiyero (Carl Man) adds to the tension, as Galinda is bowled over by his charm and striking good looks, whilst Elphaba is less than impressed by his cocky, arrogant swagger.

Despite their many differences the pair soon see that they aren’t too dissimilar, and a great friendship is forged, together they make quite a formidable team.

However, something sinister is happening to the animals of Oz, with all of them losing their voices and seemingly dark forces behind their persecution. Elphaba and Glinda (having ditched the A) are granted an audience with the great Wizard of Oz (Simeon Truby) to seek his help with this matter, but the meeting doesn’t go as planned and sets the pair on separate paths that will test their friendship to the limits.

It’s easy to see why the magic of Wicked shows no sign of fading any time soon: It’s a production dripping with quality. At its heart two fabulous central performances from Laura Pick and Sarah O’ Conner. Pick is punchy as the prickly no nonsense Elphaba, she absolutely knocks it out of the park on her solo numbers  “I’m Not That Girl” and “No Good Deed”. O’ Conner is equally impressive, in a role which not only showcases her tremendous vocal range but allows for some great comedic flourishes, as she plays the dizzy mean-girl-turned-good to perfection.

There are of course some great musical numbers from Stephen Schwartz, the best of the bunch being “Popular”, delivered impeccably by O’ Conner, and the scene-setting ensemble number “No One Mourns the Wicked”. Of course there is the now iconic “Defying Gravity” which more than delivers. The orchestration and musician arrangements are first class, delivered superbly by the orchestra, which is no mean feat as throughout the dry ice rolled into the orchestra pit. It’s an impressive visual but does make you wonder how they could see what they were doing!

The production values are of the highest order: Susan Hilferty’s costume design is fabulous, especially the steampunk themed citizen of Oz design and the terrifying flying monkey design. Eugene Lee’s stage design is epic in scale which marries perfectly with Kenneth Posner’s impressive lighting design and Tony Meola’s bold, booming sound design.

Despite a smart, witty script, there are parts where the plot seems a little contrived as it tries to cover a lot of narrative strands. In places it does seem a little bloated, but this is a minor quibble.

This is live theatre at its finest, a treat for the eyes and ears and one that will enchant audience members young and old alike. There may not be a yellow brick road leading to the palace theatre, but all roads should take you to Wicked this festive season.

Wicked is at the Palace Theatre, Manchester till 12th January 2025. Tickets available: Here

Alice In Wonderland

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Reviewed by Matthew Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Shakespeare North Playhouse is at it again this Christmas, tackling another literary juggernaut for their festive offering. Their debut year saw A Christmas Carol, the year after it was, The Wind in the Willows. This holiday season they have upped the ante, bringing Alice In Wonderland to the stage.

Writer Nick Lane has taken elements of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland and sequel Through the Looking-Glass and crafted an original, modern adaptation of Alice’s adventure with its roots firmly in Prescot.

We are introduced to a grown up Alice (Helen Carter), out shopping in Prescot on Christmas Eve with her two children. The stresses of the time off year are taking their toll:  the kids are bored and wanting to go home, whilst Alice is having difficulties with her sister, whom she no longer sees as often as she should. As the family walks over to a fun fair. Alice becomes distracted by the appearance of a familiar visitor: The White Rabbit, who she remembers from her last visit to Wonderland, as a young girl.

Alice once again follows the rabbit down the rabbit-hole and so begins another adventure. On her journey Alice encounters some old friends, The Cheshire Cat  (Kelise Gordon Harrison), Caterpillar (Tia Larsen), and of course The Mad Hatter (Milton Lopes). However, a new threat has emerged in the form of The Duchess(Martha Godber). The Duchess has not only captured Alice’s smile, but also feeds the residents of Wonderland jam tarts to make them forget about the joyous things in life, such as Christmas, while keeping them under control. Alice must defeat The Duchess in order to free the people of Wonderland as well find a way back home to her family.

Nick Lane and director Nathan Powell have created a fun, family friendly production, which isn’t perfect, but will certainly bring a sprinkling of magic over the festive period. It’s a slow start, but once Alice arrives in Wonderland you become invested in the story. The script as you would expect is bonkers packed full of great gags and superb visual jokes. The Bill Shankly-esque introduction of the Caterpillar and the joyous stupidity of the Dodo is superb. There are some scenes, such as the Christmas dinner scene which could do with a bit of a trim but these are minor quibbles for what on the whole is an enjoyable tale.

Always within Shakespeare North Playhouse productions is a sense of pride about its home in Prescot and the community, so there plenty of jokes about in-jokes and harmless potshots at local surrounding towns which I always find endearing and really shows just what the theatre means to the community and what the community mean to the theatre: which is something special and should be cherished.

The small cast of five put in a shift, with all except Carter, playing multiple characters. Helen Carter is in good form as an older world weary yet sassy Alice. Martha Godber is equally impressive as the villain of the piece, somewhere between Liz Truss, Donald Trump, and a spot of Boris Johnson thrown in for good measure, complete with a  great singing voice she absolutely nails it.

Milton Lopes brings the absurdity as both The Dodo, and The Mad Hatter, it’s two very different roles that provide a platform for Lopes to showcase a gift for physical comedy and his circus skills. Kelise Gordon-Harrison is a great value as the kung-fu loving, game show host Cheshire Cat, complete with backflips and a catchphrase. Whilst Tia Larsen very nearly steals the show as the over enthusiastic, Card Two, and her turn as the Caterpillar (along with Lopes’ Dodo) were my personal highlights.

Sascha Gilmour’s beautiful, vibrant costumes are an absolute treat with the pick of the bunch being the glorious JubJub Bird, Caterpillar and Dodo. Whilst the fairground setting adds a sense of unpredictability to proceedings.

Alice in Wonderland has everything you want from a Christmas show: big laughs, silly set pieces, a spot of panto style audience participation and a heartwarming message to send you on your way. A treat for all the family and well worth a peek into the looking glass for.

Alice in Wonderland is at the Shakespeare North Playhouse until 11th January. Tickets available here.

Images by Patch Dolan and Kristian Lawrence

Halloween Lakeside Trail

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The Halloween Lakeside Trail returned to Partridge Lakes, Culcheth this weekend for is second spooktacular year. 

Taking up residence at the stunning Cheshire site from Friday 4th October until Thursday 31st October this family-friendly enchanted walk takes you on an unforgettable adventure through the magical forest.

You can shake your boo-tay with the dancing ghosts, play pranks with the silly skeletons and shiver with delight at all the super surprises along the way.

As you make your way through the woodland spiders tunnel toward the witches’ lair the Halloween magic brilliantly comes to life with fabulous performers, incredible installations, spooky sounds and wicked lighting. Even better this fabulous event is dog-friendly so your pet pooches won’t miss out on the fun either.

In addition to all the fun of the trail there’s an incredible selection of sweet and savoury treats to satisfy even the grizzliest of ghouls. We tucked into delicious hot chocolates while we toasted gooey marshmallows, delicious!

This family-friendly trail will without doubt appeal to all ages, and really gets you in the mood for the spooky season. It’s a fang-tastic addition to the autumn calendar which sells out quickly, so book now for a fa-boo-lous time!

HALLOWEEN LAKESIDE TRAIL

Friday 4 October – Thursday 31 October 2024 

 Partridge Lakes

Glaziers Lane,

Culcheth,

Warrington, 

WA3 3AQ

Tickets are available www.halloweenlakesidetrail.co.uk

101 Dalmatians

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Reviewed by Jodie Crawford

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

101 Dalmatians – The Musical, is a new-ish musical, based on the stage adaptation of the original novel. Now, I’ve not read the book and I’m ashamed to say I haven’t seen the modern film adaptation. But, I have seen the 1961 animated film (in fact we watched it last week in preparation). While the plot is loosely similar, it’s actually adapted in a way that makes much more sense on stage! 

The show begins as we meet a filthy, abandoned wild dog who is dropped off at the Puppy Love Dogs home, here he is cleaned up and welcomed to the fold. This is where we first hear the main number of the show “Take Me Home” (which we all went home singing at the end of the night) as we see some dogs matched to new owners, but not our friend, the newly named Pongo. Pongo is overlooked, but he clearly has a connection with one special worker at the dogs home, Danielle (Jessie Elland). Eventually, Danielle agrees to take him home and before long they meet another Dalmatian , Perdi (Emma Thornett) and Perdi’s owner/human Tom (Samuel Thomas). It’s love at first sight and soon the four are set up together at home, as a family. 

Soon Perdi falls pregnant with puppies and we meet the one name that sends shivers down the spines or any Disney fan: Cruella De Vil (Kym Marsh). Cruella wants the puppies- to- be to be hers so that she can make a fine outfit of them, designed by our very own, wannabe designer, Tom. The young couple don’t have much to their names and the offer of money temporarily tempts them, but when the fifteen puppies arrive there is no way that they want to let them go. And here the adventure begins as the game of cat and mouse commences. Who will be triumphant? Will the puppies survive or will they be on the catwalk at fashion week? 

This production is great fun. I was concerned it would be a bit much for my 5 year old with all the talk of skinning Dalmatians, but she loved it. There’s something for everyone. It’s a wonderfully joyful family show, and what a great time for it to be here in Manchester during the school holidays. I expect the theatre will be full every night. 

The whole production is very clever, the puppetry is just stunning. Linford Johnson as Pongo was captivating for me. He and the puppet somehow act as one and it’s mesmerising. All of the puppeteers give a stellar performance, with some of the finest vocals I’ve ever heard from an ensemble. The colour matching outfits of the ensemble, the hairstyles and small attention to detail is really captivating.  

It was obvious that much of the crowd were there for Kym Marsh, as Cruella, and she didn’t disappoint. The crowd were showering her in applause before she even let out one note, and that must be terrifying, having so much expectation on you, but she delivered over and over again. And the audience just loved her, quite rightly so. 

There is much to laugh at in this production, and Jasper (Danny Hendrix) and Casper (Charles Brunton) give us much of the humour. They’re slapstick, it’s not subtle, but it works and they were just brilliant. 
Samuel Thomas and Jessie Elland are a perfectly suited duo in their roles of Danielle and Tom. Two very sweet characters, who made us love them as much as they loved each other. 

While at times it can feel a bit Panto, (which I’m a huge fan of by the way), it works. It’s a family show, that is a bit silly, and possibly about 20 minutes longer than it needs to be, but it’s just wonderful in so many lovely ways. 

A well deserved standing ovation for a wonderful cast, accompanied by an incredible band (led by Leigh Stanford Thompson), and produced with a clever use of puppetry. Manchester is going to love this show this summer!

101 Dalmatians is on at Manchester’s Palace Theatre until Saturday 10th August tickets available here.

Bluey’s Big Play

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Reciewed by Jodie, Bridie and Hetty Crawford

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


It would be quite the understatement if I were to say that we are fans of Bluey in our house. With a five year old and a seven year old to keep entertained each day of the schools holidays, Bluey can often be our saviour and the reality is that us adults love it as much as our kids do. So the excitement levels that we all felt when we heard we would be reviewing Bluey’s Big Play, were through the roof.

I honestly couldn’t think of a better way to spend a morning than watching this show. It has all the ingredients of a classic Bluey episode: a story with a strong emotional undertone, a lesson to be learnt, some questionable dance moves and some of the greatest Dad jokes of our time. 

I wasn’t sure how this firm family favourite of ours was going to translate onto the stage and the answer is that it does so perfectly. 

These puppets are so engaging! You stop seeing the puppeteers (who do an amazing job by the way) and you just get fully engrossed in the lovable, familiar characters. 

The show tells the story of a scenario that I’m sure we are all faced with as parents, at times. Dad wants nothing more than to sit down and check through an article on his phone, in peace and quiet. But, Bluey and Bingo have other plans. They conspire to steal and hide Dad’s phone so that he has no choice but to play with them. Dad is determined to get his phone back and we are taken on an adventure of laughter, music and dance with our favourite canine family. Until, eventually the phone is found and returned to Dad, who realises that actually there will be plenty of time for sitting on his phone later. Cue – an epic Bluey finale for us all to get involved in. 

My children loved this production so much and, I’m not ashamed to say it, so did I! 

This is the perfect show for fans of this Aussie cult classic. We will be talking about this show for the remainder of the school holidays and I’m pretty sure that there’ll be a return visit, even if it’s just to get involved in the giant game of keepy uppy! 

It also needs mentioning that the Lowry is such the perfect venue for this kind of production. It’s such an accessible space that is managed so brilliantly. It’s always a joy to take the children along to a show here. 

This is an absolute “ripper” of a show, as our friend Bandit would say! For real! And yes, I’m “cereal”!

Bluey’s Big Blue House is on at The Lowry until Sunday 11th August tickets are available here.