Family

Blackstock Market

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Having opened its doors back in April this year when an incredible 2,000 punters flocked to the venue on it’s very first day, Blackstock Market has continued to go from strength to strength.

The brainchild of Hot Water Comedy Club founders Paul and Binty Blair, this stunning entertainment venue offers something for everyone, there’s comedy nights, live music, sports screenings, mouth-watering street food and extensive drinks options. Future months will bring even more with the opening of Liverpool’s largest roof-top terrace, additionoal theatre spaces as well as podcast studios which will all compliment the already enormously successful 590 seat purpose-built auditorium, the new home of Hot Water Comedy Club.

Phase 2 recently saw the opening of a stunning bespoke bar, Whisky & Water which houses more than 320 whiskies, boasting the premier whisky collection inside the UK. The atmospheric bar looks stunning and gives off a gorgeous speakeasy vibe with the addition of two secret rooms which are set to open over the coming months. The first, which will be accessed through a hidden entrance, will transport guests back to the Prohibition era with classic cocktails while the second will be a basement jazz bar offering a cosy space to enjoy live music up close at ticketed events. This brand-new bar which opens Wednesday to Sunday 5pm until midnight really does feel special, the staff know their stuff while the clientele as with the rest of Blackstock Market are all about the good vibes.

Heading into the impressive auditorium you’re spoilt for choice with comedy offerings, on our visit the laughs came thick and fast from MC Phil Chapman, comedians Garry Little, Tony Carroll and Simon Wozniak. There’s an extensive mixture of free and ticketed show both throughout the week as well as multiple weekend shows, if you’re brave enough, you could even give the Monday night open mic night a try.

The recent addition of family friendly comedy shows Hot Water’s Comedy For Kids which take place on Sunday’s at 2pm add another brilliant string to Blackstock Market’s bow. With 50% of the venue still to open in further phases, Blackstock Market is fast becoming the most-loved destination venue in the city, you can guarantee we’ll be back, make mine a Whisky Sour with a dash of comedy on the side!

& Juliet

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

After bursting onto the musical theatre scene back in 2019, & Juliet has gone from strength to strength. There’s been a hugely successful West End residency, an on-going Broadway run, a recently announced US tour, a critically acclaimed Aussie offering and now a triumphant return to where it all began for the start of its first ever UK tour.

This joyful jukebox musical featuring Max Martin’s biggest bops rewrites The Bard’s tragic tale introducing some much-needed herstory, style and sass to proceedings.

After Anne Hathaway (Lara Denning) tells hubby William Shakespeare (Matt Cardle) that his penned ending isn’t exactly a barrel of laughs, she sets about rewriting Juliet’s (Gerardine Sacdalan) story herself, opening up a whole new world for the star-crossed lover. As Juliet (with a little help from Hathaway) realises she wasn’t the only recipient of Romeo’s sweet nothings, she takes herself off on a road trip of self-discovery with nurse Angelique (Sandra Marvin), bestie May (Jordan Broatch) and ‘other best friend April’, Anne Hathaway, who cleverly writes herself into the story.

What follows is an absolute masterclass in musical theatre, from knock-out vocals to killer choreography, & Juliet has it all. This wonderfully diverse cast fuelled with classic pop hits and an infectious energy make this a sparkling night to remember.

The book, penned by Emmy Award-winning Schitt’s Creek writer David West Read is as witty as you’d expect with micro-storylines introducing us to brilliantly written characters. While Jenn Webber’s iconic choreography perfectly emulates the nineties and noughties biggest bangers.

As Hathaway and Shakespeare, Lara Denning and Matt Cardle weave in and out of the narrative guiding us as both authors of the piece and players in the story, with Ann ultimately redesigning her own destiny too.

The pair have an incredible warmth and superb chemistry as they bounce off each other brilliantly. Their vocals blend beautifully while Denning receives a well-deserved mid-show standing ovation for her stunning rendition of Celine Dion’s That’s The Way It Is.

Gerardine Sacdalan is a smart and sassy Juliet, her powerhouse vocals more than do justice to the pop classics she so perfectly delivers, every note is pure pop perfection. From her first moments on stage you know this performance is going to be something special.

Jordan Broatch gives a beautifully executed performance as May with their delivery of Britney’s I’m Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman packing an incredibly emotional punch while Kyle Cox as love interest Francois adds an unexpected yet brilliant twist to proceedings.

Sandra Marvin as Angelique is a scream. Her pairing with Ranj Singh (otherwise known as TV’s Dr Ranj) is pure joy, as she unleashes her inner urges the duo provides some of the biggest laughs of the night, it’s clear they’re having as much fun on stage as the audience is watching them.

Then of course there is Romeo who Jack Danson plays superbly. He’s a dorky douche bag who has made himself familiar with many a balcony, much to Juliette’s surprise.

The leads are supported by in incredibly talented ensemble who under Luke Sheppard’s direction really take this show to the next level. Their vocals are effortlessly on point through every complex piece of choreography, they are totally mesmerising.

& Juliet is a breath of fresh air, its infectious sense of joy will lift your spirit and warm your heart while it’s empowering themes will ensure you leave the theatre with a little more sass and sparkle than when you arrived. It’s well-researched historical references mixed with its celebratory themes, mega hits and hilarious script result in a truly gorgeous piece of theatre, the perfect night out for music lovers of all ages, poptastic!

& Juliet is on at Manchester’s Opera House until Saturday 20th July before heading across the UK and Ireland on tour tickets available here.

The Brit Fest – Ashley Show Ground

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Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If there’s one thing us Brits love, it’s a summer festival, come rain or shine, if there’s a festival to attend, we’ll make a party of it whatever the weather. Thankfully Cheshire’s brand-new family friendly festival, The Brit Fest, was blessed with sunshine (mostly), a superb lineup and a little something for everyone to enjoy.

This three-day extravaganza hosted by presenters Jenny Powell and Mike Toolan was packed with top class musical acts, surprise special guests, creative workshops, fun activities and fabulous food offerings. The brainchild of brothers Anthony and Edward Prophet, The Brit Fest is a true celebration of music, community and culture.

paulvelasco@mac.com

Staged at Ashley Hall & Showground in Cheshire over the weekend of 5th, 6th 7th July and bringing acts as varied as Scouting For Girls and Bonnie Tyler to the stage it was clear to see the appetite for a family friendly festival right here in the heart of Chesire is huge and The Brit Fest well and truly delivered. The brilliant big names such as Kim Wilde and Heather Small were complimented by up-and-coming acts such as The Lottery Winners fresh from their Glastonbury set as well as a brilliant mix of fantastic regional talent.

With over 15,000 attendees joining the party over its inaugural weekend the festival looks set to become a permanent fixture in Cheshire’s social calendar with a return in 2025 officially confirmed.

paulvelasco@mac.com

With general entry and a VIP option available The Brit Fest offers choice and great affordability with both weekend and day tickets on offer. What we loved so much about the festival was the vast age range of attendees and the super friendly vibes, from babes in arms to their glorious grandparents everyone was made welcome at this innovative event. There is also the option to camp, glamp or even bring your own motorhome to the event with pitches just a short stroll from the main arena. The entertainment options went way beyond the music with a fairground, artisan market, a family cinema, comedians, and classic cars as well yoga and self-love workshops in the ‘Mindful Meadow’.

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With such a successful first year we can’t wait to see where 2025 takes The Brit Fest when it returns on 4th, 5th and 6th July. This feel-good festival is the perfect summer celebration.

Sign up now via the link below to be the one of the first to know the 2025 line-up and also be in for a chance to win VIP tickets for next year’s event.

https://thebritfest.co.uk/

Disney’s Aladdin

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Reviewed by Jodie Crawford

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Photography by Deen Van Meer

There really isn’t anything more Disney than this incredible production of Aladdin. It has all the key ingredients of a magical Disney tale, with bells on, and maybe just a little bit of glitter thrown in! 

This stage adaption has a plot true to the original Disney film. With our main characters: Aladdin (Gavin Adams) The Genie (Yeukayi Ushe), Jafar (Adam Strong), Jasmine (Desmonda Cathabel) , Sultan (Jo Servi) and the hilarious Iago (Angelo Paragosa) coming together to tell us the tale of poor street urchin Aladdin being tricked by Jafar, meeting a Genie and falling in love – with a few magnificent musical numbers, many jazz hands, beautifully choreographed ensemble pieces, sword fights, magical carpets and big belly laughs (even the wicked ones).

This production is mesmerising, it’s like nothing I’ve seen before. You are taken to a whole new world (couldn’t help it – sorry) where you can forget all your worries and just be transported to the land of Agrabah and enjoy the ride – specifically the carpet ride. 

Act one introduces us to the lives of our characters and we are treated to some wonderful musical numbers  – including favourites from the original movie like Arabian nights . 

The show stopper of Act 1 is, without doubt, Yeukayi Ushe (Genie) performance of Friend Like Me I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, but this number is a feast for the soul: glamour, costumes, dancing, the set design, and more enthusiasm than I have ever seen on stage. Yeukayi Ushe, take a bow Sir – you are incredible. Hands down the star of this show for me! 

Act 2 treats us to more ensemble magic with Prince Ali and everyone’s favourite A Whole New World – the melody, the lyrics, the carpet. I found myself sitting with a great big, wide smile plastered on my face – there is something so comforting about hearing a song that you loved as a child brought to life on stage. 

This production is colourful in every way, the set changes are phenomenal – I will never understand how they can store so many set structures backstage for this show. The use of technology was clever in the small touches on the back drops in several different scenes. Everything is so carefully constructed by the set design team, there is so much attention to detail everywhere from the props to the costumes. If there is stronger word for “vibrant” I would use it – but vibrant is what it is, from start to finish. Everything comes together so perfectly and much of that is thanks to the fabulous ensemble, and the choreography. Both are flawless. 

I have to say that I feel the real love story in this tale is not that of Jasmine and Aladdin, but of Aladdin and the Genie. Their friendship is a rollercoaster ride and in the end their bond is stronger than they could ever have imagined and quite frankly, it was beautiful to watch. 

Special mention has to go to the orchestra led by the talented Dave Rose – every single note spot on and seamlessly woven into the plot. 

I took my seven year old to see this and I will never forget the smile on her face, the squeals of delight and the awe in her eyes. As we left the auditorium she whispered to me “This has just been the most magical night, I won’t forget it, ever” and yes I did have to wipe a little tear away. So thank you cast, crew, orchestra, costume, production team, and everyone else involved – including the wonderful lady from front of house who was so very kind and sang to us all so beautifully during the interval, while selling ice creams- you all made my little girls dreams comes true. Her last words before she fell asleep to me were “It’s just like when we went to Disney- can we go again tomorrow”. Well no, we can’t – but if you’re quick, you might be able to snap up a ticket before it completely sells out – you’ll regret it if you don’t – trust me! 

Aladdin is on at Manchester’s Palace Theatre until Sunday 7th July tickets available here.

The Wizard of Oz

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Wizard of Oz is as classic a tale as they come, invoking warm fuzzy memories quicker than you can say ruby slippers, this bold, bright reimagining however shakes things up, bringing it bang up to date with its terrific technicolour and futuristic feel.

Adapted by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jeremy Sams this new revival directed by Nikolai Foster retains many of the much-loved classic’s elements while updating it for modern audiences. The result is a full-on, fast-paced feast of colour. The black and white of Kansas is gone, while Oz is presented as a neon dream with the Emerald City projected in vivid technicolour as an impressive backdrop which envelopes the simple staging.

Stepping into the ruby slippers is Aviva Tulley, with pitch perfect vocals she leads the cast as Dorothy with genuine warmth and huge charisma. She skilfully makes the part her own while remaining true to the essence of the character, adding plenty of self-assured sparkle along the way.

Benjamin Yates has heaps of charm as the Scarcrow, embodying the role brilliantly and bringing plenty of laughs along the way. Aston Merrygold’s Tin Man is enormously endearing and takes full advantage of the opportunity to showcase his impressive dance skills, while Manchester favourite Jason Manford is hilarious as the Cowardly Lion. He has the audience in his paws from the very first roarsome growl. The trio make a perfect team bringing a whole heap of fun to the production as they join Dorothy in her quest to get home. We also mustn’t forget Toto, who is brought to brilliant life by puppeteer Abigail Matthews.

The Wizard of Oz wouldn’t be complete of course without the witches, as good witch Glinda, Emily Bull is a joy, her crisp vocals are delivered with an effortless ease as she whizzes round the stage on her perfect pink scooter. The Vivienne takes on the iconic role of Wicked Witch of The West and brings just the right amount of villainy to the piece. She pitches her wickedness perfectly ensuring a sense of menace and mischief without traumatising any children in the audience. Her impressive solo, Red Shoes Blues gives the opportunity to really show her talent and versatility as a performer.

Visually this show really dazzles, Rachael Canning’s costumes are incredible while Douglas O’Connell’s video projections impress throughout. Lloyd Webber has composed some new additions to the score however it’s the originals such as We’re Off to See the Wizard and Ding-Dong! The Witch is dead that truly shine.

This revamped revival is enormous fun with heaps of heart and some serious style. The talented cast joyously prove that there’s no place like Oz. Uplifting escapism for all ages.

The Wizard of Oz is on at Manchester’s Palace Theatre until Sunday 5th May tickets available here.

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.

The Wizard of Oz

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Continuing their ever-popular offering of half term pantos Regal Entertainment bring The Wizard of Oz to St Helens Theatre Royal this February.

This reimagined version of the 1939 Hollywood film adds plenty of panto elements to the classic story resulting in an entertaining treat for all the family.

While the Wizard of Oz isn’t traditional panto fodder this version cleverly reworks the original story ensuring there are plenty of opportunities for booing the Wicked Witch, cheering for Dorothy and shouts of ‘It’s behind you’. There’s even a blast from super soakers during the show, you have been warned!

Theatre Royal regular Maddie Hope Coelho slips perfectly into the ruby slippers. She’s a fabulous Dorothy with a voice to match as she delivers the iconic ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ with effortless ease. Michael Alan-Bailey is a highly entertaining Scarecrow, his natural comedic ability is lapped up by the audience while his close to the bone jokes give the adults in the audience more than a giggle or two. Lewis Canning makes a strong professional debut as the Tin Man while Benjamin Keith’s Cowardly Lion is great fun.

Hayley Russell as Glinda and Abigail Middleton as the Wicked Witch have great banter as they bounce off each other with their rhyming sparring. Middleton laps up the boos from the audience and is clearly enjoying every minute of wickedness. While Warren Donnolly makes up the company as the wonderful Wizard of Oz.

As well as songs from the original film and various hit musicals there’s a sprinkling of modern pop songs that the little ones particularly enjoy. The use of a TikTok routine to the tune of Dua Lipa Dance the Night during the traditional ‘Ghost and Ghoulies’ scene is a big hit with my mini reviewers while a scene between the Scarecrow (Michael Alan-Bailey) and the Wicked Witch (Abigail Middleton) which uses multiple songs in response to her attempts to control him had us in stitches.

There’s strong support from both the senior and juvenile dancers who deliver Nazene Dannielle’s chorography with great enthusiasm. While Regal Entertainments Ltd costumes and lavish scenery really add to the impact of the show.

Theatre Royal once again deliver a fun-packed production that will be enjoyed by young and old alike.

The Wizard of Oz is on at St Helens Theatre Royal until Sunday 18th February tickets available here.

The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals

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Now a much-welcome fixture to lift the January spirits, the National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals returned to the AO Arena in Manchester on Monday evening – bringing once again some spectacular musical theatre performances expertly compared by seasoned pro Jason Manford.

Featuring a mix of absolute classics to more modern hits, the evening was a big-budget affair that saw some of the biggest and best shows in London and on the road performing alongside a full size orchestra and host of talented singers.

Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for The National Lottery

Tanisha Spring and Dom Simpson gave an absolutely gorgeous performance of ‘Your Song‘ from the current West End hit Moulin Rouge. With thousands of mobile phones lighting up the arena, it was a really beautiful moment.

The Broadway hit Hadestown is due to open this side of the pond soon, so it was a really exciting moment getting to watch the first UK TV performance of the West End cast as they performed ‘Wait For Me’.

Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for The National Lottery

The cast of the critically-acclaimed immersive revivial of Guys & Dolls, lead by Cedric Neal as Nicely Nicely Johnson raised the roof and audiences to their feet with the brilliant number ‘Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat’.

Daniel Boys popped down the road from the Palace Theatre to give a crowd-pleasing turn as King George III with ‘You’ll Be Back’ from Hamilton, showing again what a gift of a number for a performer that song is.

Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for The National Lottery

Another clear winner was the quartet of Jean Valjean’s from Les Miserables (Milan van Waardenburg, Alfie Boe, Killian Donnelly, Pete Jöback) singing a specially-arranged version of the beautiful ‘Bring Him Home’. 

Another iconic show performing to big cheers was The Phantom of the Opera – John Robyns and Lily Kerhoas clearly enjoying belting out the famous title number to a 12,000 audience.

Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for The National Lottery

And plenty of shows heading towards Manchester in the next few months also got a chance to show what audiences can look forward to.

Curve’s production of A Chorus Line heads to The Lowry in July, ahead of a London run, and the dazzling full company performance of the show-stopping ‘One’ was a highlight of the evening.

Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for The National Lottery

The tour of Disney’s Aladdin heads to the Palace Theatre in May and Genie Yeukayi Ushe gave a brilliantly high energy rendition of ‘Friend Like Me’.

There was also a glimpse of new musicals to look forward to this year – including 42 Balloons which comes to The Lowry in April.

Other shows performing included clear audience favourite Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, new musical Mrs Doubfire, as well as classics Grease and Wizard of Oz, both of which come to Manchester this year.

(Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for The National Lottery)

And the show also shone a welcome spotlight on the important work done by the National Lottery in funding theatres and theatre programmes around the country. Also highlighted time and time again was the important of supporting your local regional theatre.

 You can catch the show on BBC One and Iplayer this Saturday – it genuinely is a must-watch for musicals fans.

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

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World

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Reviewed by Jodie Crawford

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fantastically Great Women is based on the book by Kate Pankhurst. Oh, that name rings a bell doesn’t it? Although not a direct descendant of The Great Emmmeline, Kate is in fact a distant relative. With connections like that it is no surprise that Kate has written about so many women in history that have changed and shaped the world. 

Director Amy Hodge and the creative team have taken Kate’s books and woven lives of these great women together through music, humour, history and plenty of pizzazz! 

In the opening scenes we meet Jade ( Georgia Grant-Anderson) who is on a school trip to a museum and gets separated from the group. Jade is going through some personal issues and is feeling vulnerable and unheard. She finds herself in the gallery of greatness, where her adventure really begins. 

She meets at array of great women, each has a lesson for Jade and gives her guidance on how she too can make an impact on the world around her.

This is hands down one of the greatest family shows I’ve seen. It’s got everything: a magnificent cast, live musicians, creative costumes, an interactive stage, catch songs, and so much more. The depiction of the characters is so imaginative and informative. We learn things while also being entertained and being able to follow a strong narrative. The whole cast is astonishingly good. 

Elena Breschi’s colourful and mesmerising performance as Frida Kahlo is truly magnificent. My 7 year old was transfixed from the moment she came onto the stage and chatted about her for the entire way home in the car.

Jennifer Caldwell, is a brilliantly enigmatic Emmeline Pankhurst, in her military gear and rapping in Deeds Not Words (my favourite number of the show). Chloe Hart is just perfect, I’m lucky enough to have seen Chloe in a few different shows and she never disappoints. Her vocals are outstanding, she is dynamic and entertaining throughout the whole show. I’m a big fan! 

Leah Vassel stole my heart as Rosa Parks, so gentle and powerful, she had us all hanging on to her every word. 

Millie Kiss is simply wonderful in her adult stage debut as Anne Frank, and Georgia Grant-Anderson is divine, she has so much talented. She carried us through the narrative from start to finish, we laughed with her, felt empathy towards her and generally just wanted to be a little bit like her. 

The cast work so well together. This is the strongest cast of this show that I have seen. And I would keep going back to see them again and again.

I loved everything about this and will be singing the songs for months to come – until, I no doubt, go and see it again. 

Every single girl, woman, and ally should go and see this show and maybe then, together we can make a little difference too. Each of us a fantastically great woman in our own right. 

Fantastically Great Women is on at The Lowry until Sunday 7th January tickets available here.

The Snow Queen

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Reviewed by Jodie Crawford

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Often when you take the children along to children’s theatre you know that while a show might be enjoyable, it isn’t going to have a huge impact on you or your family. And that is where Snow Queen differs and why it’s so important that you go and see it with your children.

This beautifully constructed play is about a young girl called Luna, who is frustrated by the fact that the planet is warming up and no one seems to care. She dreams of being an activist and making a change in the world. She is definitely channelling her inner Greta Thunberg.

Worried by the length of time it has been since it snowed last, she begins by writing letters to the Snow Queen: the decider of the weather. But she receives no response. Frustrated yet undeterred, young Luna embarks on a quest to go and confront the Snow Queen herself and get some answer to her many, many questions. 

On her journey she meets different characters played by the wonderful Molly Grace-Cutler. She meets Horton, a hoarding tortoise, then my personal favourite, Frost, a gadget obsessed polar bear (giving of East 17 vibes) and finally Oops, an overworked elf who is tired of the impersonal workplace that the North Pole has become.

Molly Grace- Cutler is marvellous in all these roles, bringing many accents and characters to life. And some pretty good guitar playing skills too!

Luna, played by Amy Tara, is a wonderful role model to our children, her portrayal is thought provoking and empowering. She engaged the younger audience members and still managed to challenge our thinking throughout.

Then finally, the Snow Queen, themselves, what a breath of fresh air they are. An elegant and humorous delivery from Richard Priestly. It is no surprise that Richard has much experience in young people’s theatre. He is majestic in this role – I love that the role of the snow queen is represented as “they” and “them”, my child didn’t question the Snow Queen’s gender at any time during or after the performance. Because the Snow queen is just that…the Snow Queen-a being that is beautiful, powerful and mighty, but also vulnerable and having feelings of being fed up with the world and how the behaviour of its inhabitants is harming the planet and no-one really cares. But once Luna comes along and shows the Snow Queen that they have the power to help reverse things and save the planet, things change, and for the better.

I loved this. It was such a refreshing change from the familiar Christmas shows, the Waterside have made an excellent decision putting this on as their festive offering.

A musical tale, with much heart and hope, with a message for us all to take away – a chance for us all to change the world. Thank you Wrongsemble for inspiring my child through theatre.

The Snow Queen is on at Waterside Arts until Saturday 30th December tickets available here.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

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Reviewed by Emily Aitchison and Mummy Jo

🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻

The much loved theatre production of Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury’s ever popular children’s book returns to Salford this Christmas and our mini reviewer Emily took her Mummy Jo to The Lowry to check it out.

Sally Cookson’s adaptation is hugely inventive, paired with a beautiful score from Benji Bower, this really is the perfect introduction to theatre for little ones. With a strong emphasis on fun, the cast cleverly use everyday objects to help tell this wonderful story; transporting us into their playful world as they go.

Emily’s Mummy Jo said “Emily was beaming all the way through. She loved it! Especially the during the snow storm and splashing through the river. The interaction with the audience was wonderful, it was such an entertaining production. Emily loved that the audience were encouraged to join in and sang along to every song, it was so much fun.”

We join the family, including their musical dog, as they go outdoors in search of a bear, lead by great outdoors lover Dad, played brilliantly by Tim Hibberd. Daughter Neha Eapen bursts with energy and interacts wonderfully with the little ones in the audience while her brother Benedict Hastings ramps up the fun of the piece. Ben Hills shows off immense talent as the musical family dog, playing multiple instruments and singing throughout.

Benji Bower’s superb soundtrack really helps to set the tone of this family friendly piece with much of the fun coming from their insistence that they’re not scared. The multiple invitations to shout out and interact with the performers as they encounter so many wonderful things along their way from the oozy squelchy mud to the splishy splashy river really makes this piece stand out. It felt welcoming, relaxed and had little ones enthralled from start to finish. In Emily’s worlds “It was brilliant!”

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is on at The Lowry until Sunday 7th January. Tickets are available here.