Oldham Theatre Workshop’s Christmas show is always a highlight of the festive season and this year is no exception. The Night The Frost Fell is a beautiful production which will warm even the coldest of hearts.
This magical family musical is set in a town living under a curse when one night Jack Frost arrives and as the frost falls, time too is frozen. The curse which was due to man’s greed has resulted in a loss of balance within the seasons, affecting the lives of all the townsfolk. There’s only Bobbi who can save the day and lift the curse so off she goes with some gingerbread in her pocket and her trusty friend Mala for company.
Writer Sarah Nelson and composer James Atherton have produced a magical piece of theatre with a wonderful message which is gently interwoven into the narrative. The songs and music are beautiful while the multiple surprises drew gasps of delight from the little ones (and some big ones) in the audience. The intimate setting at Oldham Library’s Performance Space makes this show feel super special while the talented cast of seven whisk you away on this wintry adventure.
Hope Yolanda is superb as Bobbi, her storytelling is clear while her beautiful voice is note perfect. Naomi Bynon is a joy in each of her roles and has a real warmth with the audience as well as stunning vocals. Ella Lovelady’s characterisation as Aunt Truda especially is fantastic while the addition of Farhaan Shah playing the violin alongside his multiple parts adds a real richness to James Atherton’s melodic score.
This original story is engaging and uplifting. The talented cast slip into different roles with ease while the simplicity of the set is used to great effect allowing the storytelling to really shine. With magical surprises and a heroine to truly believe in The Night the Frost fell will charm young and old alike. Enchanting family theatre.
The Night the Frost Fell is on at Oldham Library Performance Space, from Saturday 3rd to Saturday 24th December tickets available here.
The forthcoming tour of the National Theatre’s adaptation of the award-winning book The Ocean at the End of the Lane is coming to The Lowry in Salford. Author Neil Gaiman answers our questions.
The book is loosely based on your childhood. What was the starting point?
The book began with me wanting to try and explain to my wife where I grew up and what that world was like. She could take me to her childhood home because it’s still the same, but I couldn’t take her to where I grew up [in East Grinstead] because the place had long since been demolished; lots of lovely neat little housing estates covered the gardens and the fields and lanes. So for me it was kind of an effort to try and evoke a past and a sense of place. An interesting side of it for me too was that I realised that I hadn’t heard, for a very long time, the Sussex accent of my childhood. Mrs Weller came in and cleaned once a week and Mr Weller came in and did the gardens. They were probably in their 80s and they had proper Sussex accents – almost like a West Country burr. I resolved to write a novel with that in too.
How did you create the Hempstocks?
I was told by my mother – quite erroneously, I discovered, when I did my research – that the farm half-way down our lane was in the Doomsday Book. And that was the start of the Hempstocks in my head; who they were and what I wanted to do with them.
Do you find writing about family especially fascinating?
I don’t think I’ve ever been able to avoid writing about family, even when I thought I was writing about something else. Whether it’s biological family or the family we make. In the novel I created a semi-fictional family for myself, and in the play version it was one step further away from my family, which I think looking back on is incredibly healthy! But the boy is definitely me.
Neil Gaiman
The play received amazing reviews when it premiered. Without any spoilers, do you have any favourite moments?
There is something astounding about the moment when they enter the ocean. That completely fascinates me. And you’re going to see miracles made out of bits of rubbish and old plastic bags and nightmarish birds beyond your imagination. It still takes me by surprise every time I watch.
Is it true that you were so moved by the play when you saw it in rehearsals that you cried?
I saw the first full run through. About ten minutes from the end I had tears running down my face. I thought that this was terribly embarrassing and I was discreetly trying to flick them away.
You describe yourself as a storyteller. What inspired you to be a writer?
I’m not sure that all writers are frustrated performers, but for me it was the joy in getting to be all of the characters. As a writer you get to do that. Being a kid who loved books I could think of nothing cooler than giving people the pleasure that I got.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane opens at The Lowry on Monday 12th December and runs until Sunday 8th January tickets availablehere.
On the 1st Day of Christmas Shakespeare North gave to me…a fabulous, festive, fun adaptation of Dickens iconic A Christmas Carol filled with heart, and heaps of humour!
This being their 1st ever Christmas season Shakespeare North Playhouse have pulled out all the stops to ensure their version of A Christmas Carol is one theatre goers won’t forget in a hurry. It’s fast-paced, laugh out loud funny and wonderfully entertaining as four talented actor-musicians take on multiple roles and multiple instruments, spreading more than a little Christmas cheer as they go.
Nick Lane’s creative adaptation directed wonderfully by Ellie Hurt takes the original story and gives it a real Prescot feel with the addition of localised references and regional jokes all of which are lapped up by the invested audience. Add a little music, melodic songs plus plenty of audience participation (yes we even get to shout ‘It’s behind you!’) and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a real Christmas cracker!
This cast of four go all-out in ensuring no one will leave the Cockpit theatre without a smile on their face as they act, sing, dance and play their way through this super slick production.
We begin in Scrooge’s house where his staff (well most of them) are keen to tell his story; with a little encouragement from each other as well as the audience the storytelling begins.
Zoe West is superb as Ebeneezer Scrooge, snarling and sarky living up to every inch of the name. Her characterisation is wonderful, embodying the miserable miser to perfection ensuring Scrooge’s journey resonates entirely.
Jessica Dives creeps us all out as the ghost of Christmas past, weird and wacky in her haunting, complete with a horror homage, red ballon. Abigail Middleton as the Ghost of Christmas Present ensures we all absolutely get the joke while Eddy Westbury as the Ghost of Christmas yet-to-come has a little problem with autocorrect which has the audience howling.
In addition to the ghosts this versatile cast play Jacob Marley, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim to name but a few, each is as creative and hilarious as the last. Their musicianship is a joy as they effortlessly pick up multiple instruments throughout & play them with ease.
It’s uplifting and silly but also offers a thought provoking focus on the plight of those in need bringing us bang up to date with voices from local residents affected by the cost of living crisis. This element is so cleverly interwoven that its poignancy feels strongly effective.
Simisola Majekodunmi’s lighting design adds just the right amount of atmosphere while designer Hannah Sibai makes wonderful use of the Playhouse’s versatile space, no mean feat when working in the round.
The cast do an excellent job of sweeping us up and taking us along on Scrooge’s life-changing journey, involving us wholeheartedly in the witty telling of the beloved tale.
This is feel-good festive theatre that strikes a perfect balance between professional and accessible. It is theatre for all in a stunning new regional space that feels exciting and inviting. If this is what Shakespeare North Playhouse do in year one I can’t wait to see what lies ahead!
A Christmas Carol is on at Shakespeare North Playhouse until Saturday 7th Jan tickets available here.
This is the story of an interesting and eccentric man, who is an explorer and inventor at heart. Living in “The Shed” spending his time “solving problems” The Man (Steve Salt) is beginning to realise that perhaps his neighbours and friends aren’t as interested in the same things that he is and when he plans a birthday party (albeit at very short notice) and nobody turns up, it is the final straw.
Spurred on by the delivery, from the lovely postal worker (Loretta Hope), of a globe, The Man decides that he is going to visit Antarctica and become a penguin.
Along the way he meets a bearded explorer, and together they face the harsh challenges of snow and blizzards. From here The Man begins to finally feel a part of something, for the first time.
Steve Salt and Loretta Hope are just wonderful, they are so at ease together on stage and together they capture the imaginations of the audience. The physical theatre of this piece is exquisite, Director Niki McCretton has devised a way in which the narrative is told through very little dialogue in parts and it works so well: it’s like a beautifully choreographed dance.
The set and puppets and props by Holly Miller are just wonderful; the use of duvets for snow works so majestically.
This company does what it aims to do – “make memorable and rewarding shows” – it is a show written for children, about being true to yourself, challenging yourself, accepting others and building friendships. What else could we possible want for our children this Christmas?
The stars of the show were, of course, the penguins. So many sizes, so many designs, all so utterly adorable. My children were keen to get home to write “a penguin” on their Christmas list.
The Man Who Wanted To Be A Penguin is on at Waterside Arts until Saturday 31st December tickets available here.
This year’s Christmas extravaganza from Oldham Coliseum, is the tale of everyone’s favourite thief, Robin Hood, who steals from the rich to give to the poor – what’s not to love!
I took my three-year-old along, and I was a little worried that she would be too young, but she absolutely loved it. She was totally mesmerised from start to finish. This show is filled with tonnes of energy and heaps of pizazz!
This is a wonderful ensemble cast with strong performances from all in this high-energy and hugely entertaining production.
Oldham Coliseum Theatre pantomime ‘Robin Hood’.
The young dancers (the Merry Men), choreographed by Adele Taylor, are simply wonderful. They have the audience dancing in their seats: every performance is delivered with great energy and enthusiasm as they blend with the adult company seamlessly.
Nelly Nurse (Charlie Ryan) and Friar Tuck (William Travis) were the stars of the show for me. Their interaction with the audience helped to keep the young ones engaged throughout. Nelly’s outfits, by Celia Perkins, are exceptional and exactly what you’d expect for the Dame. Charlie Ryan is a really fantastic dame – he gives us so many laughs from cheeky jokes to poking fun at politicians, he’s also really loveable.
Liz Carney gives us a perfect pantomime villain as The Sheriff, she’s wonderfully wicked and laps up the boos from the audience while Shorelle Hepkin who saves the day as Robin Hood has a wonderful warmth and on stage rapport.
Celia Perkins’ colourful stage design is bright and inviting, gifting this cast with a wonderful Sherwood in which to entertain us.
Oldham Coliseum Theatre pantomime ‘Robin Hood’.
Oldham Coliseum give us everything you’d hope for from a classic panto; from shouts of “he’s behind you” to thigh slapping gags and plenty of opportunities for booing and hissing. What works really well in this production is the use of contemporary music to entertain the audience adding to the many laugh out loud moments. There were a few schools’ groups in for the show I saw, and they were absolutely loving it, joining in with the songs and cheering the cast.
A true sign of a good panto is always how the audience engages, and there is no one harder to engage than a teenager – but this cast had them eating out of their hands. Oldham Coliseum have well and truly delivered with this panto. It is a must see for all the family, a real Christmas cracker!
Robin Hood is on at Oldham Coliseum until Saturday 7th January tickets available here.
The award-winning musical which has been seen by over 110 million people worldwide has returned to Manchester for an incredible 19 week run, taking up residency at the city’s Palace Theatre.
Based on the 1994 Disney animated feature film, The Lion King has been wowing audiences on Broadway for 25 years while also running continually in the West End since 1999; so it feels like a real treat to have this record-breaking show visit us here in the North West.
Telling the story of Simba who is tricked into thinking he is responsible for the demise of his father Mufasa , The Lion King opens with a burst of brilliance as the iconic Circle of Life plays out in all its theatrical glory, no spoilers here but this truly is one of the most spectacular openers you’ll ever see as the animals of the Kingdom burst into beautiful, vibrant life, immersing the audience fully as they take their places in the Pridelands.
Julie Taymor’s stunning costume design combined with Richard Hudson’s minimalist scenic design, vibrant lighting from Donald Holder and expressive choreography from Garth Fagan unite impressively to bring the sights and the sounds of Africa’s expansive savanna to the stage. Each scene fills you with wonder, often drawing spontaneous applause from the audience as the sheer magnificence of this production plays out. Julie Taymor and Michael Curry’s puppetry combined with intricate masks are spectacular and lift this production to a whole other level.
This is a true ensemble piece with a cast of over 50 talented performers, each and every one bringing their own piece of Disney magic to the stage. The vibrancy of the group numbers is an absolute joy, visually stunning and a total feast for the eyes, you honestly don’t know where to look, there’s so much happening on stage, every corner of the Palace Theatre feels alive.
Stephenson Ardern-Sodje and Nokwanda Khuzwayo are perfectly cast as Simba and Nala delivering the beloved characters with real heart and depth. Jean-Luc Guizonne is superb as Mufasa, commanding and calm with a gentle ease about him. Matthew Forbes is a wonderfully witty Zazu who gets the audience on side immediately with his strong characterisation and incredible puppetry skills. Another audience favourite is Thandazile Soni who is an absolute delight as Rafiki, Alan McHale and Carl Sanderson bring the laughs as Timon and Pumbaa while Richard Hurst as the brooding villain Scar is fantastic.
The show is jam-packed with much loved musical numbers including Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Hakuna Matata, I Just Can’t Wait to Be King, Be Prepared and of course Circle of Life while stunning additions for the stage include the powerful Shadowland and the stirring, He Lives in You.
The Lion King is an astonishing piece of theatre, adults will be wowed while children will be filled with awe and wonder. Magical memories will be made every night of this run in Manchester as The Lion King roars out until Saturday 11th March.
This brand new musical is based on the original book “Das Doppelte Lottchen” by Erich Kastner; two huge Hollywood movies both titled “Parent Trap” have been made of this tale and both are absolute family must sees.
Directed by Trevor Nunn, wiith music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, Identical is the tale of twin girls separated as babies, who then meet at a summer camp age ten. Initially the are appalled that they look alike (well, more than alike: identical). Eventually the penny drops and they realise that they are twins who must have been separated. They devise a cunning plan to switch places when returning to their respective homes. They do a great job of convincing those around them that they are who they say they are, until one becomes unwell and it’s up to the other to bring the families back together as one.
There are three sets of twins who play the roles of Lisa and Lottie. In the performance I attended it was the turn of Kyla and Nicole Fox and these two young women are incredible. Everything about their performances was exceptional. They were, without doubt, the absolute stars of this show. Every note they sang, they hit perfectly and their chemistry with their respective parents as well as with each other was magical.
The first half is a little slow at times, but it’s setting up the narrative for what will come in the second half and it is worth the wait. The songs are pleasant and performed well by all of the cast, but there didn’t seem to be any big numbers to take away and sing on the car journey home.
The play is played straight, it sticks to the story and at times it misses the opportunity to make us laugh, but it’s simple and enjoyable. The cast are all excellent and there are moments of tenderness between characters that brought a lump to my throat.
The set design is like nothing I have seen before and quite frankly it took my breath away. The use of digital moving images on backgrounds that change and shift is so dynamic. It really helped to set the scene and tell the story. It was obvious where each scene was set – using this kind of technology means that there is no limit to the number of settings you can have. I think this will be seen more and more in touring theatre productions – it is phenomenal.
All in all this is an enjoyable show with fine performances from all the cast. Beautifully written songs and is entertaining. I think children age 9 and over would really enjoy this show – it is a little long for younger children with a running time of approximately 2 and a half hours.
Strictly Come Dancing – The Professionals arrived at The Lowry last night for the start of a 36-date UK tour and is as sequined and as sparkly as the glitterball trophy!
The huge success of the BBC TV show has led not just to the live arena tour which features celebrities from the show but also this highly polished and slick dance extravaganza featuring ten of the shows much-loved professionals.
From salsas to sambas SCD – The Professionals has it all, no expense is spared in this glittering celebration of all things dance. There are show-stopping group numbers which fizz with energy, sensual slow routines as well as perfect pairings where the technique and skill of each professional truly shines.
Backed by a six-piece live band of incredible musicians, vocalists Tara McDonald and Patrick Smyth breeze through a whole host of singalong favourites from Beyoncé to Coldplay. Their vocal range is outstanding, with McDonald delivering a pitch perfect Defying Gravity that Idina Menzel would be proud of, while Smyth almost convinces us Michael Hutchence is in the room with his stunning rendition of Never Tear Us Apart.
And now to the dancing…in a word, sensational! The pace is quick and the energy high ensuring momentum never wanes. In between the lavish group dances each of the professionals are given the opportunity to discuss their dance journey, their experience with Strictly and their favourite moments from the show as beautiful childhood pictures appear on a huge screen behind them. The Professionals give the audience exactly what they want, stunning routines that wow and a glimpse into their personal lives summed up beautifully by Gorka Marquez who proudly announces without the show he’d never have met the love of his life.
Vicky Gill’s costumes add a visual richness with changes coming thick and fast, each time as stunning as the last complimenting Jason Gilkison’s incredible choreography which both tugs on the heartstrings and makes you beam with joy. From Dianne Buswell’s Aussie Rock inspired sequence to Karen Hauer’s sizzling Latin American style we’re taken around the world in this dance spectacular.
Personal highlights for me were the 1920’s Speakeasy spin on Beyoncé’s Crazy In Love and the joyful finale celebrating British Pop all the way from the Spice Girls to The Proclaimers!
This glittering night makes for a FAB-U-LOUS fixture on the touring circuit filling the Strictly void until the new series begins in the autumn. Appealing to both young and old alike and judging by the roaring standing ovation on opening night it’ll be 10’s across the board on every stop of the tour!
Strictly Come Dancing The Professionals is on at The Lowry today (Friday 29th) at 2pm and 7:30pm tickets available here.
Everyone’s favourite, kooky, spooky and downright creepy family The Addams, have returned to Manchester. A family everyone knows whether you’ve seen the multiple film adaptations, either cartoon or live action, the various television series or if you remember back to the creation of the family from cartoonist Charles Addams in the 1930s… Everyone is familiar with the crazy family, and of course its catchy theme tune you can’t help but ‘click, click’ along to.
The musical can attract all Addams Family, Halloween and musical theatre fans alike, a bonus that is never a negative when it comes to drawing new audiences into theatres across the country. In this musical version we’re introduced to the gothic Addams Family: Morticia and Gomez the lovingly strange parents, princess of darkness and eldest child Wednesday, and youngest pain-lover, Pugsley. They’re joined by extended family members Uncle Fester, Lurch and Grandma. The family are shocked to hear Wednesday has fallen in love with ‘boy next door’ type Lucas, but when the time comes for both families to meet, the Addams family are forced to act normal as two different worlds collide.
Andrew Lippa, Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice’s 2010 Broadway musical The Addams Family premiered in the UK in 2017. With the book from the writers of Jersey Boys, this show’s shining light is absolutely the writing. It’s clever and injected with witty comedy, funny enough to make the adults titter yet family-friendly enough to engage the kids.
Gomez Addams, played by Cameron Blakely, and Uncle Fester, played by Scott Paige (coincidentally both returning cast members from the original tour) are really the standout characters from the show, with brilliant lines between them combined with the actors’ hilarious embodiments. They have the audience belly laughing – at times for long enough for the actors to have to wait for them to finish – and totally commanding the stage each time they enter.
Joining the cast in 2021 is Joanne Clifton as Morticia Addams. Clifton, most well known for her stint on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, takes on the role as the family matriarch. Joanne certainly nails Morticia’s sleek, slender and sexy physicality as she sleuths across the stage in the customary black full-length gown. However, she falls a little flat against some of the more engaging performers such as Blakely; perhaps not quite finding the right balance between the darkness the character needs and the energy a musical needs.
Wednesday Addams is played by Kingsley Morton. The character requires strong vocals, as she takes on some of the best songs in the show, ‘Pulled’ and ‘Crazier Than You’. Despite the stunning vocals from Morton, ‘Pulled’ felt disappointingly shallow, as the performance felt to only scratch the surface of the inner conflict she feels between her family’s traditions and her new love, leaving a sense of restraint from the actress.
Despite not saying much, Lurch is always an audience favourite, played by Ryan Bennett. The tall butler is a continuous comedy character, never really doing much but thanks to the brilliant comedic writing and comedy timing from the cast around him, always achieved a giggle from the audience.
The musical as a whole does lack the energy and panache that’s enjoyed in your ‘standard’ (jazz hands style) musical theatre production. Albeit purposefully dark and different to fit with the characters and themes, the elements that make the show different take away the ‘wow factor’ from the production. Ironically the most energetic scenes are those led by ‘the dead’ ensemble, and in particular ‘Tango De Amor’ where Clifton lets loose and really impresses with her dance skills in the sharp and sexy Tango.
Despite this, the cast are strong, the witty writing and hilarious performances will have audiences laughing, regardless of age. A great family show with a hint of obscurity and darkness and as crazy as they are, the Addams family can teach us all a little something about love…
You can catch The Addams Family at The Opera House in Manchester until Saturday 23rd April tickets available here.
Revamped and re-designed, Disney’s Award-winning production of Beauty and the Beast has arrived in Manchester for a 10-week residency at the Palace Theatre ahead of a West End run this summer.
This stunning production bursts with Disney magic right from the start as Angela Lansbury’s voice fills the theatre, introducing us to this much-loved story, while slick new design blends impressive video projection with traditional set design; allowing for dramatic scene changes and magical moments throughout.
Courtney Stapleton is superb as Belle, strong and independent yet full of heart she brings a genuine warmth and believability to the role while her vocals are pitch perfect. Also, a big fat YES to Belle wearing glasses during several scenes in the show, an unforgettable moment for many glasses wearing little (and big) ones in the audience.
As the Beast, Shaq Taylor is perfection; his rich vocals are sublime with his heartfelt performance of ‘If I Can’t Love Her’ being one of the most beautiful moments in the show. He mesmerises as the Beast, intimidating one moment, vulnerable the next, his physicality entirely convincing while he gifts us with an endearing humour that only makes us root for him even more.
Stapleton and Taylor make for fabulous sparring partners, it’s a joy watching their relationship develop as the Beast morphs from menacing to mush while Belle realises it’s truly what’s inside that really counts.
As well as the classic love story this production is filled with wonderfully comedic moments; Tom Senior as Gaston and Liam Buckland as Le Fou are hilarious; they bound across the stage all beer guzzling and boisterous as they belt out a brilliant ‘Gaston’ complete with fabulous physical comedy, carefully choreographed acrobatics, and seriously impressive staging, much to the delight of the audience.
Nigel Richards as Cogsworth and Gavin Lee as Lumiere make for another perfect pairing as the stuffy and serious Cogsworth’s blustering reaches fever-pitch while Lee’s Lumiere takes it all in his fabulously stylish stride. Lee absolutely shines during his big-number, the show-stopping ‘Be Our Guest’ giving us pure Hollywood razzle-dazzle, tap-heaven, it is truly sensational!
Special mention must also go to Sam Bailey as the utterly charming Mrs Potts, Samantha Bingley as the brilliant Madame de la Grande Bouche and Emma Caffrey as the super flirtatious Babette.
Director & choreographer Matt West has tasked his company with some incredible set-pieces which the ensemble delivers with both style and ease, the talent on stage is immense and it’s easy to see why this production receives a standing ovation night after night.
While this might be a ‘tale as old as time’ this refreshed production feels both modern and magical; taking in all the best elements from the original animated classic, the 1994 Broadway production and the 2017 live-action film adaptation, creating an enchanting production that remains true to its source material and showers the audience with Disney magic. This family show has it all, with the gasps from the audience when Belle enters for the ballroom scene making for an unforgettable moment. At a time where we all need a little escapism, being a guest at Beauty and the Beast will leave you uplifted, entertained and desperate to book a return visit. Theatrical magic at its absolute finest!
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is on at Manchester’s palace Theatre until Saturday 4th June tickets available here.
Based on the award-winning book by suffragette descendant Kate Pankhurst, adapted by Chris Bush and Miranda Cooper, Fantastically Great Women who Changed The World is an inspirational and empowering celebration of our strong sisters from history told in an inventive and engaging way.
This pacey production (75 minutes straight through) introduces us to schoolgirl Jade who has somehow managed to get left behind on her school trip, finding herself outside the Gallery of Greatness where a new exhibition is being prepared. Jade goes on a journey of self-discovery as she searches for advice amid her parents’ divorce from the many fantastically great women from history who come to life from the exhibition walls.
Kudzai Mangombe is superb as Jade, her portrayal of a young girl searching for her place in the world is both relatable and honest. Her journey is enriched and encouraged by her encounters with the likes of Emmeline Pankhurst, Freda Kahlo, Rosa Parks and cross channel swimmer Gertrude Ederle, portrayed brilliantly by Kirstie Skivington, Jade Kennedy, Renée Lamb and Christina Modestou.
Each actress takes on several roles as well as multiple costume changes, kick-ass choreography and some seriously stunning vocals, this all-female cast and accompanying band leave the audience in no doubt of the power of women. They light up each scene with high energy and skilful enthusiasm ensuring the attention of even the youngest theatre goer never wanes.
This is exactly the type of show young people should be seeing, it’s a wonderful whizz though history but never feels rushed with each character given ample time and space to tell their story. There’s comedy and colour throughout as well as poignancy and powerful moments which are treated with sensitivity and care.
As I watched, inspired by both the stories and performers delivering them, it struck me just how little as a woman in her early 40’s I’d been taught about females throughout my education, (bearing in mind I studied History to A-level standard) I’d only ever learnt about Anne Frank, educating myself further once I became an adult. Knowing there are brilliant productions like this bringing incredible women to the forefront in such a fun and accessible way fills me with hope for our future fantastically great generations.
Inspirational storytelling, filled with heart, colour and charisma, Fantastically Great Women is an absolute joy!
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World is on at The Lowry until Saturday 9th April with the tour continuing across the country until Sunday 17th July, tickets and further infomation are available here.
‘But if you think it, want it, dream it, then it’s real. You are what you feel…’
Fresh from London’s Palladium, this new production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat kicks off it’s UK & Ireland tour right here in Manchester. Although it feels as though Joseph has been around since ‘way way back many centuries ago…’ with it being the first of Lloyd Webber and Rice’s musical collaborations to be performed publicly over 50 years ago, originating in 1968 (albeit in a school setting and only 15 minutes in length), it is still as much loved and adored by audiences today as ever.
Joseph, the biblical story of Jacob’s first born (and favourite) son, who is sold by his jealous brothers for being gifted a (pretty fabulous) multi-coloured coat by his father and being a bit of a show off claiming to be able to read people’s dreams… you know the rest, has become not only a staple in schools and colleges alike but theatres and tours around the world too. However this latest version certainly throws a spanner in the works and isn’t afraid of shaking things up…
Yes, this version of Joseph has its ‘star cast’ appeal with Jason Donovan and Alexandra Burke billed as headliners and whilst it must be said the later of which provides an astonishing turn not just as Narrator but doubling up as multiple roles, leading the entire show with panache whilst simultaneously entering her third trimester of pregnancy to our (and probably her own) amazement, this version of Joseph is much more than just names. Paying homage to it’s humble beginnings, at the heart of the show is the talented cast of children, often playing roles you wouldn’t necessary expect them too; they provide a warm and sweet cornerstone to this production.
Jac Yarrow who has quickly made a name for himself in the title role, is most certainly the real deal. His onstage charisma is matched by his sensational vocals, with his version of Close Every Door proving to be ‘goose-pimpley-good’ and providing a stand-out moment. The ensemble are tight and slick and deliver some of the most entertaining scenes of the evening, including One More Angel In Heaven and Go, Go, Go Joseph.
A first class creative team has also been assembled here with Laurence Connor directing at the helm. Large’s set and costume design provides all the colour and more that you’d expect from a production of Joseph, whilst Rigby’s orchestra hits powerful perfection with every note, remaining pitch perfect throughout, culminating in Act 2’s Entr’acte getting its own (and much deserved) rapturous applause from an eager audience still clearly lapping up being back watching live theatre. However, what is most revolutionary for me is Hunter’s choreography which adapts and evolves impressively at each modern twist the production takes.
Michael Harrison’s refashioned production keeps the sentimentality and romanticism that a production of Joseph should have, whilst at the same time re-invigorates and brings it up-to-date, with (spoiler alert) tap-dance, cheerleading and can-can routines thrown in for good measure. Although it may be said at times the modernisation can seem a little over the top and in your face, making it occasionally hard to digest, this newest production certainly can’t be accused of resting on its laurels.
There is still something really warm and reminiscent at the core of this modernised updated version of a much loved classic, that particularly in a world currently full of so much uncertainly, feels hugely soothing, nostalgic and incredibly uplifting.
This newest interpretation of Joseph certainly throws some curve balls to what we are used to expecting with this one, however what we do get is a quirky, funny, bold, modern take on an old familiar musical tale, which certainly makes for an entertaining evening!
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is at the Manchester Opera House until the 2nd tickets are available here.
Opening Night 