The Gap

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The always innovative Hope Mill Theatre so beloved for its musical offerings brings something entirely different and equally as pleasing to audiences this month as they host the world premiere of Jim Cartwright’s new play, The Gap.

When a chance phone call reunites old friends Walter (Matthew Kelly) and Corral (Denise Welch) a glorious trip down memory lane ensues. In the fifty years since they last saw each other a lot has changed, however, once the reminiscing begins, the magic of Soho in the swinging Sixties comes flooding back as do the marvellous memories created there.

Both Kelly and Welch deliver Cartwright’s sharp script superbly, there’s laugh out loud humour paired with tender heartfelt moments, all flowing beautifully as the duo bounce off each other brilliantly. Cartwright’s writing is second to none, it’s poetic, moving and of course, really bloody funny, a gift for any actor and one to which Kelly and Welch more than do justice.

Their ability to draw the audience in, is exceptional, one moment we’re following their teenage dreams as they head to the big smoke the next were cocooned with them in their later years, where cosy cardigans have replaced quaffing champagne. What happens in between is a glorious adventure of free spirits and lives fully lived amidst the highest of highs and lowest of lows. Their warmth as actors paired with their skill and versatility really makes this piece sing.

Director Anthony Banks has ensured the humour of the piece is brilliantly executed, cheeky and charming from Welch, deliciously deadpan from Kelly, making you fall in love with Walter and Corral just that little bit more.

While this is a two-hander, with their characters being absolutely the main focus they both portray additional characters often to hilarious effect, from Kelly’s Teddy Boy to Welch’s kiosk owner all add depth and heaps of laughs to the story. The use of music is another key element, from Petula Clark’s Downtown, to Kylie’s I Should Be So Lucky, each represent a key era in the story.

Cartwright’s writing allows us to truly see their characters, warts and all, while their nuanced performances tug on our heartstrings when we least expect it. This is a gentle, joyful, hilarious, exploration of friendship, one that proves beautifully that soulmates come in many forms.

The Gap is on at Hope Mill Theatre until Saturday 16th 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.

Noises Off

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Time Machine

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Reviewed by Dan & Jacob Grimes

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Direct from its London festive run at Park Theatre, Original Theatre’s hit comedy The Time Machine comes to Salford to help deliver some post-Christmas cheer to audiences.

Based (very loosely) on H.G. Wells original novel by the same name the play reads like a love letter to the genre with elements from every well-known time travel tale of the last century and a quarter cleverly woven into the piece. From Groundhog Day to Back To The Future via Quantum Leap the writers Steve Canny and John Nicholson are clearly superfans of this reference material. However, despite familiar anchor points throughout, the whole thing, when put together, was constantly surprising. Without giving too much away (which I’m not sure I could, even if I wanted to) you spend most of act one feeling like you have seen this before, with elements of high farce like in The Play That Goes Wrong or gentle parody like in The 39 Steps. Yet, you enter the interval wrong-footed and act two pinballs you through a trippy fever-dream, which comes across as a combination of a Royal Society Christmas Lecture and a Monty Python sketch.

Apart from being very funny, the play is also quintessentially British and taps into that madcap, nerdy, eccentricity that we wear like a cosy cardigan, replete with leather arm patches.

The staging was simple but effective, with heavy reliance on an intricate array of props which the actors dealt with skilfully. The costumes had a cobbled-together quality, with period jackets and bustles worn over jogging bottoms and trainers, which worked perfectly for the bargain basement vibe that I’m sure the director Orla O’Loughlin and the design team were aiming for.

Light and sound had a similarly lo-fi feel but were expertly cued in sync with the comedy. The whole thing, in fact, was harmoniously well-executed and just like Acorn Antiques or Les Dawson’s piano playing you were left admiring the skill required, from performers and creatives alike, to give something the illusion of shoddiness when it was impeccably tight.

The stand-out aspect of the production, by far, was the three talented performers. This was a true ensemble piece with George (George Kemp) portraying the instantly recognisable, public-school poseur, Amy (Amy Revelle), the highly-strung rep actor with irritatingly lefty sensibilities, and Michael (Michael Dylan), the comedic stooge, acting as the butt of the joke. Whilst each of the characters fit cosily into a recognisable stereotype, the actors had an earnestness to their delivery which only added to the comedy – especially as the bizarreness crescendos. 

The supporting cast was played by the audience and be prepared, the fourth wall is well and truly knocked through. On this point, and this is primarily a personal preference issue, whilst some of the audience participants absolutely added to the delightfully bonkers feel by virtue of their pleasantly baffled demeanour, others (usually those a little TOO willing to volunteer) became a little grating. This always feels like the dice-roll when audience participation is encouraged and, credit to the performers, they did a grand job of weeding out the more insistent elements.

Overall, this was an incredibly enjoyable and unique theatre experience and if you are looking for a night of mind-bending quantum physics offset by some great gags, all-round silliness and reflections on existentialism then look no further.

Steven Canny and John Nicholson’s The Time Machine – A Comedy, runs at The Lowry, Salford, from Tuesday 23rd to Saturday 27th January 2024 tickets available here.

The Rocky Horror Show

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Reviewed by Sean Harris & Amy Mercer

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

From its debut in 1973 this show was breaking boundaries, causing people to gasp in shock at what they were witnessing on stage. We can tell you first hand that this has not changed. Though the story is the same as the one we have always known and loved, the new jokes and witty comments bring a breath of fresh air to this show. The narrator (Philip Franks) throughout makes reference to current world issues which really helps this 50-year-old show feel modern and relatable.

Not only were the performers incredible but you become really emersed in the show and we don’t think it’s too far to say that the audience is just as important as the actors on stage, whether you’re getting up on your feet to do the time warp (again) or shouting out crude jokes to the cast on stage, this show is just good fun. You can really see when watching the show how well trained these actors are for a show such as this, not many shows enjoy having the audience shout profanity at the stage and sing along to the songs, however Rocky Horror thrives on this. The comedic timing of this show is second to none with the actors being well prepared and sometimes even going off script to suit the audience’s reactions.

Richard Meek and Haley Flaherty who play Brad and Janet excellently portray the sexual journey each character takes from their prude and naive beginnings to their sexual awakening, guided through the allure of Dr Frank-N-Furter. A highlight of Brad and Janets time on stage were their respective bedroom scenes with Dr Frank-N-Furter, each of these scenes had the whole audience aching with laughter. The vocals throughout this show are amazing and never dip in energy. We personally thought that the Usherette played by Suzie McAdam did an incredible job at opening the show with her incredible vocals and ditsy, sassy attitude. Another favourite vocal moment of ours was during the chorus of the song ‘Eddie’. The piece opens with Dr Scott played by Joe Allen singing his solo but as the chorus ensues the whole cast join in. The harmonies and fullness of the vocals in this section were phenomenal and it really had us taken aback.

We wouldn’t be talking about The Rocky Horror Show if we didn’t talk about the sensual and hilarious character of Dr Frank-N-Furter, this role is truly iconic and Stephen Webb did not disappoint, we were truly in awe of the talent and charisma shining out of this actor. It takes a lot of confidence to get up on stage in front of so many people and portray such an outrageous character but not only did he present the character perfectly, but he made this iconic role his own with his groundbreaking interpretation, not to mention doing it all in platform heels.

The wonderfully strange gang consisting of Riff Raff, Columbia and Magenta played by Kristian Lavercombe, Darcy Finden and Suzie McAdam respectively, really made the show for us, the trio’s vocals and comedic quips made for a brilliantly whimsical performance. The energy from each character never wavered with Columbia stealing the show with her charisma and confidence in every appearance, not to mention the tap sequence in Time Warp which had the audience enthralled.

The four part ensemble were magnificent and we have to take a second to talk about the choreography. Truly jaw dropping, there was always so much going on and the chaotic energy was enthralling and made everyone want to get up and join in.

All in all everything about this show was absolutely astonishing: the actors, musicians, lighting, sound, set and not to mention the gorgeously seductive costumes and make up throughout. This show has it all and it would be a shame to miss such a vibrant and exciting show like this. So, get out your fishnet stockings; feather boas and get down to see this phenomenal performance.

The Rocky Horror Show is on at Manchester’s Opera House until Sunday 28th January 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.

Jack and the Beanstalk

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Reviewed by Jodie Crawford

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Life of Pi

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Having earned a whole raft of five-star reviews when it premiered at Sheffield’s Crucible theatre back in 2019, Life of Pi has gone on a journey almost as incredible as that featured in the show itself with acclaimed runs in the West End as well as on Broadway. Lucky for us Lolita Chakrabarti’s Olivier Award winning stage adaption of Yann Martel’s best-selling novel has arrived in Salford for a five-week run allowing regional fans to see the much-loved production for themselves.

This tale of endurance and hope amidst seemingly impossible odds tells the story of Pi, a young shipwreck survivor who finds themselves cast adrift with only a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker for company. It is Pi and Richard Parker who feature for the majority of the journey, as they fight the elements, starvation and at times each other in a bid for survival.

Opening in a sterile, bland, hospital room, Pi recounts their story of survival following the sinking of the cargo ship containing their family and the animals from their zoo as they attempted to escape the troubles of India for a more peaceful life in Canada. Investigator Mrs Okamoto must decide which account is accurate as Pi explores her culture, spirituality and the harsh reality of human survival.

Taking on the role of Pi at tonight’s performance is Tanvi Virmani, as the storyteller of the piece she succeeds entirely. She brings warmth, humour and heaps of charisma to the physically demanding role. She ensures that as an audience we believe both her fascinating tale and are convinced totally by Richard Parker’s prowling presence as Parker is brought to brilliant life by a team of extraordinary puppeteers. Every meaningful movement, subtle sound and delicate interaction is done with absolute precision leaving you believing completely that this extraordinary beast is as alive as anyone else on stage.

Virmani gets wonderful support from a great multi-talented company. With special mention going to Lilian Tsang as Mrs Okamoto, the determined investigator keen to get to the heart of Pi’s story and Sharita Oomer as the gentler Mrs Chen who offers an opportunity for balance and compassion.

Director Max Webster ensures the magic of the novel is brought to brilliant life by a team of inventive creatives. Tim Hatley’s set design is visually stunning, transporting us effortlessly between locations while Tim Lutkin’s lighting and Andrezej Goulding’s video projections enhance superbly this enthralling play. Sound design from Carolyn Downing ensures Andrew T Mackay’s original score is crystal clear, adding wonderfully to the authenticity of each setting and ramping up the wow factor a notch more.

The puppetry work is truly magical, from swooping birds to twisting turtles everything is so beautifully realised. Richard Parker particularly, and the puppeteers who bring her so brilliantly to life will live long in the memory, so mesmerising is their combined creativity.

Life of Pi is an inventive exploration of the human spirit, told with courage and creativity. Visually perfect, it will transport you into Pi’s fascinating world as you suspend all disbelief and allow this theatrical experience to wash over you. Thrilling, emotive theatre.

Life of Pi is on at The Lowry until Sunday 7th Jan tickets available here.