Babe, The Sheep-Pig

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Based on the best-selling book by legendary children’s author Dick King-Smith, which inspired the Oscar-winning 1995 film, Babe, The Sheep-Pig is brought to life on the Quays stage in the most enchanting and charming of ways in Polka theatre’s delightful new production.

Babe arrives at the Lowry as part of an extensive UK tour which will see our little piglet entertain audiences from Salford to Southend with many stops along the way. Directed by Michael Fentiman whose previous productions include The Taming of the Shrew and Titus Andronicus (RSC), and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (Kensington Gardens). Babe is a story of perseverance, friendship, understanding and bravery. When Babe arrives at Hogget’s Farm as a proposed addition to Christmas dinner he is taken under the wing of loyal sheep-dog Fly and soon discovers a talent for herding, (once he eventually works out his own unique way of encouraging the sheep on the farm to do things his way). But as cute as our little piggy is can he make it in a dog’s world? Will Babe be the hero of the hour when his farmyard friends are in trouble? Will Mrs Hogget find an alternative pork free recipe for their festive feast? That we won’t tell you, you’ll have to head down to the Lowry to find out!

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We will tell you however how truly enchanted we were by this beautiful production, the stunning hand-crafted puppets, created by award-winning puppet designer Max Humphries (Chief Puppet Designer, Cirque de Soleil) and Dik Downey, were expertly brought to life by the talented cast who delivered a masterclass in puppeteering and performance, the children in the audience were truly captivated.

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Madeleine Girling’s stage design sweeps you away to a countryside farm as cast members reside on the stage dressed as fluffy sheep, baah-ing and chomping on hay. The incredible puppetry direction by Matthew Forbes really makes you feel that the residents of Hogget’s Farm have come to life before you, so good is their fluidity and characterisation you soon begin to believe you really are down on the farm. The joy this production brings to its young audience is utterly heart-warming, the small cast deliver this production with heart and soul and the importance of true kindness and real friendship shines through. Babe will warm your heart, fill you with joy and remind you of just how much good there is in the world.

On at the Lowry until Saturday 15th April https://www.thelowry.com/events/babe

 

 

 

Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games

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Since its debut at The Point Theatre in Dublin on 2nd July 1996, Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance has mesmerised audiences the world over, from London to Las Vegas public demand for the show renowned for its spectacular showstopping routines has never waned. Now almost 21 years since its official debut, Flatley brings his rejuvenated show Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games to Manchester’s Palace Theatre with local talent James Keegan taking on the lead role of The Lord handpicked no less by the main man himself.

Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games is built around a classic good versus evil story, after an introductory projection featuring Flatley and his young son, Michael St. James, we are introduced to our talented cast via the dream of Little Spirit, (Jess Judd). Little Spirit sees the Lord of the Dance as everything good in the world, this purity and honesty is however threatened by the Dark Lord (Zoltan Papp) and his evil army of Dark Disciples, add to this the dark temptation that comes in the form of Morrighan the Seductress (Andrea Kren) who is determined to come between The Lord and his true love, the pure and perfect Saoirse (Caroline Gray).

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The story is a simple one, sometimes a little unclear but let’s be honest we haven’t come here expecting a deep and thought provoking narrative it is without doubt the dancing the draws the crowds year after year and it soon becomes very clear as to why. We are eased in with some exceptional acrobatics from Little Spirit who I’d happily have watched more of, as she introduces us not only to the story but also the running musical theme which we hear throughout the show, Lord of the Dance of course! As we meet the rest of the cast via various routines it is the full traditional ensemble pieces that really grip the audience, the energy and talent on display is mind-blowing, you can’t help but smile whilst watching, it’s an absolute thrill to hear the thundering drum of these lightening quick feet.

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The production is at its most powerful during the battle scenes, Zoltan Papp makes for a deliciously menacing Dark Lord, whipping the audience into a frenzy with his fabulous footwork. The sequence where he along with his Dark Disciples corner Little Spirit (Jess Judd) is performed beautifully, strong and precise with great characterisation, special mention also goes to the battle sequence between The Lord of the Dance (James Keegan), The Dark Lord (Zoltan Papp) and their respective armies, beautifully choreographed and directed by Flatley this scene really packs a punch.

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Paul Normandale’s staging of this production is almost as impressive as the talent on stage, huge flat screens the full width of the Palace’s imposing stage deliver colourful and bold projections, interjected with thrilling and sometimes unexpected pyrotechnics, complimented by stunning lightening design also by Normandale. Christopher Woods’ costume design is impressive, there are all manner of styles on show, with some really beautifully designed pieces, juxtaposed to the traditional is a section where the females are in not much more than bras and knickers while the men also whip their tops off, while this got a few whoops from the audience it seemed a little unnecessary and distracted from the beauty of the performances on stage.

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Special mention must go to musicians Giada Costenaro Cunningham and Nicole Lonergan, their fiddle playing is exceptional, a real highlight sandwiched between the exhilarating dance routines. As well as musical elements the audience are treated to vocals from Erin the Goddess (Sophie Evans) the choice of songs for me fell a little flat, something more upbeat and memorable would have sat better within the production and left more of an impact.

Manchester lad James Keegan really gives his all in the role of The Lord, following in the footsteps of Flatley is no mean feat but Keegan soon has the audience in the palm of his hand as he dances his way across the stage with precision, style and bags of charaisma.

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There is no doubt that Flatley has the magic formula when it comes to entertaining his fans, Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games is an absolute feast of dance and colour, with jawdropping choreography that will no doubt continue to delight and thrill dance fans for years to come. It’s an impressively entertaining show, bringing joy to young and old alike, hugely deserving of praise and the standing ovation Manchester was only too happy to bestow.

On at the Palace Theatre until Saturday 15th April, tickets available here http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/lord-of-the-dance/palace-theatre-manchester/

 

The Dukes Re-Union

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Mike Sweeney and The Salford Jets will reunite at The Grand Palais, Swinton to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of their debut performance. The Dukes Re-Union will also feature The Trend, Mad Jacks Travelling Circus*, Fast Cars and DJ Mike Prince and will make two nights of musical memories from their days back performing to capacity crowds on the renowned stage at the Duke of Wellington in Swinton.

As the ‘Duke of Welly’ is no longer a live venue, the Grand Palais on Station Road in Swinton (formerly the Wishing Well) has been chosen as the stage for this extraordinary get together where fans can take a trip back in time and enjoy the nostalgia of those magical nights forty years ago.

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After the initial gig sold out a second date has been added with the two shows taking place on Friday 26 & Saturday 27 May 2017. Salford legend Mike Sweeney, currently a presenter on BBC Radio Manchester, said: “This year sees the 40th anniversary of The Salford Jets and the start of our Monday night residency at The Duke of Welly on the ‘Top Road’ in Swinton which rolled out weekly until 1982! To celebrate and together with those ‘Duke’ stalwarts Fast Cars, The Trend, and Mad Jack’s Travelling Circus, we’re having a reunion at Swinton Palais on the 26th and 27th May. Tickets are going like the clappers and this won’t happen again so be there or be very square!”

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The Dukes Re-Union, produced by Tony Mercer, promises to be a Bank Holiday weekend smasher not to be missed, snap up tickets now while you still can for this special event that will be sure to get you rockin’!

Website:     http://www.thedukes.org.uk

Facebook:   http://www.facebook.com/dukesreunion/

The Dukes Re-Union

Friday 26 & Saturday 27 May 2017

Doors Open 7.45pm

The Grand Palais (Formerly the Wishing Well)

90-11 Station Road, Swinton, M27 6AH

Tickets £15

Tickets can be purchased at the Lighthouse shop situated next to The Grand Palace (cash sales only)

Telephone Box Office 07956 702 745

*Mad Jacks Travelling Circus 27th May only

 

Matilda to visit Manchester!

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Royal Shakespeare Company's Matilda The Musical. Credit Manuel Harlan MAT 14.3-242

As part of a newly announced UK and Ireland tour, the Royal Shakespeare Company will visit Manchester’s Palace Theatre with their multi award-winning production Matilda The Musical, for an impressive 10-week run from Monday 18th September-Friday 24th November 2018.

Tickets for Manchester will go on-sale to the public on Wednesday 26 April following a priority booking period between Wednesday 19 – Tuesday 25 April. 

Winner of 85 international awards, including 16 for Best Musical, the RSC’s touring production of Matilda The Musical will open at Leicester Curve, playing from 5 March 2018 and will also visit Dublin, Sunderland, Milton Keynes, Birmingham and Cardiff with further dates and locations still to be announced in due course.

The production will be accompanied by a new education programme to engage young people, inspired by Matilda The Musical. From a travelling library of stories led by Mrs. Phelps, to whole school takeovers of Matilda, the RSC aims to reach over 15,000 children, in collaboration with touring theatre partners. Further details to be announced.

Royal Shakespeare Company's Matilda The Musical. Credit Manuel Harlan MAT 09.09.16-253 Small

Dennis Kelly, (book) said: “It’s been a long time coming but I’m delighted that we get to take Matilda around the UK and to Ireland. We have some fantastic theatres in this country and in Ireland, supported by smart, engaged audiences and we can’t wait to bring this crazy, messy, anarchic explosion of a show to them.”

 Tim Minchin, (music and lyrics) said: “I – like millions of others – feel like Dahl is in my blood, because I grew up with his books. So to have contributed to a piece of work that brings one of his most famous stories to life is one of my life’s great joys. I’m utterly thrilled that audiences in cities all across the UK and Ireland will now share and be part of Matilda’s story.”

Catherine Mallyon, RSC Executive Director said: “We are thrilled our home-grown miracle, which started life after a seven year gestation in Stratford-upon-Avon, has grown into a bit of a global phenomenon. Following Matilda’s successful run on Broadway, our current tours around North America, Australia and New Zealand, and continuing into our sixth year at the Cambridge Theatre in London’s West End, it is fantastic that we can share Matilda with audiences around the UK and in Ireland. In collaboration with our touring partners we will also deliver a programme of ground-breaking interactive education projects to enable young people to emulate Matilda, sharing the extraordinary power of story-telling and the boundless creativity of their imaginations.”

Royal Shakespeare Company's Matilda The Musical. Credit Manuel Harlan MAT 11.09.15-99

Now in its sixth year in London’s West End, Matilda The Musical is the longest running production at the Cambridge Theatre where it continues to play to packed houses. With book by Dennis Kelly, original songs by Tim Minchin and direction by Matthew Warchus, Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.

Inspired by the incomparable Roald Dahl’s beloved book, Matilda The Musical was commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company and premiered at the RSC’s The Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in November 2010, before transferring to London’s West End in October 2011, where it opened to rave reviews.

Matilda The Musical has been seen by more than 6.5 million people worldwide. Having swept the board at the 2012 Olivier Awards, with a record-breaking seven awards, and winning four Tony Awards and a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theater for the four girls sharing the title role on Broadway, Matilda The Musical has now played in 50 cities worldwide and continues to delight audiences in London, Australia and on tour around North America.

 

TOUR Listings

 

Leicester Curve

Monday 5 – Saturday 24 March 2018

Box Office: 0116 242 3595

www.curveonline.co.uk

 

Dublin Bord Gais Energy Theatre

Wednesday 4 – Saturday 28 April 2018

Box Office: +353 (1) 677 7999

www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

 

Sunderland Empire Theatre

Tuesday 8 May – Saturday 2 June 2018

Box Office: 0844 871 3022*

www.atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland-empire

 

Milton Keynes Theatre

Tuesday 5 – Saturday 30 June 2018

Box Office: 0844 871 7652*

www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre

 

Birmingham Hippodrome

Tuesday 3 July – Saturday 8 September 2018

Box Office: 0844 338 5000**

www.birminghamhippodrome.com

 

Manchester Palace Theatre

Tuesday 18 September – Saturday 24 November 2018

Box Office: 0844 871 3019*

www.atgtickets.com/venues/palace-theatre-manchester

 

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff / Canolfan Mileniwm Cymru

Tuesday 4 December 2018 – Saturday 12 January 2019

Box Office: 029 2063 6464

www.wmc.org.uk

 

Cilla – Open auditions!

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Cilla

The search for the next big musical theatre star is on as producers of Cilla – The Musical confirm open auditons will begin around the country in May. The auditions will start in Liverpool before taking in Edinburgh, Birmingham and London in a bid to find their leading lady.

Producers are looking for a charismatic and talented actress with a great voice to portray the title role, starting in Cilla’s hometown of Liverpool.  The dates and locations for the auditions are as below:

Tuesday 2 May                               Liverpool Empire

Monday 8 May                               Edinburgh Playhouse

Tuesday 9 May                               Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre

Friday 12 May                                 London Dominion Theatre

 

Robert Willis (Executive Producer and Cilla’s son), said: “My Mum Ioved singing and performing ever since she was a young girl and she was determined to do what she loved. Having performed at the clubs around Liverpool, including the famous Cavern Club, she got her big break when Brian Epstein spotted her and signed her. It was the start of everything that was to follow. She was a natural born performer who lived to entertain her audience. We are hoping to find that person who also dreams big and has the talent to match but just needs the chance to show it. We can’t wait to meet you!”

The new production which is a heart-warming musical adaptation of the critically acclaimed ITV mini-series based on the early life of Cilla Black, by BAFTA award winner, Jeff Pope (The Moorside, Philomena, From The Cradle To The Grave, Mrs Biggs) will open in her hometown at the Liverpool Empire from Thursday 7 – 16 September before embarking on a nationwide tour. The musical score will be the ultimate soundtrack to the 60’s including Cilla’s greatest hits Anyone Who Had a Heart, Alfie and Something Tells Me, alongside a backdrop of the legendary “Liverpool Sound” including the Beatles’ Twist and Shout, and American influences like California Dreamin by The Mamas and The Papas and many more.

Cilla – The Musical is produced by Bill Kenwright and Laurie Mansfield, alongside Executive Producer Robert Willis.

TOUR DATES

 

Liverpool Empire Theatre                                                                                        atgtickets.com/Liverpool

7 – 16 September                                                                                                         0844 871 3017

 

Edinburgh Playhouse                                                                                               atgtickets.com/Edinburgh

19 – 23 September                                                                                                       0844 871 3014

 

Milton Keynes Theatre                                                                                            atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

26 – 30 September                                                                                                       0844 871 7627

 

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton                                                                      mayflower.org.uk

3 – 7 October                                                                                                                  023 8071 1811

 

New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham                                                           atgtickets.com/birmingham

10 – 14 October                                                                                                            0844 871 3011

 

Blackpool, Opera House                                                                                               wgbpl.co.uk

17 – 21 October                                                                                                             0844 856 1111

 

New Theatre, Cardiff                                                                                                 newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

31 October – 4 November                                                                                          029 2087 8889

 

New Wimbledon Theatre                                                                                        atgtickets.com/Wimbledon

7 – 11 November                                                                                                          0844 871 7646

 

Regent Theatre, Stoke                                                                                                   atgtickets.com/stoke

14 – 18 November                                                                                                       0844 871 7649

 

Palace Theatre, Manchester                                                                                  atgtickets.com/Manchester

21 – 25 November                                                                                                       0844 871 3019

 

Bradford, Alahambra Theatre                                                        

bradford-theatres.co.uk

28 November – 2 December                                                                                     01274 432 000

 

More tour dates to be confirmed soon.

 

Visit cillathemusical.com for all the latest tour and audition information

Twitter: @CILLAMUSICAL

 

Silver Lining

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Set in a retirement home amidst the threat of raging storm Doris, we meet an all-female group of residents awaiting evacuation, only to realise like the families who left them there their desperately hoped for rescue may have been abandoned too. Far from doom and gloom writer Sandy Toksvig focuses on humour with some great comedic performances delivered well by her strong cast.

As the storm begins to worsen the ladies soon realise they have been forgotten as their only source of help comes from a young agency care worker from Croydon who’d much rather be snapchatting than hanging around with these long past it oldies. Once the reality that they have been abandoned sinks in the ladies characters and stories really begin to develop, which leads to both moments of laugh out loud hilarity and several more moving moments as they discuss their regrets, their struggles and make their apologies before their fighting spirit returns.

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Sheila Reid gives a strong performance as Gloria Bernhardt, a leopard print wearing, mobile phone addicted pensioner desperately clinging onto her youth. Sisters May Trickett and June Partridge played by Maggie McCarthy and Joanna Monro respectively bounce well of each other, bickering for most of the play, ultimately very different but both hurting inside yet keeping their stiff upper lips for the majority of the performance. Northerner Maureen played by Rachel Davies regrets having children and waiting her life on her husband, she harps back to her glory days as a film extra and theatre understudy, never quite getting her chance to shine. Dementia patient St Michael played by Amanda Walker offers some real comedic moments as she slips in and out of the present. As the storm worsens the ladies stories begin to flow and their walls start to break down, even agency worker Hope, Keziah Joseph goes through a transformation as we see just how much we can all learn from each other if we just take the time to listen and ultimately care.

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Silver Linings is a fun and thought-provoking piece, it gathers pace as it develops and offers audiences a light-hearted look at the resilience of a group of ladies who whilst elderly certainly haven’t given up on life.

On at The Lowry until Saturday 8th April www.thelowry.com/events/silver-lining

 

42nd Street

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The tingles begin moment the orchestra strike up, as the infectious joy of this dazzling production floods through the audience. The curtain raises just enough for us to see the origin of the thunderous sound as masses of hoofers tap their way through one almighty audition piece. This show within a show straight from the off lets us know we’re here for a good time so prepare for some magnificent razzle dazzle!

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The storyline is simple, budding Broadway star and provincial New Jersey girl Peggy Sawyer, has arrived to make it and make it big, timed perfectly as respected Director Julian Marsh is going all out with a new production, Pretty Lady, right in the middle of the Great Depression. Forced to cast Dorothy Brock, a difficult diva who conveniently is backed by her rather affluent Sugar Daddy, Marsh sets about bringing the glamour back to Broadway. Our zero to hero story really gets the chance to take flight once Brock manages to break her ankle just before opening night and our wannabe leading lady Peggy is waiting in the wings, now what are the chances of that!

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This production embraces fun and extravagance, Mark Bramble, who co-wrote the book for original 1980 Broadway show directs this London revival and gives a firm nod to the 1933 smash hit film delivering all the glitz and glamour you could wish for. Clare Halse gives an outstanding performance as Peggy Sawyer, she is mesmerising, her dancing extraordinary. Instantly likeable (although not to her fellow chorus girls) Halse has great charisma and wonderful comic timing, but it’s her spellbinding moves that really make this a knockout performance.

Sheena Easton delivers diva with sass, her vocals are strong particularly beautiful during her performance of Boulevard of Broken Dreams which was added to the show to specifically showcase Easton’s talents.

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The hugely epic ensemble tap routines choreographed by Gower Champion and Randy Skinner are what really make this production fly, with sumptuous costumes and clever set design from Roger Kirk and Douglas W. Schmidt, 42nd Street is a visual delight. The cast literally drip in bling and sequins with all colours of the rainbow on shimmering display. With mesmerising show stoppers such as Lullaby of Broadway, We’re In the Money and Keep Young and Beautiful 42nd Street whacks you in the face with big hitters and some serious wow moments. Tom Lister’s commanding performance as Julian Marsh is convincing, his voice perfectly suits the score. Stuart Neal gives a great performance as Billy Lawlor, versatile and oh so talented. Special mention must also go to Jasna Ivir as Maggie Jones and Christopher Howell as Bert Barry.

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42nd Street offers a couple of hours of pure escapism fun, it is uplifting, vibrant and full of joy, I literally smiled all the way home, whilst slightly berating myself for quitting those tap lessons aged 10. 42nd Street has got it all, dazzling costumes, stunning sets and knock out performances from a seriously talented cast, if this show was offered on prescription there would be a queue from here to Broadway!

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Tickets available via – http://www.42ndstreetmusical.co.uk

THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE, CATHERINE STREET, LONDON, WC2B 5JF

Sales shine for The Band Musical!

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Tim Firth’s new musical, The Band, a much anticipated Take That jukebox musical, went on sale at 12 noon today and within the first two hours, the Box Office took a whopping £2 million, making it the fastest selling theatre tour ever, and crashing Box Office systems across the country, wow! Luckily dedicated fans had a little Patience and systems were soon back up and running.

We’re thrilled to hear Promises that the UK Tour will begin at Manchester’s Opera House on 8 September were true, with a national press night on Tuesday 26 September 2017. The tour will take in 20 cities including Sheffield, Cardiff, Liverpool and Edinburgh and will tour right through until July 2018, here at Opening Night we’re 100% Sure it will Reach Out to both Take That and musical theatre fans alike.

The new musical shares a story many of us can relate to as we meet five 16 year-old friends in 1992, to whom ‘the band’ is quite literally their everything. 25 years on, we are reunited with the group of friends, now 40-something women, as they try once more to find heaven and meet their heroes.


The Band will be played by AJ Bentley, Nick Carsberg, Yazdan Qafouri Isfahani, Curtis T Johns and Sario Watanabe-Soloman, who, as Five to Five, won BBC’s Let It Shine.  Playing the parts of Rachel and Young Rachel will be Rachel Lumberg and Faye Christall respectively.  Further casting is soon to be announced as producers won’t want fans Waiting Around.

The Band will be directed by Kim Gavin and Jack Ryder, designed by Jon Bausor (who recently designed the epic Bat Out Of Hell set) and choreographed by Kim Gavin, with lighting design by Patrick Woodroffe, video design by Luke Halls and sound design by Terry Jardine and Nick Lidster.


Produced by David Pugh & Dafydd Rogers and not forgetting Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen, Robbie Williams, The Band will no doubt relight the fires of many Take That fans proving the boys are Back For Good.

Website – www.thebandmusical.com

Twitter – @TheBandMusical

Instagram – BandMusical

Facebook – /TheBandMusical

THE BAND

MANCHESTER OPERA HOUSE

8 September 2017 – 30 September 2017

Mon – Thu 7.30pm | Fri 8:30pm | Sat 2.30pm & 7:30pm (No matinee on Sat 9 Sep)

Online: atgtickets.com/Manchester

Box Office: 0844 871 3018*

*fees apply.

 

The Commitments

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Commitments Credit Johan Persson (15)

Photo credit: Johan Persson

Irish writer Roddy Doyle’s novel The Commitments first hit the shelves back in 1987, 30 years on and the story has been turned into a BAFTA award-winning film and most recently a stage musical.

Set in 80s Ireland it follows Jimmy (Andrew Linnie), a young working class music fan, who shapes an unlikely bunch of amateur musicians into an amazing live act, and aims to make it the finest soul band Dublin has ever produced.  There’s a plethora of characters, from the cock-sure frontman Deco (Brian Gilligan) to the hot-headed drummer Billy (John Currivan), and over 20 soul classics performed including Proud Mary, River Deep, Mountain High and I Heard It Through The Grapevine.

 Whilst on paper it sounds like entertainment to the max, in reality it falls short. The jokes seem tired and cheesy, the songs are hardly ever played in full and there’s a distinct lack of spark that the show so desperately needs.

Fans of the 1991 film, directed by Alan Parker, may be swayed by the nostalgia but the theatre version seems to lack the grit and wit of the original, despite being adapted for the stage by Doyle.

Former Coronation Street star Kevin Kennedy is back on home turf as The Commitments tour stops at the Palace Theatre and it’s clear there’s still an affection for him in Manchester years on since he played Curly Watts in the city’s famous soap. Many will forgive his dodgy Irish accent as he takes on the role of Jimmy’s cantankourous ‘Da’ but there’s no denying there’s some work needed for it not to stand out like a sore thumb in comparison to the other authentic voices on stage.

Commitments Credit Johan Persson (14)

Photo credit: Johan Persson

One actor who shines is Andrew Linnie in the lead role Jimmy. Linnie is engaging as the young and charistmatic music impersario, so too is Brian Gilligan as Deco who even manages to belt out the soul classics whilst eating a bag of chips!

Whilst The Commitments tries hard to be a juke-box musical it is unfortunately a vehicle which will never sit right in that role. Only when the show turns into a mini ‘Commitments concert’ after the curtain has fallen does it truly find its groove. Well-known hits such as Try A Little Tenderness and kareoke classic Mustang Sally finally have everyone up on their feet and dancing in the aisles, it’s just a shame they have only ten minutes before they have to ‘slow that mustang down’.

Runs at The Palace Theatre, Manchester until 8th April

 

 

Justin’s Party

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There’s hardly a parent or grandparent in the UK who doesn’t know the name Justin Fletcher. He’s been on CBeebies screens for around 10 years in a number of shows, including Gigglebiz, Something Special and Justin’s House, all of which have been a big hit with children. Now Justin is taking to the stage with his UK tour of Justin’s Party and it’s proving to be a sell-out. The show reached Salford’s Lowry Theatre on Mother’s Day, providing two packed out shows full of toddlers and young children bubbling with excitement as they waited for the main man to make his appearance.

When he did the atmosphere was electric, Justin can do no wrong and fizzes with energy as he sings, dances and generally entertains the transfixed ‘mini’ theatregoers. He’s not alone in the show though, like every good party he has invited his friends; an ensemble of lively and colourfully dressed performers along with CBeebies favourite Cat Sandion. The premise for the ‘party’ is to celebrate the arrival of Justin’s new puppy Engelbert – cue a number of kids singalong classics, the Hokey Cokey, Heads Shoulders Knees and Toes and If You Are Happy And You Know It.

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During the 1 hour 40 minutes there’s confetti cannons galore, a hilarious scene where the icing of Engelbert’s giant cake gets messy (much to the squeals of delight from the children) plus a surprise visit from one of Justin’s most famous characters, Mr Tumble!

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Justin’s Party is delicious fun from start to finish and will leave children in a state of hyper that no amount of e numbers could come close to. A brilliant show and well recommended for families everywhere.

www.thelowry.com

 

Boris – The Musical Preview

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Established in June 2016 as a response to the Brexit referendum, Blowfish Theatre bring their 5* debut show ‘Boris – The Musical’ to Manchester’s Dance House theatre on Saturday 15th April. Made up of students, alumni, and staff from the University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University, the University of Huddersfield, the University of Kent, and East15 Acting School, Blowfish make politically engaged theatre on a shoestring budget, working with nothing but talent, determination, a dodgy wig, and a little help from their friends.

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Described by director Kyle Williams as “…a huge amount of fun to make, but mainly exhausting.” Boris – The Musical covers the rise, fall and (unfortunate) rise again of our current Foreign Secretary. Part biography, part farce, part songtastic satire, “Boris” is the 5* musical for people who don’t like musicals. There will be punk, pop, gospel and even a sexy tango called Me and My Johnson along with additional (soon to be smash hits) I’m talking about Brexit! and Posh Lads plus many more. In these troubling times, we all need something to laugh about and who better to laugh at than Britain’s finest politiclown.

Boris will be played by David Burchhardt, of the role David says “There’s a real skill in trying to capture BoJo’s “off the cuff” approach to public speaking. Every night I have to use all my training to get that spontaneous feel. Any rumours that I haven’t learnt my lines are completely untrue, no matter what the writer tells you.”

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The show will be returning to Manchester in July for three dates at the city’s Z-arts venue on 27th, 28th,& 29th July before heading up to the Edinburgh Fringe festival.

In the words of Blowfish Theatre, “Come along and laugh your socks off for an hour at the state of the world…before returning to your grim, unavoidable reality”.

Tickets available now via the following link: http://www.thedancehouse.co.uk/events/2017/115-boris-the-musical

 

The Woman in Black

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It’s hard to believe that The Women in Black is celebrating its 30 year anniversary, such is its reputation and reverence it seems to have been around much longer. Doing for the horror genre what The Mousetrap has done for murder/mystery, the two plays are held in such high regard that seldom is mentioned of the shocks, frights, twists and turns: it is more just a case of take a seat and go along for the ride.

Based on the 1983 Novel by Susan Hill and adapted for the stage by the late Stephen Mallatratt, The Women in Black sees retired solicitor Arthur Kipps attempting to tell the terrifying story of his time at isolated and desolate Eel Marsh House, located in the market town of Crythin Gifford. To fully do justice to the horrors he encountered, Kipps enlists the assistance of an unnamed actor to help tell his tale. The two men are at odds with what they want from the experience: Kipps wants the courage to finally finish his story and put the nightmare behind him, whilst the keen actor wants to tell a fascinating tale using all the craft of theatre and performance at his disposal. What follows is a nightmarish journey filled with laughs and frights as we witness the full horror of Eel Marsh House and the sheer evil of The Women in Black.

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Both leads are outstanding: Matthew Spencer plays the confident unnamed actor, and the younger Arthur Kipps to perfection seamlessly drifting between brash showmen and a man trapped in a situation that is spiralling out of control. David Acton plays the older vulnerable Kipps as well as a variety of roles, both act as narrators throughout. Acton certainly borrows from Alec Guinness in Kind Hearts and Cornets to help with his transformation which is high praise indeed.

I would argue that the play has a third performer: the theatre itself. Within the first minute of the play Spencer strides from the back of auditorium and thus lets us know that space you occupy is part of the play and by design as the narrative progresses you aren’t safe in your seat either! Throughout the play you find yourself scanning the room to see where the next fright is coming. This is aided and abetted by some fantastic sound and lighting design from Gareth Owen and Kevin Sleep respectively.

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The script is surprisingly funny: punctured with humour, I laughed more in the first 15 minutes than I have at most supposed comedies; however this is a ploy, designed to sucker you in and make you complacent so that when the first scare comes it smacks you like a spade in the face. As the play progresses the laughs diminish and the frights more frequent.

It is a credit to not only the two leads: but Robin Herford’s direction that the play has the right balance of laughs, drama, and terror that keeps you keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. It is a slow beginning but once it hits its stride and it’s thoroughly enjoyable.

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I’m not going to spoil any frights or big scares, however what I will say is that the reaction of some patrons sat around said a great deal: one lady said she nearly lost her lunch (and later claimed she almost had an even worse accident than being sick), several people gasped our Lord and saviours name and my arm has some heavy bruises where my friend held on during some of the more terrifying scenes.

The Women in Black is what great theatre should do: take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, at times makes you laugh at the same time as scare the life out of you. This is a truly outstanding piece of theatre and one that will still be celebrated in another 30 years time. If I could give one piece of advice if you are going to see it may I suggest getting rid of that old rocking chair… it’ll be for the best.

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The Women in Black is on at The Lowry until 25th March 2017, tickets are available here;

http://www.thelowry.com/events/woman-in-black