Family Fun

The Brit Fest – Ashley Show Ground

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Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

https://thebritfest.co.uk/

Disney’s Aladdin

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Reviewed by Jodie Crawford

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Photography by Deen Van Meer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Wizard of Oz

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peter Pan Goes Wrong

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Reviewed by Gill & Freddie Selkirk

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Mischief Theatre Company are the hilarious gift that keeps on giving, from their original offering, The Play That Goes Wrong to this current UK Tour of Peter Pan Goes Wrong it seems everything they touch turns to comedy gold.

Like the multi award-winning Play That Goes Wrong, Peter Pan Goes Wrong focusses on the Cornely Drama Society and their valiant attempt to deliver J.M. Barrie’s classic, Peter Pan, which of course gets a chaotic and calamitous Mischief Theatre makeover.

This play within a play introduces us to our cast who quite literally live and almost die by the mantra ‘the show must go on!’. With ambition that far outweighs their actual talents the scene is set for two hours of malfunctioning sets, lack of ability, faulty electrics and some painfully close near-misses as our players go about delivering their lines to hilarious effect. There are clashing egos, intense insecurities as well as unwanted affections within the company, all of which add to the glorious chaos of the piece.

Gareth Tempest portrays Jonathan who is our self-obsessed, narcissistic Peter Pan. With an eye for the ladies and an inability to fly in a straight line he continually plunges the show into absolute chaos. Wendy (a very keen to please Sandra) is played brilliantly by Ciara Morris, her enthusiasm paired with her exuberant arm waving never tire. Jack Michael Stacy, as Chris the director (who also plays Captain Hook and Mr Darling) displays a brilliant lack of self-awareness. His continued instance on treating the play as a serious piece and increased disappointment with both his fellow cast members and the audience who clearly don’t agree is genius.

Matthew Howell is superb as Robert (co-director/Nana the Dog, Peter’s shadow) with an ego bigger than Neverland he has the audience in the palm of his hand while Theo Toksvig-Stewart as Max, (playing Michael Darling/mermaid/the crocodile), has a soft-spot for Sandra and is only in the show because his uncle is financing it.

Dennis (Clark Devlin) offers some real comedy moments as he’s fed his lines through a very unreliable headset while Jamie Birkett as Annie (playing Mrs Darling, Lisa, and a superbly funny Tinkerbell) has more consume changes than a pantomime dame. Jean-Luke Worral as the narrator though blighted with technical issues, still adds a touch of sparkle every time he appears, pertified actor Lucy (Rosemarie Akwafo) has trouble finding her voice while Jake Burgum tries to keep it all together as stage manager Trevor, resulting in almost as much unforgettable stage time as the stars of the show themselves.

This really is a comic masterpiece; it’s fast pace never wanes while the gags and physical humour come thick and fast. It’s slapstick central and the audience lap it up, you’re just about recovering from one laugh when the next quickly and hilariously presents itself. Every cast member gets their moment to shine thanks to the witty writing and brilliant direction. High praise must also go to Simon Scullion’s impressive set design, its adaptability and revolve adding superbly to the carefully choreographed chaos.

Mischief Theatre have once again produced a comedy classic, which will appeal to all ages and leave you belly laughing long after the curtain call. My almost 11 year old, Freddie said it was the best thing he’s ever seen at the theatre, “I laughed from the very start to the very end, it’s ridiculously funny.”

Peter Pan Goes Wrong is on at Manchester’s Opera House until Sunday 31st March tickets are available here.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

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Reviewed by Emily Aitchison and Mummy Jo

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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.

The Addams Family

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Reviewed by Alison Ruck

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

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.

School of Rock

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Reviewed by Demi Franks

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘I thought you all were a bunch of little douche bags, but now I know that you’re soul brothers and sisters.’

It’s no secret that turning the 2003 comedy cult classic ‘School of Rock’ into a musical had been on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s agenda pretty much ever since film’s inception. However, after making its debut on Broadway in 2015 and having since taken the West End by storm, it seems hard to believe Webber’s School of Rock is only just now embarking on it’s UK tour debut.

Based on the cult film, School of Rock the Musical follows the story of Dewey Finn (Alex Tomkins), a low-life loser who’s just lost his job and been kicked out of his own band. He becomes the ultimate opportunist when he poses as his substitute teacher flatmate, Ned Shneebly (Matthew Rowland) in order to pay his rent. However, teaching fourth-graders at the $50,000 dollar-a-year prestigious Horace Green would appear to be harder than he had hoped, that is until he witnesses their musical talent and forms…. ‘The School of Rock!’

‘Music is what speaks to you and that’s what matters most’

A story ultimately about music’s transformative influence and power, particularly on young people; Webber is wise to keep in many of the classic iconic tunes (some a little re-mastered) but still holding their authentic power and affability, whilst complimented by some perfectly punchy and well-conceived new theatrical songs, all helping to aid the plot and character development, such as that of Principle Mullin’s (played wonderfully by Rebecca Lock) powerful solo number ‘Where did the rock go?’. The music is what brings all the elements of Director Laurence Connor’s production together and nothing is more impressive than the big group ensemble numbers, which certainly bring the ‘WOW’ factor. It also has to be mentioned that whilst Webber introduces us to the show via a recorded voice message letting us know that ‘yes the children really are playing their instruments live’, Riley’s ‘Grown Up Band’ doesn’t miss a beat and are the consistent backbone of the show.

Visually, it’s a feast for the eyes too. Louizos’ set effortlessly turns from classroom to rock stage in a matter of seconds and with the help of Katz’s lighting design and Potter’s sound design, which are equally impressive, we feel like we have been transported to a live rock concert!

It’s never a good idea to fixate on one specific actor playing one specific role, but having become so synonymous with the film, sitting down in the auditorium and much to my childhood disappointment, I had to remind myself that no, 52-year-old Hollywood actor Jack Black would not be bouncing up on this Manchester stage some 18 years later to reprise the role of Dewey Finn. That disappointment was however swiftly and skillfully dismantled by the buoyant and hilarious Alex Tomkins (alternate Dewey Finn) who stormed the stage, literally, exuding the most incredible amount of sheer and consistent energy and vivacity for the entirety of the two and a half hour production that I have probably ever seen.

The classroom scenes certainly prove to be the most heart-warming and enjoyable, as indeed the all ‘acting’, ‘singing’, ‘dancing’ and ‘musical instrument playing’ kids are the beating heart of this production. They pepper about the stage with bucket loads of enthusiasm from the off, but truly establish themselves in Act 2 as we see their character’s personal stories develop. As an ensemble they are quite the force and as such it is extremely hard to pick any standouts, but on this occasion it has to be said that Souparnika Nair’s Tomika had the entire auditorium firmly fixated in bewilderment at her breathtaking vocals as she performed ‘Amazing Grace.’ Special kudos must also go to the casting team here who have cast over 40 children alone (to allow for obvious cast rotations).

Webber, Fellows and Slater have masterly created a production that maintains the best of the film’s original warm fuzzy and familiar moments that in turn makes it a nostalgia inducing and an emotionally uplifting evening to all those ex-15 year olds, who like myself, would have grown up watching the film on repeat and known it word for word, whilst simultaneously establishing a current, up-to-date, modern musical, that equally speaks to the youth of today and families alike.

A whole lot more than just Rock n Roll, this is real life affirming stuff…

The perfect ‘January blues’ pick-me-up for the whole family, School of Rock the Musical plays at the Palace Theatre, Manchester until the 15th of January tickets available here.

Beauty and The Beast

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Beauty and the Beast Production Image (8) - credit David Munn Photography

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Regal Entertainments and St Helens Theatre Royal’s usual run of family-favourite pantomimes throughout the year came to an abrupt halt when the Coronavirus pandemic closed theatres across the country back in March. The creatives rallied together producing an innovative virtual show: Rapunzel: The Lockdown Panto, back in April and now through lots of hard work, commitment and Covid compliance bring Beauty and The Beast to the stage, opening the doors of the Theatre Royal to audiences once again.

Directed by Chantelle Nolan and written by Liam Mellor, Beauty and The Beast tells the famous fairy-tale of a prince cursed to live as a monstrous beast, the only thing that can break the curse is…of course true-loves kiss! But just how does a furry monster find true love, especially when we are all social distancing!

Beauty and the Beast Production Image (1) - credit David Munn Photography

Regal Entertainments have well and truly pulled out all the stops to ensure their first live show in a long 9 months is an unforgettable one. The script is positively jam-packed with Covid gags with Boris Johnson getting a hilarious ribbing while Joe Wicks, Chris Witty and even the track and trace app all feature.

French Frank and Pretty Polly played by Scott Gallagher and Jamie Greer respectively are a perfect comedy duo, guiding us through the ups and downs of life in the village of Petit Pois as they try and save their master (Andrew Geater) from a hairy ending. They bounce off each other brilliantly, the quick-witted pair are clearly having a ball being back in front of an audience, throwing themselves full throttle into the slapstick silliness as well as offering plenty of cheeky gags for the grownups.

Beauty and the Beast Production Image (5) - credit David Munn Photography

Timothy Lucas as a scene stealing Gaston is an absolute joy, self-obsessed, pumped up and completely outrageous he has the audience in the palm of his hand from his first swivel-hipped lunge onto stage. His mother the Cruella De Ville-esque Madam Botox (Abigail Middleton) is as detestable as her air-head son, the two make a perfectly ghastly pair of pantomime villains.

Olivia Sloyan makes for a superbly sassy Belle while Andrew Geater’s charm shines through as the reclusive Beast. Jenna Sian O’Hara acts as narrator in her role as Fairy Rose, her no nonsense Northern attitude sees her giving as good as she gets in an unforgettable 12 Days of Covid which leaves the audience roaring with laughter (behind our Covid compliant masks of course).

Beauty and the Beast Production Image (2) - credit David Munn Photography

Choreographer Nazene Langfield has created some beautiful numbers for the talented senior dancers, sadly no juvenile dancers this year due to Covid restrictions but the seniors do a wonderful job of filling the stage adding real depth to the musical numbers. There’s some great song choices this year, many with a Covid twist which are an absolute stroke of genius and while the audience can’t participate in the usual way a TikTok dance off fills the gaps perfectly.

By the time of the final transformation scene, you’ll be wishing you could stay in your seat and watch it all over again. This hilarious production at a time when theatre making is more challenging than ever before is an utter treat, just what’s needed to lift spirits, create magical memories and remind us all just how precious the arts are. Kudos to all at St Helen’s Theatre Royal for creating a perfectly safe environment for families to enjoy some much-needed escapism.

Beauty and the Beast Production Image (9) - credit David Munn Photography

Beauty and the Beast is an absolute Christmas cracker, in the words of my Godson Freddie “The best one we’ve ever seen”

Beauty and The Beast is on at St Helens Theatre Royal until Sunday 3rd Jan tickets from £16 available via Ticketsolve – St Helens Theatre Royal

Rapunzel – The Lockdown Panto – Live!

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This Easter, despite the lock-down, Regal Entertainments Ltd have created a free online Pantomime for all the family to enjoy, and what story could be more appropriate for the current situation than that of a young girl locked up in a tower?

Families disappointed to be missing out on the traditional Easter pantomime at St Helens Theatre Royal have consolation in the form of a special virtual show.

Rapunzel: The Lockdown Panto will live stream daily on St Helens Theatre Royal’s Facebook and Instagram accounts fromSunday 12 – Saturday 18 April 2020 at 1.30pm.

The special filmed production will star a host of the regular stars that appear at St Helens Theatre Royal. Olivia Sloyan will play Rapunzel, James Lacey as the Witch, Lewis Devine as Daft Dave, Samantha Palin as the Queen, Warren Donnelly as the King, Andrew Geater as the Prince, Abby Middleton as Fairy Anna(logue) and Jenna Sian O’Hara as Pixel The Pixie.

Each member has recorded their own section of the pantomime at home and, through careful editing, the story is brought together to create a fun online pantomime that the whole family can sit down and enjoy together.

The pantomime is written and directed by James Lacey and choreographed by Sarah Walker. Regal Entertainments had to reschedule their usual Easter Pantomime at St Helens Theatre Royal, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, which will now take place in the autumn. Producer and Director at Regal Entertainments, Chantelle Nolansays:“During the national lockdown we wanted to reward and entertain families for being responsible and isolating. So many of our customers were disappointed not to be able to come and see our Easter pantomime in St Helens, so we thought that, this year, we would bring the panto to them.

“We have an incredibly talented cast, who are more than up to the challenge of creating a unique, new show and we’re going to put on a fantastic online show that all ages can enjoy.”

Rapunzel tells the tale of a young girl stolen from her family and locked away from the world in a tower by a wicked witch. Unable to leave, she must let down her golden hair for the witch to climb to bring her food. One day a handsome prince discovers the tower and sees the beautiful girl. Will Rapunzel and the Prince find their freedom? Will they live happily ever after? Or will the wicked witch catch them?

To watch the show, viewers will need to become a fan of the St Helens Theatre Royal Facebook or Instagram accountswhere information to view will be posted, the show will launch daily at 1.30pm from Easter Sunday.

The Secret of Christmas Eve

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After the huge success of last year’s festive fairy-tale Hansel and Gretel Oldham Theatre Workshop return with an original Christmas musical which promises to be the perfect family treat.

The Secret of Christmas Eve introduces us to a very special little girl called Eve (Natasha Davidson) who is about to experience the most magical of adventures which sees elves brough to bright and brilliant life, adventures on flying carpets and a whole host of colourful characters as she’s tasked with the small job saving Christmas!

Brian the elf (Jabez Sykes) is bereft, this year’s Christmas wish letters have failed to reach the North Pole and without them the elves are redundant, there will be no presents and no Christmas! Thankfully and although she may not yet know it, Eve is the perfect person for the job.

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The intimate studio space at Oldham Library feels cosy and inviting as the small performance space is transformed into a welcoming home, grumpy Mrs Grimble’s Post Office and Nula Nu’s Shop of Lost Things throughout this enchanting production.

Creatives Sarah Nelson and James Atherton have worked together to create a piece of theatre which wouldn’t be out of place on a West End stage. Their imaginative storytelling is both poetic and utterly joyful capturing the Christmas spirit with warmth and wit. They have a unique ability to interweave heartfelt and important messages into seemingly simple stories packing them with an emotional depth you don’t often find in family shows.

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Audiences of all ages will take away something special from this show with its themes of family, hope, adoption and belonging all beautifully wrapped up in a feel-good story that will stay with you long after the Christmas decorations have come down.

The clever and catchy original songs are teamed with a melodic score and a hugely witty script which is delivered to perfection by a committed cast. Natasha Davidson captures entirely the wide-eyed wonder of Eve, fiercely determined to succeed despite the challenges life has given her. Jabez Sykes is a joy as Brian the Elf with bucketloads of charisma and a great gift for comedy he lights up the stage as the ever-so dramatic Elf.

Laura England is gloriously grumpy as Mrs Grimble while also displaying a wonderful warmth as Eve’s foster Mother Suzia. Purvi Parmar breathes life into the adorable Digby the Dog and is great fun as Eve’s friend Nisha while Madeleine Edmondson captivates as the mysterious and magical Nula Nu.

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Collectively the cast take on multiple roles whist also acting as narrators leading you through this delightful tale, delivering faultless harmonies with ease. There’s also an appearance from several members of the young company who add additional festive magic to this heart-warming production.

If you’ve yet to find your festive cheer then I prescribe a visit to The Secret of Christmas Eve immediately! This beautiful show packed full of heart and humour is a piece of theatrical magic. A truly enchanting Christmas adventure that will leave you feeling merry and bright well into the New Year. A truly wonderful production from Oldham Theatre Workshop and at an accessible £8 per ticket an absolute gift to us all.

The Secret of Christmas Eve is on at Oldham Library until Saturday 28th December tickets available here, you can also call the Box Office on 0161 770 3240.

 

Preview | Marvel Universe LIVE!

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Marvel 2

If you have a little Captain America or Black Widow who loves all things Marvel – then Manchester Arena is the place to be this week!

Marvel Universe LIVE! Is an action packed arena stunt show, where audiences can enjoy seeing all their favourite heroes and villains do battle live!

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The brand new show – from the team behind Disney on Ice – is at the Arena from Thursday 28th November to Sunday 1st December and features aerial stunts, martial arts, daring motorcycle skills, pyrotechnics, special effects, 3D video projection and much more.

From Spider-Man to The Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy, this really sounds like a must-see show for any comic book-mad little (and big!) kids.

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Called on by Doctor Strange, the Guardians of the Galaxy join the Avengers on a momentous crusade against the scheming Nebula who teams up with the conniving and loathsome villains Loki and Green Goblin.

The incredible superhuman forces of Iron Man, Thor, Black Panther, Hulk and Black Widow will unite in clashes that pit student against mentor, sister against sister and brother against brother.

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“Our tremendously talented creative team and a nearly super human cast, have created a show that brings Marvel to life,” said Juliette Feld, producer of Marvel Universe LIVE! “The show creates an experience that immerses families in non-stop action, creating movie-style thrills and jaw-dropping stunts that showcase the powers of your favourite Super Heroes right before your eyes.”

For tickets and more information visit www.marveluniverselive.co.uk

 

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

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Reviewed by Kate Goerner

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Micheal Rosen’s 1989 picture book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is rightly considered a children’s classic – it’s been a bedroom staple in our house since my son was a baby.

It has all the necessary ingredients – beautiful illustrations by Helen Oxenbury, fun repetitive rhyming language to read-along to, and not forgetting a dash of mild peril!

So how would it translate to the stage? Thankfully, brilliantly (phew!). This is up there with the best kids book-to-stage adaptations we’ve seen (an opinion confirmed by my 4-year-old, who said it was “as good as What The Ladybird Heard” – which is the highest of praise, believe me!)

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The staging is ingenious. Set against a backdrop of am evocative watercolour paint splodge, the much-loved elements of the book (Mud! Grass! Snow storm!) are brought to life by the cast using stuff you’d find at home – washing up bowls, bed sheets, paint and paper. Using familiar elements of messy play that the little ones in the audience will recognise, and indeed be able to recreate at home was very clever, and incredibly effective.

The brilliant cast of four (well technically 5 if we include the titular bear!) show fantastic energy throughout, individually and as an ensemble.

Tim Hibberd’s sardonic dad has just the right amount of wry humour to get the adults in the audience on board, but with boundless energy and warmth to get the kids on side too.

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Hannah Donelon and Artie Godden as the young girl and boy display great comic timing and physical comedy and Benjamin Hills as the family dog is great fun! He only says the occasion,y ‘woof’ but plays a multitude of instruments, bringing Benji Bower’s score to life.

My little co-reviewer’s favourite bit? Obviously the obligatory waterpistols that brought the splashy-sploshy river to life and to the audience! But he laughed out loud throughout, clutched my arm whenever he heard the bear ‘roar’ and said it was a “nice” surprise when the eventually-found bear didn’t turn out to be scary AT ALL.

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We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is at The Lowry, Salford Quays, until August 31st and is the perfect summer holiday treat for your little bear cub. (And if you want to prolong the fun there’s an accompanying bear hunt themed trail across the Lowry and the neighbouring outlet mall – collect a fun sheet from the customer service desk in the mall).

In a word, roarsome!

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is on at The Lowry until Saturday 31st August, tickets available here.