Nick Winston

Young Frankenstein

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 Reviewed by Matt Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Mel Brooks is undeniably one of the greatest comedy writer-directors of all time, in my opinion. The Producers, Blazing Saddles, and Young Frankenstein form a trio of comedic masterpieces. After The Producers received the Broadway musical treatment in 2001, it was almost inevitable that Young Frankenstein: The Musical would follow, making its debut in 2007.

 Now, as part of Hope Mill Theatre’s spectacular 10-year anniversary celebrations, Young Frankenstein is brought back to life once more, and I’m happy to report that it’s just as hilarious and joyfully outrageous as ever.

Staying true to the plot of the original film, we meet Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (Ore Oduba)—“pronounced Fronkensteen”—who leaves his fiancée Elizabeth (Rhiannon Chesterman) and travels to Transylvania to claim his inheritance following the death of his infamous grandfather, Victor Frankenstein.

There, Frederick encounters a wild cast of eccentric characters, each eager for him to continue Victor’s notorious experiments. These include the intimidating, horse-frightening Frau Blücher (Jessica Martin), the loyal yet delightfully deranged Igor (Curtis Patrick), and the flirtatious lab assistant Inga (Julie Yammanee),complete with outrageous accent! 

Will the daring Doctor succeed in raising the dead and restoring honour to the Frankenstein name?

Ore Oduba is in sparkling form as the leading man, it’s a turn packed with charisma and excellent comic timing. He certainly hasn’t lost a beat from his Strictly Come Dancing triumph in 2016, showcasing all the slick moves that led him to the glitterball trophy.

Oduba is backed by a strong supporting cast, with standout comedic turns throughout. Curtis Patrick shines as Igor, displaying a natural flair for physical comedy—his facial expressions alone are worth the price of admission. Julie Yammanee is equally impressive as Inga, particularly during the cheeky and delightfully risqué number “Roll in the Hay.”

The musical numbers, much like the laughs, come thick and fast. Highlights include the hilariously lewd “Please Don’t Touch Me” and the wonderfully playful “Together Again for the First Time.” But the undeniable showstopper is the iconic “Puttin’ on the Ritz”. It’s still one of my all-time favourite scenes in film, and recreated here with precision, panache, and sheer joy by the entire cast.

Director Nick Winston pulls off the impressive feat of enhancing Mel Brooks’ brilliant original script. Every element is spot on: from the loving homage to the classic Universal horror films of the ’30s and ’40s, to the absurdist humour, rapid-fire gags, and new show-stopping song-and-dance numbers.

With Young Frankenstein, Hope Mill Theatre once again proves that bold, ambitious programming pays off. This production is a triumphant celebration not only of Mel Brooks’ comic genius but of the theatre’s first decade,  filled with laughter, creativity, and heart. The future looks very bright indeed.

Young Frankenstein is at Hope Mill Theatre till 30th November tickets are available here.

Bonnie & Clyde

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Reviewed by Matt Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐1/2

Following the Wall Street crash of 1929, the USA was hit by the great depression, money was scarce, unemployment was rife. As a result of these tough times America saw an increase of violent crime and armed robbery, notorious criminals such as John Dillinger, The Ma Barker Gang and arguably the most infamous of them all Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. Dillinger, Ma Barker and Bonnie and Clyde have all had Hollywood films made about them, however it’s only that later has a musical about them. 

Direct from the West End Bonnie & Clyde, arrive in Manchester as part of a full UK tour. With the involvement of Oscar winning lyricist Don Black and Grammy,Tony and Emmy nominated composer Frank Wildhorn, expectations for this one are obviously high. 

©Richard Davenport

Set in and the ‘Dust Bowl’ of America, the production opens with Bonnie and Clyde, dead in their car, taken down in a hailstorm of bullets, but how did these 20-somethings end up in this situation? 

We are introduced to the violent pair as Bonnie (Katie Tonkinson) dreams about being a big movie star like her idol Clara Bow, whilst Clyde (Alex James Hatton) wants to go down in history like his hero, Billy the Kid. A chance meeting between the pair, sees them become fascinated with each other, he a fugitive from the law, a career criminal, intent on making a life following his family’s eviction from their farm. She, an aspiring actress, singer and poet determined to quit her waitress job and find excitement, adventure and the American dream.  

©Richard Davenport

Clyde, and his brother Buck (Sam Ferriday) have broken out of prison, and whilst Clyde  continues robbing grocery stores and continues his relationship with Bonnie, his brother Buck is persuaded to turn himself in by his wife, Blanche (Catherine Tydesley) a devout, god-fearing Christian women, determined to carve out a good, honest life for her and her husband.  

However, eventually the law catches up with Clyde, who is sent back to prison. Finding life on the inside is tough going, especially without his brother. He and Bonnie hatch a plot to spring him from jail, and so begins the pair’s infamous crime spree of bank robberies and murder.  

©Richard Davenport

Whilst not perfect there is a great deal to admire about the show. The music is a mix of late 1920’s early 30’s illicit speak-easy tunes infused with elements of gospel rock. There are several stand out musical numbers including the narrative setting Picture Show, the powerful huge ensemble number, Made In America and the heart-breaking Bonnie/Blanche duet You Love Who You Love.  

The cast are exceptional and certainly the highlight of the production. Alex James Hatton is in fine form, playing Clyde with a hefty dose of charisma and charm, aided by the fact he has a tremendous singing voice. Katie Tonkinson is in superb as Bonnie, her portrayal is one of determination and borderline fanatical belief that she is destined to be a star. The chemistry between the two leads is there for all to see, making the pair a captivating watch. Tonkinson’s powerful duet with Catherine Tydesley on the aforementioned You Love Who You Love is the highlight of the show.  

©Richard Davenport

Catherine Tydesley displays not just her fine vocal range, as well as measured, at times comedic turn as the increasingly desperate Blanche.  Whilst Sam Ferriday is sympathetic is the dim-witted yet loyal Buck, torn between doing the best by his wife and his brother. The foursome are supported by a hardworking and impressive ensemble that include Daniel Reid-Walters as the well-meaning Deputy Sheriff, Ted Hinton determined to save Bonnie from her bloody fate. 

At times I do think the pace and tone of the show is somewhat hit and miss. Once the characters are established it takes a while for the plot to really start moving along. The production is desperate for you to love the central protagonists, attempting to make the pair Robin Hood like characters, at times glossing over just how evil the pair really were. Whilst some of the comedic elements to the production work at times, on other occasions it does feel out of place.  

©Richard Davenport

Overall, this is an enjoyable night at the theatre, a tremendous hard-working cast with some great tunes and exceptional performances. Whilst the story doesn’t always hit its mark, the cast certainly go out with all gun’s blazing! 

Bonnie and Clyde is on at Manchester’s Palace Theatre until Saturday 11th May. Tickets available here.

MAME

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In the same week they celebrate their 4th birthday Hope Mill Theatre open their biggest and most ambitious show to date. Tony award-winning Broadway musical Mame hasn’t been seen in the UK since it’s original 1969 West End production starring the late, great Ginger Rodgers, but Hope Mill Theatre and Aria Entertainment don’t do things by halves. Teaming up with Ray Rackham Theatrical collectively they have created quite simply their most impressive and jaw-droppingly brilliant production since opening their doors in 2014.

Beginning in 1920’s New York City Mame Dennis really is the belle of every ball. Life truly is a banquet for Mame and her party loving friends so when her deceased brother’s 10 year old son Patrick is thrust into her care you may think the party may be over but then you haven’t met the magnificent Mame.

Even when she loses her fortune in the Wall St crash she perseveres with irrepressible positivity and her own unique sense of style, whoever let getting repeatedly fired get in the way of living their life anyway? Spanning several years through relationships, love and loss Mame captivates entirely, her exuberant soul is addictive, she thrills, delights, excites and entertains along the way.

Hope Mill Theatre has been transformed for this enchanting revival. Philip Witcomb’s design ensures that the intimate space seems to open up before your eyes as the jaw-dropping first number begins. Nick Winston’s choreography is sublime; transporting the audience from a rainy Manchester to a glittering Broadway with each full-out and fabulous number. Winston who also directed the piece leaves the audience open-mouthed at the sheer scale and brilliant of the production, it feels lavish, luxurious and deliciously decadent.

Tracie Bennett is entirely mesmerising as Mame she absolutely gives her everything to the role and is truly brilliant. Hilariously comedic one moment and utterly gut-wrenching the next her delivery of If He Walked Into My Life is spellbinding.

The pairing of Bennett and Harriet Thorpe who takes on the role of bosom buddy Vera is nothing short of iconic. They are a joy to watch as they barb off each other with booze fuelled brilliance. Tim Flavin is a suave and sophisticated Beauregard, the connection between Flavin and Bennett feels warm and genuine.

Special mention must also go to junior cast member Lochlan White who at tonight’s performance played Young Patrick. Demonstrating fine acting skills, a pitch perfect voice and the kind of charisma Mame would be proud of.

Every member of this talented cast deserves high praise. They work together in such slick harmony that each scene flows seamlessly into the next yet feels full of surprises. They deliver Nick Winston’s choreography to dazzling perfection, teamed with Tim Mitchell’s impressive lighting design and strong musical direction from Alex Parker each ensemble number packs a powerful and perfect punch.

The boldness and bravery shown by Katy Lipson of Aria Entertainment and Joseph Houston and William Whelton of Hope Mill Theatre in bringing this all-new revival to such vibrant life must be commended. How lucky we are in a Manchester to have such committed and passionate theatre makers.

Mame is an absolute triumph, dazzling, daring and utterly delightful, world-class theatre right on our doorstep. A perfectly peachy slice of theatrical heaven. Mame feels like the start of something very, very special and I for one am here for the ride!

Catch MAME at Hope Mill Theatre until Saturday 9th November tickets available here.

Annie

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Annie 2

Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Nikolai Foster’s revival of family favourite musical Annie has gone from strength to strength since it first debuted at the West Yorkshire Playhouse back in 2011. With a sell-out UK tour in 2015/16 followed by an extended run in the West End plus a recent sell-out season in Toronto all safely tucked under its belt; Annie is back on the road for 2019 opening a new UK tour here in Manchester.

Set in New York during the Great Depression it is indeed a hard-knock life for 11 year old orphan Annie who finds herself living in miserable, gin-swilling Miss Hannigan’s all-girl orphanage. Consumed with a fierce determination to find her real parents Annie manages to escape the boozy clutches of Miss Hannigan when she is picked to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. However Miss Hannigan and her good-for-nothing brother Rooster aren’t quite done with orphan Annie and set about trying their best to get in the way of her happy ending.

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Based on Harold Gray’s Little Orphan Annie comic strips the original musical opened on Broadway in 1977, it is however the 1982 film starring Albert Finney, Bernadette Peters and Eileen Quinn that remains most firmly etched in many people’s minds. It was without doubt one of the most worn out VHS tapes in my house, my sisters and I knowing every line, my eldest sister can still be called upon to belt out a deafening rendition of ‘Rover, why not think it over?’ should the need arise. With clearly many other Annie fans at the Opera House tonight it’s a welcome relief to see that director Nikolai Foster’s production respects the audiences love for this piece and has kept the changes to a minimum. It is still packed full of unforgettable classics including Hard Knock Life, Tomorrow, Easy Street and Little Girls while Miss Hannigan remains gin-guzzlingly awful but has a new technicoloured vibrancy about it.

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Its colourful escapism is reflected in Colin Richmond’s intricate set and costume design, jigsaw pieces scattered across the set reflecting Annie’s journey as piece by piece her life and identity come together all beautifully lit by Ben Cracknell. Yes at times it is schmaltzy but heck if Annie can make the President of the United States sit up and listen just imagine what she could do if unleashed into Brexit negotiations!

A large part of what makes Annie so endearing is of course the kids in the show and they really do make this production. Taziva-Faye Katsande is a charming and confident Annie supported perfectly by Team Chrysler for this evenings press night, each girl is outstanding bursting with life and vibrant energy with little Orla McDonagh threatening to steal the show as Molly on what is her professional debut.

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Anita Dobson makes for a cranky and world weary Miss Hannigan while Alex Bourne as Daddy Warbucks transforms before our eyes from hardnosed business man to smitten adoptive father. The ensemble deliver Nick Winston’s inventive choreography with sass and style adding exuberant energy to the much-loved musical numbers.

Annie is feel-good family fun, a real celebration of courage and innocent optimism as well as a wonderful reminder to us all that when the hard knocks come we need to find our inner strength and fight back remembering what seems impossible today will look different tomorrow. Joyful family entertainment with a great story at it’s heart.

On at The Opera House until Saturday 16th February tickets available here.

 

 

 

Rock of Ages

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Rock of Ages UK Tour ©The Other Richard

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Writer Nikki Cotter

Big hair, big laughs and even bigger voices, Rock of Ages is lewd, loud and most definitely proud!

This riotous rock ‘n’ roll extravaganza return’s to Manchester this week as part of a new UK tour, with uncomplicated debauchery at the top of its agenda. Right from the opening scenes it’s clear that Rock of Ages is a show which doesn’t take itself too seriously and is more than happy to poke fun at the era, the script, the cast and even the audience who absolutely lap it up.

Rock of Ages UK Tour ©The Other Richard

Rock of Ages transports us back to the 1980’s where small town girl Sherrie (Danielle Hope) and wannabe rock God Drew (Luke Walsh) have headed to Hollywood to pursue their dreams. Things of course don’t quite go according to plan and despite clearly fancying the pants off each other their love story seems more stop than start as they search for their happy ending on the Sunset Strip. Add to this a couple of German property developers who want to turn their beloved Bourbon Room into a snazzy mall and we soon find that not only do they have to try to save themselves but the Strip too.

There’s so much to enjoy about this show that the lack of narrative really doesn’t matter, the cast came here to rock our socks off and that is exactly what they do. It’s clear to see why this feisty and fun show has a huge cult following, not only are the performances top class the show is also incredibly witty with an infectious energy.

Rock of Ages UK Tour ©The Other Richard

Lucas Rush shines as the cheeky narrator Lonny, his boundless energy and naughty charisma make him an absolute joy to watch. Danielle Hope is perfectly cast as Sherrie, belting out the big ballads with apparent ease while her love interest Luke Walsh comes close to stealing the show with his knock-out performance as Drew, add to this a power-house performance from Zoe Birkett as Justine and you’ve got some of the finest voices in musical theatre right there on one stage.

Rhiannon Chesterman and Andrew Carthy as Regina and Franz respectively are an absolute scream, their outrageous duet during Hit Me with Your Best Shot has the audience howling; while audience favourite Kevin Kennedy strikes the right note as bar owner Dennis.

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Director and Choreographer Nick Winston ensures the pace is fast and the choreography is as tight as a rock stars jeans as the incredibly talented cast belt out rock classic after rock classic including The Final Countdown, We Built This City, In Want to Know What Love Is and the infectiously uplifting Don’t Stop Believin’.

It’s cheesy and it knows it but oh so entertaining. With its tongue firmly in its cheek, stunning performances and lots of cheeky fun, Rock of Ages is big, bold, in-your-face theatre which entertains from start to finish.

Catch it at Manchester’s Opera House until Saturday 29th September tickets available here.

The Wedding Singer

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Wedding Singer

Based on Adam Sandler and Tim Herlihy’s monster hit movie The Wedding Singer arrives at Manchester’s Opera House full of hairspray and highlights for one week only.

Recreating the storyline familiar to film fans where loveable lead singer of wedding band ‘Simply Wed’ Robbie Hart (Jon Robyns) gets jilted at the alter by brutal bride Linda (Hannah Jay-Allan) who decides wedding singing just isn’t cool enough for her rock chick ways. Waitress Julia (Cassie Compton) helps Robbie eventually see past his misery and realise perhaps he hasn’t sung his final wedding song just yet!

Wedding Singer 2

The Wedding Singer bursts into life from the opening, full of high energy dance routines and powerful performances Chad Beguelin’s witty and sharp lyrics are an absolute joy. Chockfull of laugh out loud moments this production is cheeky, charming and full of sass! West End favourite Jon Robyns takes on the role of Robbie Hart and delivers it perfectly, his Somebody Kill Me had the audience howling with laughter, his woeful misery at being dumped reminding us all just how truly ridiculous love can be. His voice is smooth and strong and the chemistry between Robbie and Julia (Cassie Compton) is perfect. Former X Factor contestant Compton is sweet and soulful; her harmonies with Robyns are simply beautiful. The show also hosts another X Factor favourite, 2006 X Factor finalist Ray Quinn who is tremendous in the role of Glen, odious and arrogant Quinn steps into Glen’s 80’s loafers and braces with ease, sharp and snarling, looking like he’s just walked off the set of Wall Street with his slicked back hair and suitcase sized mobile phone.

Special mention must go to Ruth Madoc who plays Rosie, Robbie’s randy rapping Grandmother, Madoc is hilarious and looks like she’s having just as much fun performing as the audience are having watching the show. Her paring with George (Samuel Holmes) for Move That Thang is a scream. Holmes as George delivers witty one lines throughout the production and his specially written song for the Bar Mitzvah just has to be seen!

Wedding Singer 1

Director and choreographer Nick Winston has delivered a real treat of a production, with some stand out scenes that deserve special mention, All About the Green which opens act two packs a punch with some slick choreography and dynamic staging whilst Single in contrast is stripped back and simple but enormously effective, as the males of the cast share their woes whilst gathered behind the bar displaying some clever and entertaining choreography.

The Wedding Singer is a high energy, action packed, feel-good production, with a strong cast and a highly memorable score, it’s an absolute riot of an evening. Grab your hair crimper; slap on your best blue eye shadow and hot foot it down to the Opera House to party like its 1985!

Tickets available here http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-wedding-singer/opera-house-manchester/

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