Theatre and performance in Greater Manchester & other places.
Review of Road at Royal Exchange, Manchester. Telegraph poles have sprouted within the Royal Exchange’s Great Hall, a van sits abandoned near the toilets, and a chippie awaits around the corner. Selina Cartmell’s revival of Jim Cartwright’s Road pulls you into its chaotic, clammy embrace as soon as you step through the main doors. Gradually [...]
After a break for the last two years, my ‘best of’ list is back! As in previous years, I’ve only focused on productions that either premiered in Greater Manchester or could only be seen here. Which means I’ve not included any shows that were passing through on tour or that were revivals from elsewhere. It [...]
Review of Road at Oldham Coliseum. Road, Jim Cartwright’s scabrous slice of 1980s Lancashire life still has the power to knock you sideways. It comes on strong with promises of a riotous night out, all good times and laughs. Only to repeatedly dissolve into the dark dead ends of Thatcher’s Britain – no jobs, no [...]
Circles & Stalls 