Theatre and performance in Greater Manchester & other places.
Review of 42 Balloons at The Lowry, Salford. On seeing an online video of Larry Walters flying in a lawn chair over Los Angeles held aloft by a load of balloons, Jack Godfrey didn’t just think OMG - his overriding thought was “THIS IS A MUSICAL!” Six years later, Godfrey has written that dream into [...]
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 [...]
HOME, Manchester. Online as part of Homemakers. Daylight is in short supply at this time of the year. Back in June, on Saturday 20th, there was an abundance of it. 16 hours and 38 minutes to be exact. The longest day and then the shortest night - the Summer Solstice. In my mind, it’s associated [...]
The Lowry at The Welcome Inn, Salford. News that an asteroid is on a collision course with Earth, would undoubtedly focus the mind. Whether, as the end of the world approaches, most people would choose to channel that heightened state of mental alertness into pondering some trivia questions down the pub is certainly open to [...]
King's Arms, Salford. On a family break to Haven Holidays, Ann finds herself unexpectedly falling for good-looking barman Danny. His charming smile and shiny shoes attract her attention but it's their shared taste in music, including a love of Shakin' Stevens, that seals the deal. It was, she says, a "match made in heaven". Three [...]
This year I saw over 240 pieces of theatre. From those, I've chosen my 10 favourite Manchester shows of 2019. As in previous years, I've focused on productions that either premiered in Greater Manchester or could only be seen here. So I've not included any shows that were passing through on tour or that were [...]
26 September 2019. Box of Tricks at The Lowry, Salford. "We're not friends okay, and that's fine, more than, but could you just . . . I don't want to talk, alright?". Paul's desperate plea to Michael to be left alone isn't the most obvious indication that a friendship is about to form, and yet [...]
16 May 2019. The Lowry, Salford. As the tram winds it way from town to Salford Quays, the view from the window is a rapidly evolving blur of construction sites and new buildings. As well as the seemingly never-ending apartment blocks, glass fronted office complexes and trendy business parks loom large. What goes on inside [...]
When Leeds Playhouse announced the formation of its first young company in April last year it was a bit of a wake up call for me. The Playhouse were looking to support a group of young people to collaborate in "making and producing bold and socially resonant work", as well providing opportunities for them to [...]
Contact Young Company with Hetain Patel. 30 August 2018. Earlier this year Contact Young Company shone a spotlight on the ongoing struggle for women's rights with She Bangs The Drums. This time they've got their mechanic's overalls on and they're having a good poke around under the bonnet of manhood. After being accompanied to a [...]
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Theatre and performance in Greater Manchester & other places.
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Theatre and performance reviews in the Greater Manchester area
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