Advertisements Example Ad #1 (only visible for logged-in visitors) Based on the 2010 film and centring around the Ford factory strike of 1968, ‘Made in Dagenham’ is the story based on the real life events that led up to the Equality Pay Act of 1970. As the female machinists in the factory were downgraded to ‘unskilled’ workers, the fight escalated into a full on war against the government and Trade Unions to secure equal pay for all workers regardless of gender. ‘It’s not about money it’s about equality!’ This small group of women, like all ground breakers, found that the battle had to be wo ..read more

Advertisements Example Ad #1 (only visible for logged-in visitors) Set across four decades, the one-woman play tells the one woman’s story of sex, love and identity as she matures from schoolgirl to woman. From critically acclaimed West End and TV actress Andrée Bernard, best known for her roles in Holby City, Hollyoaks and Kiss Me, Kate, the piece is written, composed and performed by Andree herself, directed by Michael Strassen and asks the question of what it means to be a woman of the Modern Age.  Bernard expertly commands the stage from start to finish, the ..read more

Advertisements Example Ad #1 (only visible for logged-in visitors) After its sell out run last Autumn and news of a transfer to the National Theatre, this production remains keenly awaited. The industrial, bare-boned set frames a strong start. Punchy, witty and clear are the performances, with a sense of foreboding about what’s to come. That ever-present feeling of foreboding is what keeps this play alive. Other than the everyday feel, the unassuming personalities on stage and the important subject matter, this play survives, just, on likeability of characters. As someone not originally from ..read more

Advertisements Example Ad #1 (only visible for logged-in visitors) The cast list is handed over rolled up like a treasure map (as well as a poster: a sinister robotic head against a binary code background); you need a few clues because this random collection of vignettes doesn’t always shed much light. And you could call it irony that a play dealing with commercialism and the Industrial Revolution, machines taking over, has a High Tec setting, yellow scaffolding with what looks like an Amazon warehouse at the back, fronted by a factory. Props are robustly manhandled or pop up through the flo ..read more

Advertisements Example Ad #1 (only visible for logged-in visitors) Trinity Amateur Operatic Society (TAOS) presents The Addams Family at the stunning Daneside Theatre in Congleton from the 23rd – 27th of April 2024, directed by Paul Downham, assisted by Izzy Rowe and based on characters created by Charles Addams and book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. The Addams Family has become enormously popular over the years for many theatre companies, this being my fourth viewing of the show in less than 6 months. I have witnessed some great performances of ..read more

Advertisements Example Ad #1 (only visible for logged-in visitors) Joan Littlewood’s iconic, satirical masterpiece O what a lovely war! was first performed sixty years ago and is still as memorable and important as ever. Blackeyed Theatre’s new touring production is imaginative and confidently performed by a small troupe of six multi-talented actor-musicians.  As its aesthetic is a stylized circus theme, it suited Theatr Clwyd’s beautiful temporary ‘tent’ which if you haven’t seen, the word doesn’t do it justice: it’s a wonderful space and well worth a visit. Into this, Director Nicky A ..read more

Advertisements Example Ad #1 (only visible for logged-in visitors) Ghost first premiered just down the road in Manchester back in 2011 and is based on the hit 1990 film written by Bruce Joel Rubin and starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore alongside Whoopi Goldberg. The movies transition began its journey to the stage in 2008 as detailed by Bruce Joel Rubin in a revealing 2021 interview with North West End UK which you can see HERE. Following its sold-out run in Manchester a transfer to the West End followed and subsequently Broadway. Australia and Asia tours followed and subsequently a UK t ..read more

Advertisements Example Ad #1 (only visible for logged-in visitors) I don’t usually sign up to review performances that aren’t musicals, but something about this one drew me in. Coincidentally an article written by ‘The Stage’ popped up today, talking about the West End transfer of this production, so already I was expecting good things, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. I was so pleased to see such a full venue this evening at The Grand Blackpool. Written by Danny Robins, 2:22 has a very small cast featuring only four principles and two supporting cast members. All of the action takes ..read more

Advertisements Example Ad #1 (only visible for logged-in visitors) The 1927 song “I Danced With A Man, Who Danced With A Girl, Who Danced With The Prince of Wales”, refers to the oft-desired human condition of forging connections with famous people – however remote those connections may be. Well, I possibly suffer from the same condition and can claim family folklore has revealed that my nephew’s daughter’s mum is Liam Mower’s cousin. Impressive eh? Mower, for those not in the know, has the lead role of Edward Scissorhands in Matthew Bourne’s magical dance production of the same name, which ..read more

Advertisements Example Ad #1 (only visible for logged-in visitors) I remember reading Yann Martel’s dazzling Booker-prize-winning novel “Life of Pi” in a youth hostel in San Francisco and being so consumed with it I nearly missed a trip to the Golden Gate Bridge. It really is a cracking novel and such a wonderful whirl of magic realism and bright, laugh out loud comedy. I dodged the film when it came out in case it spoiled my memories of the book, so it was with some trepidation I approached the stage version. I needn’t have worried. Piscine “Pi” Patel is the son of a Pondicherry zoo keeper ..read more