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theatre review Articles

Unfortunate review: A riotous romp under the sea

Unfortunate review: A riotous romp under the sea

This dynamic, fin-tickling, show really mer-maid our day!
Pretty Woman the Musical review: An unimaginative adaption that lacked identity

Pretty Woman the Musical review: An unimaginative adaption that lacked identity

Pretty Woman the Musical was a disappointing adaption of a problematic rom-com that showed glimpses of how much better it could have been if a bolder and more imaginative approach had been taken
Blue Beard review: Problematic and distasteful plastic feminism

Blue Beard review: Problematic and distasteful plastic feminism

In production with Wise Children theatre company, Emma Rice’s new adaptation of Blue Beard uses circus tricks, smoke, and mirrors to dance around the genuine issues it is trying to tackle
Review: The Commitments

Review: The Commitments

The Commitments, a jukebox musical based on the film of the same name, is filled with great music, energetic acting, talented musicians, and great laughs
Review: Songs for a New World (UMMTS)

Review: Songs for a New World (UMMTS)

The University of Manchester’s Musical Society’s rendition of Songs for a New World wows with warm talent
Review: Ellen Kent’s Aida

Review: Ellen Kent’s Aida

Ellen Kent’s breathtaking take on Verdi’s Aida was let down by a series of small issues, leading our reviewer to wonder if the inaccessibility of opera will lead to its demise
Review: Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Review: Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Music Editor Sarah Taylor reviews Hedwig and the Angry Inch at HOME, starring Divina De Campo
Review: Waitress

Review: Waitress

Managing Editor Ella Robinson and Emily Turvey review Waitress at the Opera House, starring Lucie Jones, Sandra Marvin, Evelyn Hoskins and Matt Willis
Review: The Cat and The Canary

Review: The Cat and The Canary

Harriet Cummings reviews The Cat and The Canary at the Opera House, starring Bond girl Britt Ekland and West End star Marti Webb
Review: Avengers: Ensemble (UMMTS)

Review: Avengers: Ensemble (UMMTS)

Lily Rosenberg reviews the University of Manchester Musical Theatre Society’s (UMMTS) Avengers: Ensemble
Review: The Slightly Annoying Elephant

Review: The Slightly Annoying Elephant

Anna Jin reviews the stage adaptation of David Walliam’s The Slightly Annoying Elephant
Review: Aladdin

Review: Aladdin

Anna Jin reviews the pantomime Aladdin at Albert Halls
Review: The Marriage of Kim K

Review: The Marriage of Kim K

Theatre Editor Jay Darcy reviews Leoe & Hyde’s The Marriage of Kim K at the Lowry
Review: ‘One Hundred Different Words for Love’

Review: ‘One Hundred Different Words for Love’

Evie Appleson reviews ‘One Hundred Different Words for Love’ at HOME as part of Orbit Festival 2018
Review: ‘Let It Be’

Review: ‘Let It Be’

Evie Appleson reviews ‘Let It Be’, The Beatles musical at the Manchester Opera House

Review: City of Glass

Duncan Macmillan and 59 Productions’ hi-tech stage adaptation of the Paul Auster novella combines detective drama with postmodern mania to impressively confusing effect

Review: Much Ado About Nothing

Hilariously funny and another triumph for the Royal Shakespeare Company

Review: When Both Sides Surrender

The 2011 riots are dramatised to tremendous effect, an excellent production by a local Manchester theatre

Review: Breaking the Code

Breaking the Code at the Royal Exchange Theatre was phenomenal and emotionally charged, which kept the audience engaged from beginning to end

All Genius, All Idiot

All Genius, All Idiot is a delightful circus performance laced with tongue-in-cheek antics, yet does not shy away from edgier material