In its Seventies heyday Jackie magazine sold more than a million copies every week, to teenage girls eager to learn about fashion, beauty, pop-music, life and love. Fast-forward 40 years and those same girls are asking the same questions, only they...
Bowing out of classical ballet at age 42, Carlos Acosta has had a long and illustrious career, the kind of which most dancers can only dream. In this, his classical farewell, Acosta celebrates both his career and the art form which has brought him...
There’s always the exception that proves the rule. And when it comes to juke box musicals, Mamma Mia is it. Without a doubt, the feel-good appeal of ABBA’s disco beats has a lot to do with the show’s phenomenal success. But what elevates it above...
Manchester based Company Chameleon is holding taster sessions for its new dance company, Chameleon Youth. The new company will give young people, aged 11 to 18, the chance to develop their talent with a professional dance company through a creative...
When American Idiot was first staged in 2010 it blasted a hole in what audiences had become accustomed to from musical theatre and particularly jukebox musicals, cobbled together from a catchy back catalogue. Six years on and it’s still as...
Joe McElderry was two-years-old when I first saw Joseph in 1993 with Philip Schofield in the lead role. I’ve lost count of the number of Josephs I’ve seen since. In recent years it’s a part usually filled by a TV talent show favourite and in this...
Having grown up in a pit village during the miners’ strike of 1984 I can relate to the story of Tinned Goods in an immediate way that brings to the surface many memories of my own. But you don’t need any connection to mining for the troubles...
I am struggling to think of a time when I’ve felt more disappointed with a play than I do now. On the face of it, I Am Thomas held much promise. It is a co-production from several excellent companies, whose previous work I have enjoyed very...
The Corrie factor just brought Beckett a whole new audience. There are many who have questioned what soap fans will make of the play. I think it’s likely they will find it as absurd and unsettling as anyone else. And if you’re searching for some...
For a solo dancer to perform a full-length show is an impressive feat and one which Aakash Odedra pulls off with ease. The last time I saw it done was the phenomenal Akram Khan, who mentored Aakash earlier in his career, and his influence can be...
Carmel Thomason