Steve TimmsWhat happened to 3D films? There was a time when nearly every big movie came in two versions. But much in the manner of My Space, 3D disappeared almost overnight; indicative of how dispensable it was in the eyes of film fans (there is still the...
Carmel ThomasonA tropical forest isnât the setting you might imagine for a Christmas musical. But when temperatures are minus 7 outside, the idea of being transported to a lush green land, if only for a couple of hours is inviting. The adventure starts from first...
Paul ThomasonAnyone for snot macaroni and toenail ice-cream? Paul Thomason experiences the gross-out fun of watching David Walliams’ story live on stage. Less than a week after children all over the land have been going to school dressed as one of many of...
Nic DowlingNo balloon bosoms, garish make-up, gravity defying skirts or audience taunting here. The not-so-ugly sisters are far from the usual dames youâd see stomping around in more traditional Christmas pantos. But this isnât your usual Christmas panto. Barb...
David Walliams is the current undisputed king of childrenâs books and, with over 25 million books sold, it is no surprise that his juvenile humour and easy to read stories are such a hit with so many children. His highest selling book, Gangsta...
Paul Thomason finds so much to enjoy in this traditional family pantomime Having been unable to stage this pantomime at Oldham Coliseum Theatre last year, the production team were clearly wanting to make up for lost time with the show and cast they...
The genre of films that combine live action with animation is notoriously small, probably because of the huge technical challenges involved. Try and think of a dozen such movies and you may struggle – though Anchors Aweigh, Mary Poppins...
Moses KabungaWhat better way to ease yourself and your family into Christmas than with a welcome dose of merriment and escapism? This adaptation by Kate Ferguson and Susannah Peerce (music and lyrics) certainly ticks all the boxes. Jack Lord and Ami Okumura...
Who loves Christmas? The Whos love Christmas. And they certainly know how to win over an audience with their Christmas cheer. Who-ville is the fictional candy coloured town where even the inhabitantsâ tights look like theyâve been pulled straight...
Martin ThomassonâTo die would be an awfully big adventure,â muses Peter Pan, uttering one of the most famous lines in J.M. Barrieâs story. âDonât talk daft!â comes the abrupt Lancastrian rebuke from Christinaâs Meehanâs mermaid princess. Quite right, too! Peter Pan...