Martin ThomassonEnglish National Ballet’s production of Akram Khan’s reimagining of Giselle constructs a wonderful evening of performance art at its most integrated and rewarding. The bare bones of it: Act 1: Rich boy (Albrecht) disguised as poor boy, falls for...
Carmel ThomasonThere’s a definite buzz at Manchester’s Palace Theatre for the launch of the new Jesus Christ Superstar UK tour. The musical’s 50-year history gives the show its own superstar status, and this production, from London’s Regent Park Open Air Theatre...
Steve TimmsFinisterre, the sixth studio album by English pop group Saint Etienne, features a series of spoken word interludes from actor Michael Jayston. ‘Rock could be so good’, he solemnly intones, ‘but we make it all so rubbishy.’ It’s hard to disagree...
The tale may be as old as time, but this brand-new production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is ever a surprise. Imagine an enchanted castle where you’re served dinner by dancing plates, entertained by a quick-fire candlestick, warmed by a mumsy...
Niamh MelodyFor those who’ve never seen Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show before, it can be summed up in three words: crazy, catchy and confusing. In fact, the plot is so baffling and nonsensical that it is hard to explain. Directed by Christopher...
Georgina WellsAfter the sadness and gloom of last year, I’m dreaming of a normal Christmas with all the essential ingredients – and where better to kick off festivities than at the Palace Theatre with White Christmas? With an audience keen for a night of...
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...
There’s no such thing as an unlikely musical, though some don’t stick around long enough to make an impression. Does anyone remember Fields of Ambrosia, a mid 90’s affair about a travelling executioner who falls in love with one of his victims...
Lorraine Worsley-CarterOur evening begins at the infamous Kit Kat Klub, in the heart of Berlin nightlife and as the clock strikes midnight we celebrate with revellers, greeting the uncertainty of all that 1931 will bring to Berlin – a city which had fast become the...
Moses KabungaSince its opening in 2002 this show has gone from strength to strength. Say it loud, We Will Rock You is an international phenomenon. Written by the polymath, Ben Elton this offering takes as its base Queen’s infectious back catalogue and weaves the...