Paul ThomasonIt may have been going for more than five decades but you will not see a more vibrant show this year than the current touring production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Given its popularity and longevity it is hard now to imagine...
Martin ThomassonIt was a very smart move of Tim Firth to adapt his 1998 TV comedy, Nevilleâs Island, for the stage in 2013. It has rarely – if ever – been out of production since. It looks like being another smart move for him to realise (or be...
Niamh MelodyMiray Sidhom is a brilliant storyteller. That becomes increasingly clear throughout this production of The Bread We Break at Contact Theatre. She captures the essence of Egypt through clever projections behind her set and through the incredible live...
Georgina WellsNorthern Broadsidesâ As You Like It is the first production Iâve seen staged in the round at The Lowryâs Quays Theatre, and itâs a layout that certainly suits both venue and play. It feels more novel and intimate than a proscenium arch staging...
Carmel ThomasonOn the day Putin’s Russian troops invade Ukraine it feels more important than ever to contemplate both the joy and the fragility of our freedom to roam. Freedom to Roam: The Rhythms of Migration, an evening of music and film, arrives at...
For those whoâve never seen Richard OâBrienâs 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...
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...
Niamh Melody finds this innovative, graphic novel style retelling of Dracula a unique take on a familiar story Imitating the dog and Leeds Playhouse have successfully turned a classic horror story into a gripping, technologically advanced piece of...
Wim Vandekeybusâ work for Rambert was originally created and streamed live last year, when people were âdesperate for old-fashioned physical interaction,â with the camera placed in the midst of the company dancers. Itâs impossible to recreate this...
