There are so many great productions opening in 2008 that’s it’s hard to know where to start. But, here goes as WOS Manchester guides you through what we think will be the ‘ones to watch.’

The Glass Menagerie – Royal Exchange- 9th April- 24th May

Highly anticipated and booking very well, this looks set to win plaudits and audience acclaim as Brenda Blethyn (pictured) steps back into the unforgiving round at the Royal Exchange. Following hard on the Hollywood heels of Jessica Lange as Amanda, Blethyn will equal ‘full house’ notices!

Waiting For Godot- The Library Theatre- 1st February- 8th March

Before it was cast, this production had a buzz surrounding it, but now that David Neilson (Roy Cropper from Coronation Street) is on board, the omens look very good, indeed. So much more than a school party outing- this one is worth waiting for! (more…)

It’s been a great year for theatre in Manchester with such variety gracing our stage. Granted, there was the usual conveyor belt of below par musicals such as the awful Never Forget. But between them the theatres in the area pulled out all the stops to get this fair city to live up to its ‘second to London’ reputation.

Let’s take a look at 2007′s high points:

Angels In America
This excellent revival played to healthy crowds at the Lowry but it was not the huge hit it deserved to be. Masterful performances and strong imagery added up to an evening which was nothing less than divine. (more…)

Venue: The Palace Theatre
Date Reviewed: 21st December 2007

Leslie Bricusse‘s classic musical has been doing the rounds for many years now. Even though the score is a tad overly sentimental, this show still sends you home with a warm Christmassy feeling and a smile on your face.

On this current tour, Shane Richie plays miser, Ebenezer whose hatred of Christmas and love of money scares anyone who comes into the contact with the man. Based on Charles Dickens‘ A Christmas Carol this musical version features all of the characters that you know and love including Bob Cratchit and his long suffering son, Tiny Tim. (more…)

Venue: Royal Exchange
Date Reviewed: 20th December 2007

No other regional theatre does Oscar Wilde with as much pace, precision and passion as the Royal Exchange. Braham Murray‘s 2004 production of The Importance of Being Earnest was a true delight. Now, this Christmas, Murray’s take on An Ideal Husband lives up to its title, providing the ideal alternative to pantomime fare on the festive theatre menu.

Wilde’s classic was written in 1895 but because the narrative centres on the themes of sexual and political corruption, it has many parallels for a modern audience to appreciate. Add to this resonance Wilde’s trademark fizzing dialogue and you could simply recreate the best bits and bingo; you’d have a hit. (more…)

This competition is now closed. Congratulations to Michelle Cooney & Family.

If you were unlucky this time, why not enter our Children’s Hour competition here?

WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO SEE THE SNOWMAN!

Raymond Briggs’classic tale The Snowman is not just for Christmas, it is an ideal family show to see in January, especially when the ticket is on us!

The Offer:
This perfect family show transfers from London to the Lowry in the New Year. One lucky winner will receive one family ticket (admits four) to see the show for free on Friday 11 January, 2008.

The Pitch:
To celebrate the New Year, the Lowry have kindly offered one lucky winner the chance to take their family to see The Snowman. (more…)