WOS Manchester looks back at 2007
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.
The Car Man (pictured above, left)
Another revival but this time in the world of movement and what a stunning show this turned out to be! Picture Carmen crossed with The Postman Always Rings Twice with rhythm. Roll on Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker as he is clearly at the top of his game.
TinTin
This excellent family play is currently bewitching families in London’s West End and it is not difficult to see why. The highly original direction of Rufus Norris means that you are left with a thrilling, funny and heart-warming treat. Dated? Surprisingly no- just the best family show of the year!
Private Lives
The Library Theatre could have produced a lazy re-tread of Noel Coward’s classic but instead they injected life and pace into the piece. This was a well deserved winner at the M.E.N Awards.
Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf
Many mocked the idea of a two hour 1st half, but this ingenious adaptation placed you straight into the living room with George and Martha. Yes, you felt fatigued by the end but only because the excellent performances were so brilliantly brittle and involving. There was no time to be bored.
Death Of A Salesman
The Octagon Theatre in Bolton is an unsung theatre and no-one does Arthur Miller quite like them. Featuring local actor David Fleeshman, this excellent production captured Willy Lohman’s plight perfectly. The Octagon are tackling the oft staged, Crucible next - make a date in your diary.
A Christmas Carol
Another one at The Octagon and you still have time to see what all of the fuss is about as this Dickens’ classic is currently playing. Take a well known text and give it a unique twist in the shape of Dawn Allsopp’s haunting set and the addition of songs and instruments and you have a most memorable Christmas Carol.
The Flags
Comedies do not come darker and funnier than this. The Royal Exchange bravely left the period costumes on their hangers, as they promoted The Flags from the Studio to the Theatre. Lucky audiences witnessed an award winning performance by Eamonn Owens as the gullible and loveable Howie.
The Tempest
The return of Pete Posslethwaite saw the return of fortunes for the Royal Exchange after a reliable but uninspiring Season. Witnessing this mesmerising actor stride across the stage gave Manchester audiences a real treat. With Brenda Blethyn stepping into the Glass Menagerie next year at the Exchange, you had better book now!
The Seafarer
Direct from the National, pre Broadway this dark and biting comedy proved that the devil always plays the best tunes. Part Steptoe and Son meets Father Ted with lashings of black comedy; this was another great coup for the Lowry.
Best West End Play
Undoubtedly, The Glass Menagerie starring Jessica Lange as Amanda and a fantastic turn by Amanda Hale as the fragile object, Laura. There was something completely engrossing about this high class production and it has yet to be beaten.
With gems like these, here’s to 2008! Have a great Christmas!