Rapunzel
January 31, 2008
Venue: The Lowry
Date Reviewed: 31st January 2008
Kneehigh Theatre count Willy Russell amongst their many admirers and it’s no surprise as they invest their work with inventive, frenetically paced zanyness. Their critically acclaimed version of the film Brief Encounter is about to open in the West End at the Haymarket cinema, whilst here in the regions we have their brilliant warped vision that is Rapunzel.
Forget the golden long braids of old and bring on the Bjork style dreads as this feisty heroine is rooted in the here and now. These contemporary touches do not annoy or irritate like some fairytales when given an overhaul. Here, the clever writing is at times off the wall and disjointed but never boring. Read more
Stomp
January 30, 2008
Stomp
Venue: The Lowry
Date Reviewed: 30th January 2008
Stomp has been wowing audiences all over the world for a long time now, so why is it that on my second visit to the show, it still fails to have me in raptures? If you have seen the IMAX intro film at cinemas featuring the drummers drumming frantically, it takes the breath away. So, does any of this translate onto the stage?
Well, technically- as you would expect from what you have seen and read, the show is sheer perfection as the performers make every move and sound look so easy. Of course, if you have ever tried to use an old sink as an instrument, you will not find it as effortless or tune-worthy.
But, here is where the problem lies really, as once you accept that the concept is unique- that is all there is to this much loved show. So, you sit in awe as these talented men and women seemingly play anything from a newspaper to some fold away chairs. But once they start to clap their hands for the third time, you do start to feel a bit jaded. Read more
Miller time as Crucible opens at Octagon
January 29, 2008
The Bolton Octagon have had huge success bringing celebrated playwright Arthur Miller’s work to their stage. Following successive productions of Death Of A Salesman, A View From The Bridge and Broken Glass, The Crucible will complete the Octagon’s cycle of Arthur Miller’s greatest dramas which define and map the social and emotional life of twentieth century America and the Western World.
Mark Babych who previously received plaudits for his excellent View is back on directorial duties.
When a group of young women are discovered attempting to conjure spirits in the forest, the Puritan town of Salem is gripped by fear. Does Satan really walk amongst the townspeople, or is there something even more sinister afoot? Read more
Nitro’s Wedding Dance returns to Manchester
January 25, 2008
The hit play The Wedding Dance first toured the country last year, opening at the Bolton Octagon. This NITRO/Octagon production fuses salsa with a powerful storyline. It returns to Manchester in March.
Set in two contrasting locations: London salsa clubs and dance halls; and the sensual surroundings of Havana, The Wedding Dance follows the journey of Cuban immigrant José, a magnificent dancer and a modern-day Don Juan.
Leaving behind his family and homeland, José arrives in Britain with his new English wife and exploits his talent for teaching the most passionate dance of them all – the salsa. A serial seducer, he surrounds himself with women who want to be with him and men who want to be like him. When he meets Miranda, a young bride-to-be preparing for her wedding, he is faced with an irresistible challenge that proves to be one seduction too far. Read more
Win Tix To See ‘For The Love Of Mrs Brown’
January 24, 2008
This competition is now closed. The answer is Anjelica Huston.
For The Love Of Mrs Brown is the continuing story of the matriarchal mammy and her brood from the pen of Brendan O’Carroll.
The Offer:
The hit Mrs Brown series of comedy plays have played to packed audiences in Manchester for years now. Now the monster with a heart of gold is back! If you fancy laughing like a drain at this the fourth part of the series, we have FIVE, yes FIVE pairs of tickets to give away!
These tickets are up for grabs for WOS Manchester subscribers on Monday 17th March, 2008 (7.30pm) at the Opera House. All you have to do to win, is answer the question below.
The Pitch:
For The Love Of Mrs Brown
If you are a fan of Brendan O’Carroll’s comic creation, this show is for you. Following on from the Mrs Brown trilogy, this is the welcome surprise that is part four with the same great humour and laughter a plenty. For one week only, you can see this hilarious show that will have your sides splitting! Having discovered the internet, Agnes Brown accidentally sets up a date with a man she knows only as HairyHarry25. Read more
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