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. (more…)

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. (more…)

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? (more…)

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. (more…)

This competition is now closed. The answer is 1985.

Congratulations to our three winners: Christine Abdy, Stacie Pook & Adrian McCouaig. Enjoy the show!

Win A Pair Of Tickets To See ‘The Wedding Singer’ At The Palace Theatre!

You could be one of three winners!

The Offer:

The Wedding Singer started life as a hit film starring Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler . This show is based on the 1998 blockbuster movie and comes direct from Broadway. Would you like the chance to go back in time to the 1980′s; the era of big hair, burgundy trousers and a certain Rubik’s cube?

Well, we have 3 pairs of tickets up for grabs for WOS Manchester subscribers on Monday 25 February, 2008 (7.30pm) at the Palace Theatre.

The Pitch:

Television star and friend of Robbie Williams, Jonathan Wilkes (pictured) is the leading man with Natalie Casey as his gal in the UK tour of The Wedding Singer. Wilkes has previously appeared in UK tours of Guys and Dolls, Tommy, Grease and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. (more…)