Venue: The Lowry
Date Reviewed: 20th February 2008

Even though this hilarious, yet heart warming play has transferred from the National Theatre, it has much to recommend for a Manchester audience. Salford born writer Ayub Khan-Din has adapted Bill Naughton’s classic All In Good Time has retained the essence of the original via his beautiful update, focusing on an Indian community in Bolton.

Following a family wedding, all eyes are on the bride and groom, as everyone anxiously awaits the patter of tiny feet. There is one problem though as the beautiful virgin bride remains just that and this gossip begins to filter through the community. The new groom Atul Dutt (brilliantly played by Ronny Jhutti) is suddenly the centre of of conversation as the families speculate what could be wrong with him.

His new in laws find out what is wrong and they arrive unannounced at the family home, desperate to find a solution and help their daughter. This leads to some great comic situations , often descending into farce but with such heart felt sentiment that it often takes the audience by surprise. (more…)

Venue: Noel Coward Theatre, London
Date Reviewed: 20th February 2008

Avenue Q has surprised many critics by staying in the West End for so long. But considering the new pricing strategy and the fact that it is so refreshingly different and extremely funny, you can see why audiences love it so much.

This hit show began life as a musical theatre workshop project and has since grown into a monster hit with many loyal fans coming back for more. Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez have created a show which highlights their love of musical theatre, without resorting to the earnest lyrics which so often leave you cringing.

Instead the audience are treated to zany treats like “It Sucks To Be Me” and “Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist” which subvert what has gone before in the same way as Jerry Springer The Opera. The big difference is that this show is as cute as a button because beneath all of the social statements, there is a huge heart.

The plot, as slim as it is focuses on the lives and loves of a group of people living on Avenue Q; think Sesame Street with gay puppets, the odd nymph and a cookie style monster who loves porn instead of biscuits. So, what you have is a clever and witty show which plays well to many age groups. Those who grew up with the educational puppet show will love the nostalgic twists and younger audiences will be drawn to the racy lyrics and the freshness of the material. (more…)

Star Wars screen actor Ian McDiarmid returns to Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre for the first time in over 20 years to appear in the world premiere of Jonah And Otto – a new play by critically-acclaimed writer Robert Holman.

He is to star alongside Andrew Sheridan in this new production which runs in The Studio at the Royal Exchange Theatre from Wednesday 12 March to Saturday 5 April.

Recently seen in Channel Four’s major period series City Of Vice, Ian McDiarmid, who plays Otto, is best known for his recurring big screen role as Palpatine in the Star Wars saga. He first appeared as the evil Palpatine in Return Of The Jedi and reprised the role in The Phantom Menace, Attack Of The Clones and Revenge Of The Sith. (more…)

This competition is now closed. The answer is Rebecca.

Congratulations to Rebecca Hall!

Nigel Havers stars in this huge West End hit about espionage and forgery.

“Brilliantly sharp and funny” The Observer

“Witty, stylish, acute and humane, Bennett confirms his status as not just our funniest but also out finest contemporary playwright” The Independent

Win a pair of tickets for opening night on Tuesday 11th March @ 7.30pm!

The Offer:
This hit show comes to the Lowry for one week only and we have a pair of tickets up for grabs! All you have to do to win is answer the question below:

The Pitch:
The two plays, An Englishman Abroad and A Question of Attribution sparkle with Alan Bennett’s trademark wit.

Knighted in 1956, eminent art historian, Anthony Blunt was a pillar of the establishment, perfectly at home in the corridors of Buckingham Palace where Her Majesty happens upon him replacing one of her favourite Titians. The painting is a fake, but is The Queen also aware that her enigmatic servant is actually the traitorous fourth man? (more…)

THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS TO: KATE LOWE, SUSAN CARIA & ALEX BARTOSIAK

Exhilarating, joyous and inspiring, the spectacular musical event that is Fiddler On The Roof, is back to touch people’s hearts from 11th-15th March at the Palace Theatre, Manchester.

You could win one of three pairs of tickets for Tuesday 11th March- courtesy of Live Nation.

THE SHOW:
Packed with some of the best-loved songs in the history of musicals, this magnificent show struck such a chord in audiences that it became one of the longest running productions on Broadway and won 9 Tony awards. This nationwide tour features star of stage and screen Joe McGann, best known for his role as Charlie Burrows in The Upper Hand, in the lead role of the man who dreams of riches, respect and a quiet family life. (more…)