A new production of powerful Lillian Hellman play The Children’s Hour opens the Royal Exchange Theatre Company’s Spring / Summer 08 Season from Wednesday 5 March to Saturday 5 April.

Maxine Peake and Charlotte Emmerson star in this passionate drama of prejudice and paranoia set in a small-town American community. Written in 1933, the play’s central theme of a pupil accusing her teachers of an illicit affair, caused huge controversy when first performed.

The production is directed by Sarah Frankcom – recently appointed as a full Artistic Director for the Royal Exchange . Her previous RET credits include acclaimed productions of Rutherford And Son, On The Shore Of The Wide World (Olivier Award winning co-production with the National Theatre), The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice, Mary Barton, Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? and Bruntwood Playwriting Competition winner Pretend you Have Big Buildings. (more…)

Venue: Royal Court, Liverpool
Date Reviewed: 11th February 2008

Willy Russell’s Stags & Hens was written 30 years ago and to celebrate, the writer has literally remixed it but it still retains the wit and the many other ingredients that make it such a memorable hit play.

Staged in the Royal Court in Liverpool, it immediately feels authentic as this venue is not known for its plays – comedy and gigs being the main events previously. So this unique space means that you can eat here and bring drinks to your table if you are lucky enough to be sat in the stalls.

You are transported back to 1977 and the setting is a Liverpool nightclub- complete with dodgy lights, smoky rooms and drunken revellers. A stag do is in full swing and following a curry – the lads decide to hit the club. The only problem is the girls are in the same dive. (more…)

This competition is now closed. The answer is Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Congratulations to Alex Kenyon!

It’s so nice to have you back where you belong!

The winner of 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Hello, Dolly! is back after 20 years! It runs from Tuesday 4th March until Saturday 8th March.

Win a pair of tickets for opening night on Tuesday 4th 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:
‘And what do you do for a living, Mrs. Levi?’ asks Ambrose Kemper. ‘Some people paint, some sew…I meddle,’ replies Dolly.

And we are off on a whirlwind race around New York at the turn of the twentieth century, as we follow the adventures of America’s most beloved matchmaker! (more…)

Following a highly successful three and a half year run and over 1000 performances at the Prince Edward Theatre in London’s West End, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s award-winning musical Mary Poppins embarks on a major international tour in 2008.

It opens at the Palace Theatre, Manchester on 10 December 2008 where it plays until 7 March 2009. Tickets for the hit Disney show at the Palace Theatre will be on sale to the public from FRIDAY 8TH FEBRUARY at 10.00am. For ticketing and booking information, please see below.

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s internationally renowned and multi award-winning creative team assembled for Mary Poppins is led by stage and film director Richard Eyre. Co-direction & choreography is by Matthew Bourne, with co-choreography by Stephen Mear. Bob Crowley has designed the sets and costumes. (more…)

Roots
Venue: Royal Exchange
Date Reviewed: 7th February 2008

Arnold Wesker’s Roots is a hidden classic which starred Joan Plowwright when it debuted in 1959. Walter Allen in the New Statesman described it as being “by far the best and most faithful play about working-class life that has appeared for a long time.” It is described as a ‘kitchen-sink’ drama but it has much more humour than is usually associated with the likes of Look Back In Anger.

Beatie Bryant (Claire Brown) returns home from London in 1958 with tales of high culture, art and how she has escaped from her country life. Her hard working mother (Denise Black) stands by silently as her daughter fusses, cleans and warns the family about their behaviour, in preparation for the arrival of her boyfriend; the much quoted- Ronnie. (more…)