Venue: The Lowry
Date Reviewed: 6th March, 2008

Jerry Herman’s music and lyrics for Hello Dolly! are iconic, as are some of the great leading ladies who have stepped into the lead character’s shoes including Carol Channing and on film, Barbra Streisand.

Anyone who plays the fast talking match-maker should give their own interpretation, rather than impersonate these great actresses. Unfortunately, Anita Dobson’s Dolly is Streisand-lite as she overacts, over egging the pudding, yet when it comes to the big show-stopping numbers, her vocals underwhelm. So much so that during Before The Parade Passes By, Dobson is way out of tune. This talented actress gives it all she has got but, her best is not good enough for a big role like Dolly Levi.

Anthony Wright’s costumes are stunning and really capture the vaudeville style of the show perfectly. As do the excellent ensemble; rarely putting a foot wrong. But even they cannot stop this overlong musical from outstaying its welcome. One scene sees them dancing with kebabs in their hands which is unintentionally hilarious. (more…)

This competition is now closed and the answer is Petula Clark.

Congratulations to Gail Campbell, Carol Jones & Cath Joyce!

If you love songs from the Sixties like Son Of A Preacher Man then the new musical Shout is the perfect show for you. You can step back in time at the Palace Theatre from 31st March until 5th April.

You could win one of three pairs of tickets for Monday 31st March- courtesy of Live Nation.

THE SHOW:
Ex Brookside star, turned stage actress, Claire Sweeney returns to musical theatre in this winging musical. Following her turns in the West End as Roxie Hart in Chicago and as Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Sweeney stars alongside Su Pollard and Donna Steele.

You can ‘twist and shout’ your way around swinging London with our ‘fab five’ when the musical Shout, arrives at the Palace Theatre.

Hi De Hi star Su Pollard stars alongside Sweeney. This Sixties musical features the infectious songs that made Cilla Black, Petula Clark, Lulu and Dusty Springfield legendary singers, so expect a real Sixties’ sing-a-long. (more…)

Sandra Bernhard kicks off this year’s Queer Up North festival with the only UK performance of her new show, Without You I’m Nothing, at the Manchester Opera House on 9 May. Supported by Tina C, she is set to bring the house down with her trademark blend of caustic satire and rock’n’roll.

Tough time, nice time is the major new show by cult theatre innovators Ridiculusmus, weaving movies, sex, celebrity and genocide into a compelling tale: and it opens at the Library Theatre, Manchester from 14-17 May as part of queerupnorth.

The following week sees Bette Bourne star in Rock, a new play exploring the seedy underbelly of 1950s Hollywood, from 20-24 May at the same venue.

For more information, please visit www.queerupnorth.com

-Glenn Meads