The Return of the Soldier is a melancholy musical adaptation of Rebecca West’s novel and tells the story of wounded soldier Christopher Baldry’s return home.
Mates blogger: Kristy Stott
Kristy Stott is one of over 45 theatre bloggers who are part of the MyTheatreMates collective. This page features Kristy's posts on MyTheatreMates. Take a look at our full list of theatre bloggers and our aggregated feed of all our Mates' posts. We’re always looking for new theatre bloggers. Could that be you? Learn about how to join us.
Kristy Stott, editor of Upstaged Manchester, is an entertainment journalist, theatre critic and general arts lover. Kristy has been an avid follower of the Manchester theatre scene for as long as she can remember and has written for WhatsOnStage, the Library Theatre Company and Cornerhouse Manchester. Kristy is also news editor and presenter for Trafford Sound community radio.
The latest from Kristy on MyTheatreMates
‘Certainly lives up to all the hype‘: WAR HORSE – Touring ★★★★★
The National Theatre’s War Horse certainly lives up to all of the hype. I’m a hardened theatre critic, aren’t I? However, like most of the inspired audience, I was brought to my feet, and to tears, by this magnificent production.
‘Maxine Peake gives a perfectly-measured powerhouse performance’: HAPPY DAYS – Manchester ★★★★
As you might expect, Maxine Peake, under Sarah Frankcom’s direction, meets the challenges posed by Beckett’s Happy Days head-on and gives a perfectly-measured powerhouse performance.
‘Brings a new perspective to the story’: BRIGHTON ROCK – Touring ★★★
The Lowry’s Week 53 festival continues with this new adaptation of Brighton Rock. The festival theme of ‘coming of age’ seems to have been stretched pretty far in the search for content, but that doesn’t necessarily stand in the way of a good night of theatre.
‘Fascinating, though heartfelt, verbatim performance’: #BeMoreMartyn – THE BOY WITH THE DEIRDRE TATTOO – Manchester ★★★★
Ultimately, #BeMoreMartyn celebrates the life of one extraordinary person who touched the lives of so many people.
‘Sonic, visual & theatrical feast’: HIKIKOMORI: THE SHELTER – Salford ★★★★
Hikikomori is a sonic, visual and theatrical feast – the absolute best of what you want to see when you take a chance on new theatre.
‘A fantastic combination of comedy, cartoons & creativity’: SEVEN INCH – Salford ★★★★★
Seven Inch is a fantastic combination of comedy, cartoons, and creativity, and is great for those looking for something uplifting and entertaining throughout. The independent nature of the show gives it a refreshing, homemade feel that makes it refreshing and engaging.
‘You can’t help but notice how well timed this production is’: JESUS HOPPED THE ‘A’ TRAIN – Manchester ★★★
On the strength of the performances, I cannot help but recommend Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train, but be sure to take your patience with you.
‘Intense & hilarious storylines’: JB SHORTS – Manchester ★★★★★
This year’s JB Shorts is just as unmissable as the last, showcasing some magnificent local talents in an unforgettable evening. When it comes to short plays, JB Shorts has proved once again that it really is the best of the best.
‘Totally contemporary & relevant’: THIS HOUSE – Touring ★★★★★
This House performs the miraculous feat of making a play about events which occurred over 40 years ago feel totally contemporary and relevant.
‘A magical concoction of trapeze, aerial & acrobatics’: THE LITTLE MERMAID – Touring ★★★★
At first, Metta Theatre’s Little Mermaid may seem like a simplified interpretation of the Hans Christian Andersen classic, but beneath the surface lies a magical concoction of trapeze, aerial, and acrobatics. This beautiful reinvention of the popular tale presents the perfect mixture of expression through movement and vocals, whilst being engaging for all ages.
‘Refreshing to see such men talk with so much openness’: MINEFIELD – Manchester ★★★★
In 1982, six war veterans fought on separate sides of the Falklands/Malvinas war. Now, in Minefield, they stand together on stage to tell their stories.
‘An uplifting, charming slow-burner’: THE WINSLOW BOY – Salford ★★★★
Rattigan’s truly powerful dialogue for The Winslow Boy, coupled with Kavanaugh’s subtle directing style, create a piece that is undeniably touching and that audiences will not be quick to forget.
‘A truly unmissable show’: THE FLYING LOVERS OF VITEBSK – Touring ★★★★★
The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk presents a striking non-romanticised view of love and art in a stunningly sensual and passionate way. This is a truly unmissable show.
‘The high bar has been raised even further’: SPRING AWAKENING – Manchester ★★★★
Since its arrival in Manchester, Hope Mill Theatre has brought much needed fresh and original plays to its stage. The already high bar that Yank! left has been raised even further by the triumph that is Spring Awakening. Go and see it.
‘Keeps the young audience enthralled’: FRIENDS FOR ALL – Touring ★★★★
Since becoming a father, Simon Mole has tapped into younger audiences – his show – Friends for All – is aimed at ages five and up and is about having the confidence to be yourself and stand up for what you believe in.
‘Performed with charm & brutal honesty’: EAST IS EAST – Bolton ★★★★★
East is East is a lively, provocative and heartening classic, written, performed and re-created with charm and brutal honesty.
‘Guaranteed to make you jump out of your skin’: FRANKENSTEIN – Manchester ★★★
The Royal Exchange has succeeded in bringing psychologically unnerving horror to its stage. With an underlying sense of uneasiness, Frankenstein is guaranteed to make you jump out of your skin on more than one occasion.
‘A captivating & moving production’: MADAMA BUTTERFLY – Touring ★★★★
Madama Butterfly is a captivating and moving production, go and see it and prepare to enjoy it whether you’re an opera veteran or novice.
‘A rather successful first draft’: UN BALLO IN MASCHERA – Touring ★★★
However, the UK’s relationship with Un ballo in maschera has been rather dramatic over the past decade after stagings in London were met with little praise. This is Opera North’s first production of the piece and a rather successful first draft.