Intertwining ribald comedy with a morality tale is no easy feat, yet an outstanding cast and creative team reinforce this thought-provoking and immersive experience of Measure for Measure for all to enjoy.
‘A creepy joy to experience’: MACBETH – Manchester ★★★★
This production of Macbeth receives stunning direction from Christopher Haydon and, crucially, Lucy Ellinson is magnificent as Macbeth.
NEWS: Nominations are announced for the UK Theatre Awards 2019
The list of nominees has been revealed for this year’s UK Theatre Awards, the only nationwide awards to honour and celebrate outstanding achievements in theatre throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Best New Play nominees are Laura Wade’s The Watsons, Ulster American by David Ireland and Life Of Pi, adapted by Lolita Chakrabarti from Yann Martel’s novel, while Best Musical …
NEWS: The 2019 winners of The Stage Debut Awards are announced
The 2019 winners of The Stage Debut Awards, in association with Access Entertainment, were announced in a ceremony which took place at The Brewery, London this weekend.
‘The whole spectacle is a joy to watch’: THE NICO PROJECT – Manchester ★★★★★
As part of MIF (Manchester International Festival), that aims to bring artists from different art forms to create forward thinking innovative work, Maxine Peake stars in the world premiere of The Nico Project as 60s icon of the same name.
NEWS: Bryony Shanahan & Roy Alexander Weise are announced as new Royal Exchange artistic directors
The Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester has announced the appointment of Roy Alexander Weise and Bryony Shanahan as its new joint artistic directors. Both will join executive director Stephen Freeman to complete the leadership team for the award-winning theatre. Together they will assume the role of chief executive.
‘Digs convincingly into the psychology of the characters’: MISS JULIE – Manchester ★★★
This production of Miss Julie, by the Durham-based Elysium Theatre Company, keeps things simple and focused on the complex subtext of Strindberg’s work (here in a proficient translation by Michael Meyer).
‘A beautiful reinterpretation of the Shakespearean classic’: MATTHEW BOURNE’S ROMEO & JULIET – Touring ★★★★★
A beautiful reinterpretation of the Shakespearean classic, Matthew Bourne’s Romeo & Juliet at The Lowry modernises the tale of doomed love for a new audience.
‘Broadens the thematic reach of the play’: HOBSON’S CHOICE – Manchester ★★★
The Royal Exchange’s latest offering is an adaptation of Harold Brighouse’s 1916 play Hobson’s Choice, with the action updated from Victorian-era Salford to Ancoats in the 1980s.
‘Hauntingly hypnotic’: SILENT LINES – Touring ★★★★
Whether you’re a contemporary-dance-curious newcomer or a die-hard fan of Maliphant’s exquisite vision and choreography, Silent Lines is a beautifully serene though sharply executed performance.
‘Great writing, exciting direction, great attention to detail’: Richard Cant on his latest role in Wife at the Kiln Theatre
Actor Richard Cant chatted to Emma Clarendon about his latest role in Wife at the Kiln Theatre.
Rise Up: Liminal Theatre Productions dedicated creates theatre that is unapologetically political
Liminal Theatre Productions (Liminal for short) is first and foremost a theatre for social change. All three of their members passionately believe that ‘theatre can change the world’ and this is what they continue to work towards. These women aren’t messing around.
‘Plants the play firmly in a different era’: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING – Touring ★★★★
It may be Shakespeare but thanks to the ensemble cast and their excellent interpretation this production of Much Ado About Nothing could not be described as stuffy, taking the audience from high comedy to moments of dramatic tension in minutes.
‘Authentic & invigorating production’: HAMLET – Manchester ★★★★
This production of Hamlet asserts itself as the authentic, entertaining and thrilling rendition that it consciously aims to be.
‘Nothing short of a complete triumph’: WEST SIDE STORY – Manchester ★★★★★
West Side Story is Sarah Frankcom’s first major musical production at the Royal Exchange, Manchester and it is nothing short of a complete triumph.
‘More captivating than ever’: BEAUTY & THE BEAST – Touring ★★★★
Beauty & the Beast is certainly a ‘tale as old as time’, and in this beautiful interpretation by Birmingham Royal Ballet the magical relationship between Belle and the Beast appears more captivating than ever.
‘A breath of fresh air’: FAT BLOKES – Manchester ★★★★★
Fat Blokes is not your typical dance show. It’s witty, queer, honest, and uncomfortable in all the right places. It’s nothing you expect it to be, but everything that it should be.
‘No ordinary night at the theatre’: FROM SHORE TO SHORE – Manchester ★★★★
Walking up the steps of Yang Sing, a restaurant on the edge of Chinatown, it is easy to see that From Shore to Shore will be no ordinary night at the theatre. (Indeed, it’s not at the theatre at all.)
‘Life-affirming & vivid’: BARBER SHOP CHRONICLES – Touring ★★★★★
Barber Shop Chronicles is a hugely impressive production. Life-affirming and vivid. Putting lives on stage which have not been seen there before.
‘The paring of the two is an inspired choice’: THE RITE OF SPRING & GIANNI SCHICCHI – Touring ★★★★
Opera North’s The Rite of Spring/Gianni Schicchi is an uneven pairing but a thoroughly enlightening and enjoyable evening nonetheless. Both works serve as great entry points to their respective mediums.