Alex Austin has been cast as Heathcliff opposite Rakhee Sharma as Cathy in the new stage adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights by Bruntwood Prize winning writer Andrew Sheridan at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre.
‘An absolute triumph’: GYPSY – Manchester ★★★★★
The Royal Exchange has built a reputation for consistently delivering knockout versions of classic musicals as an alternative to the traditional pantomime. I’m pleased to be able to say that the standard remains just as high this year – Gypsy is an absolute triumph.
‘Powerful performances’: THE ASTONISHING TIMES OF TIMOTHY CRATCHIT – Manchester ★★★★★
With powerful performances and a vibrant cast, The Astonishing Times of Timothy Cratchit creates an entertaining musical filled with laughter which is perfectly complemented by the Christmas atmosphere.
‘Moving & beautifully crafted performance’: LIGHT FALLS – Manchester ★★★★★
Light Falls is Sarah Frankcom’s swan song as artistic director at the Royal Exchange. And what a moving and beautifully crafted performance to leave on. Light Falls is one of the best performances I have ever seen at the Royal Exchange and the most perfect work to bow out on.
‘Adeptly traverses the conflicting genres of the original problem play’: MEASURE FOR MEASURE – Touring ★★★★
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.