Following a performance of ANIMAL at the Park Theatre, I was joined by star Christopher John-Slater, playwright Jon Bradfield, cast member Matt Ayleigh, and Joshua Hepple, whose brilliant initial idea made the whole thing happen.
‘Live entertainment has come back with an encouraging roar’: Alun Hood celebrates his Top 20 new theatre shows of 2022
As somebody who loves a listicle plus a bandwagon to jump on, how could I NOT compile my list of my top 20 new (to me) shows of 2022? It’s been 12 months in which live entertainment has come back with an encouraging roar, although the impending cost of living crisis is inevitably, and understandably, causing anxiety in theatrical circles. Please do get out there, if you can, and support your local venue in 2023.
’It’s sexy, dark & riveting’: PASSION – Manchester ★★★★★
Make no mistake, this is a world class Passion, and one which any Sondheim nut, or indeed anybody who wants to see a collection of remarkable talents at the top of their game, would be mad not to make the journey to the Hope Mill Theatre Manchester for.
What are this year’s biggest Olivier Awards shortlists snubs & surprises?
It’s always said that the honour is being nominated at all; in artistic endeavour, it should be a competition anyway. But what about those who are not nominated at all? Where does that leave them?
NEWS: New Park Theatre season will feature the London premiere of Little Women musical
The autumn-spring season at London’s Park Theatre will include the London premiere of new musical Little Women and a work in progress showing of Tony! [The Tony Blair Rock Opera] by Harry Hill and Steve Brown.
Mark Shenton picks out his favourite regional theatres for the latest ShenTens podcast
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The post ShenTens: My Top 10 Favourite Regional Theatre Venues first appeared on Shenton Stage.
Remember all the many creatives who have brought us theatre online, not just the big-hitters
There’s no question that, apart from his undoubted brilliance as a composer of instantly memorable melodies, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s greatest gift is as (self) publicist. He’s just wonderful at getting people to speak about him and his shows; and thereby promote them.
NEWS: The Off West End Awards 2021 winners are announced
The winners of the Off West End Awards 2021, encompassing the Offies, OffFest, OnComm and OneOff Awards, have been announced in an online ceremony on 21 February 2021 via Scenesaver.
NEWS: The Industry Minds Awards 2020 will be held at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre in November
The Industry Minds Awards 2020 will be held on 30 November 2020 at The Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester, hosted by Industry Minds and Hope Mill Theatre patron Denise Welch, a leading advocate for mental health in the arts industry.
‘Some things haven’t changed at all’: ROSE – Hope Mill Theatre (Online review) ★★★★★
With a thought-provoking script at its heart and a flawless performance from Maureen Lipman, Rose is an important and powerful production which proves essential viewing.
‘Maureen Lipman gives a magnificent performance’: ROSE – Hope Mill Theatre (Online review)
Magnificently played and realised by Maureen Lipman, Martin Sherman and Scott Le Crass, Rose is well worth viewing.
‘A complex play which will make you laugh & cry’: ROSE – Hope Mill Theatre (Online review)
Martin Sherman’s intense play is revived by Hope Mill Theatre with an absorbing performance from Maureen Lipman as the 80-year-old recounting the events of her life.
‘Vocally impressive but also visually interesting too’: GODSPELL THE CONCERT (Online review)
Raising money for three charities: Hope Mill Theatre (A Factory of Creativity CIO), Acting For Others and National AIDS Trust, Godspell looks towards a brighter future post-lockdown.
‘Superb & enjoyable musical treat’: GODSPELL THE CONCERT (Online review)
The marvellous Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester has co-produced Godspell The Concert with Ginger Quiff Media.
New post-show Q&A: Join Terri & the cast for Stephen Schwartz’s Rags The Musical
As part of her ongoing post-show talk series, Mates co-founder Terri Paddock returns to the Park Theatre for Aria Entertainment’s Hope Mill Theatre transfer of Stephen Schwartz’s RAGS The Musical. Got any questions?
‘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.
’Possibly the best show I have seen in my whole theatre-going career’: MAME – Manchester ★★★★★
Beg, borrow or steal to get a ticket to this show in this beautiful gem of theatre. Mame at the Hope Mill Theatre is well worth a trip to Manchester.
‘Non-stop laughs, rude & explicit jokes’: JERRY SPRINGER THE OPERA – Manchester ★★★★
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Jerry Springer the Opera. It was non-stop laughs, rude and explicit jokes, and I was impressed with all performers. I would definitely go to see this show again and recommend it to friends to go see for themselves.
‘It soars in its second half’: HAIR THE MUSICAL – Touring ★★★★
Over 50 years on and the Age of Aquarius is still providing a relevant, controversial (in parts) and – eventually – thunderously entertaining piece of musical theatre in Hair.
NEWS: Hope Mill Theatre’s anniversary production of Hair will embark on a major UK tour in 2019
Following the critically-acclaimed 50th anniversary production of Hair – The Musical at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre and sell-out transfer to The Vaults, London, the production will now embark on a nationwide tour.