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REVIEW: Twelfth Night – Royal Shakespeare Theatre – Stratford-Upon-Avon
Prasanna Puwanarajah’s Twelfth Night, now playing at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, is a production that trades festive exuberance for introspective melancholy, offering a bold yet uneven interpretation of one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies. While its inventive approach yields moments of brilliance, it struggles with tonal inconsistency and pacing, particularly in the first half. Puwanarajah…
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REVIEW: Dick Whittington – Regent Theatre – Stoke-on-Trent
Dick Whittington at the Regent Theatre is an undeniable triumph, delivering a magical mix of humour, heart, and dazzling performances that cements Stoke’s panto as one of the highlights of the festive season. With a cast led by the beloved Jonathan Wilkes, celebrating 20 years of panto in his hometown, this production is a love…
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REVIEW: Little Shop of Horrors – Crucible – Sheffield
Amy Hodge’s adaptation of Little Shop of Horrors at the Crucible Theatre offers moments of charm and creativity, but its overall execution struggles to match the brilliance of its source material. While the production delivers flashes of hilarity and some outstanding performances, it falters in establishing a cohesive and impactful directorial vision. At its core,…
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REVIEW: Peter Pan – Theatre Royal – Nottingham
The Theatre Royal Nottingham’s festive production of Peter Pan is a vibrant and entertaining pantomime that offers plenty of laughs and visual spectacle. Though it veers away from the original story, presenting more of a sequel than a traditional retelling, this show is still a delight. A remarkable highlight of the evening was the last-minute performance by…
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REVIEW: Only Fools and Horses The Musical – Regent Theatre – Stoke-on-Trent
Stepping into the Regent Theatre for “Only Fools and Horses The Musical” feels like reuniting with old friends. The beloved Trotter family and their eccentric entourage have leapt from the small screen to the stage, bringing with them the heart and humor that made the original BBC series a national treasure. This production, part of…
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REVIEW: A Christmas Carol – Derby Theatre – Derby
Productions of A Christmas Carol have become an essential feature of the festive season, beloved for their ability to blend a heartwarming tale with a sharp critique of social inequalities. Charles Dickens’ novella resonates as deeply today as it did in Victorian times, offering a message of compassion and redemption that feels particularly relevant in our divided…
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REVIEW: My Fair Lady – Curve – Leicester
The Leicester Curve’s production of My Fair Lady, directed by Nikolai Foster, is a visually stunning and emotionally engaging rendition of Lerner and Loewe’s beloved musical. With its memorable score, sharp wit, and a deeply talented cast, the production offers much to enjoy, even as it wrestles with uneven pacing and unresolved thematic tensions. Michael Taylor’s…
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REVIEW: Chicago – Regent Theatre – Stoke-on-Trent
The UK tour of Chicago, currently playing at the Regent Theatre in Stoke, delivers a polished and faithful production of this beloved musical. Under the direction of Walter Bobbie and featuring Ann Reinking’s choreography in the style of Bob Fosse, this Chicago captures the sultry and sharp-edged essence that has made the show a classic. While the production…
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REVIEW: The Red Shoes – Swan Theatre – Stratford-Upon-Avon
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s The Red Shoes, directed by Kimberley Rampersad in her UK debut, promises a captivating reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s dark fairytale. Nancy Harris’s adaptation, accompanied by Marc Teitler’s rich score, offers an ambitious blend of dance, music, illusion, and theatre. While the production dazzles with its visual and auditory splendour, it…
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REVIEW: Grease – Lyceum Theatre – Sheffield
The Curve Leicester production of Grease, currently touring at Sheffield’s Lyceum, delivers a lively and vibrant reimagining of this classic musical. Directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Arlene Phillips, the show refreshes Grease with its energetic staging, while preserving some of the beloved traditional elements that fans expect, like Sandy’s transformation outfit at the end. Marley Fenton…
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