Reviews

Review: ‘The Woman In Black’ at Crewe Lyceum

Crewe Lyceum hosts the current leg of the UK tour of the famous ghost story 'The Woman In Black'. Based on Susan Hill's 1983 gothic horror story, the stage play has been adapted by Stephen Mallatratt and directed by Robin Herford and tells the chilling tale of a spectre which haunts a small English town. It has been adapted several times, including the 2012 film starring Daniel Radcliffe. The original production ran for over 33 years with in excess of thirteen thousand performances and is exceeded only by The Mousetrap as the longest running play in the West End. The…

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Review: ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’ at New Vic

The stage of the New Vic becomes 1960's Brighton in the latest play to hit the theatre. One Man, Two Guvnors is an adaption of an Italian work from 1743 (Servant Of Two Masters) by playwright Richard Bean and tells the story of skiffle player Francis Henshall who finds himself separately employed by two men with very different backgrounds. Roscoe Crabbe, a local gangster and Stanley Stubbers an upper class twit. Cue high farce and certain hilarity as Francis desperately tries to keep the two from meeting one another. Quite simply, the whole cast shone from start to finish. To…

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Review: The Mousetrap At Crewe Lyceum

In its 70th anniversary tour after debuting in November 1952, the world's longest running play, The Mousetrap, raises its distinctive plush red curtain on the famous residents and guests of Agatha Christie's Monkswell Guest House. Monkswell's owners, the Ralstons, Mollie (Neerja Naik) and Giles (Barnaby Jago) are adjusting to their new venture and welcoming guests into their home for the very first time, a terrible snowstorm doing its level best to disrupt the opening week. Invited guests, eccentric architect Christopher Wren (Shaun McCort), the fastidious Mrs. Boyle (Gwyneth Strong), the stoical Major Metcalf (Todd Carty) and the well travelled Miss…

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Review: ‘Ladies Down Under’ At New Vic

The much awaited follow-up to last years' huge success, 'Ladies Day' opened this week at New Vic. Amanda Whittington's original tale followed four ladies from a Hull fish packing factory who struck it big at Royal Ascot winning a six-horse accumulator. Picking up from there we wonder what next for the quartet. Jetting off for a break to Australia each of them find themselves on their own very personal journeys which paves the way for warmth and gentle humour. We learn how the win has affected each one individually and collectively as a group of work friends. Returning back from…

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Review ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ At The Regent

The blockbuster Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice rock opera 'Jesus Christ Superstar' hit The Regent this week on its UK tour. Initially released as a concept album in 1970, ahead of getting its Broadway debut in 1971, the musical concentrates on the short final period before the death of Jesus, from the point of view of Judas. The plot sees Judas dissatisfied with the direction Jesus is taking, worrying he is caught up in the hype surrounding him and concerned at his relationship with Mary Magdalene, which culminates with him finally turning on Him. Prior to being overtaken by…

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Review: ‘A Leap In The Dark’ At New Vic

A new comedy production marking the 100th anniversary of the broadcast of the UK's first ever radio play opened this week at New Vic. A Leap In The Dark was originally commissioned for Radio 4 and the author re-imagined it for the stage. It tells the tale of the conception and production of 'A Comedy Of Danger', broadcast in January 1924 and written by a then 23 year old Richard Hughes for the BBC. ‘What’s happened?’. ‘The light have gone out’ began the first ever radio play and paved the way for dramas we love today including the most famous, 'The…

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Review: ‘Jack And The Beanstalk’ At The Regent

Jack And The Beanstalk opened last night at The Regent to a high-flying start of a run that will last into the new year. Jack Trott (Jonathan Wilkes), Farmer Trott (Kai Owens) and Princess Jill (Michelle Andrews) are living under the shadow of the giants and their servant Fleshcreep (Noel Sullivan). Having plundered the farms, their beloved cow Daisy is next on the list. Aided by the Spirit Of The Beans (Rio Maye) will they overcome the giants once and for all? And.... will Beryl Smith be in attendance to celebrate her milestone birthday? Visually the production was stunning. From…

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Review: Cinderella – Crewe Lyceum

Credit: Wes Webster Photography The Christmas lights around the corner from The Lyceum said 'Welcome To Christmas In Crewe'. It was certainly a wonderful welcome to the festive season watching Cinderella on press night. The theme on the traditional tale sees Cinderella almost enslaved as a servant for Baroness Hardup and her two daughters 'Aroma' and 'Flatula'. A chance meeting with Prince Charming sees them fall in love at first sight. Invited to the palace ball, Cinderella's joy is short lived as the wicked stepsister thwart her plans to go to the ball. Will true love find a way? Eve…

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Review: ‘Eric’s Pride And Prejudice’ at New Vic Theatre

David Graham brings his final 'Eric' show of the year 'Eric's Pride And Prejudice' to the New Vic in the latest edition to the long running and highly entertaining series. This time it sees the trademark whacky take on Jane Austen's Pride And Prejudice and finds 'Eric Arcy' invited to Mrs. Bennett's ball along with every other eligible batchelor in the area (including Arcy's friends Mr. Bradford and Mr. Bingley). Mrs Bennett is determined to marry off her five daughters and in true Eric style, hilarity and high farce ensue. As with any ‘Eric’ production, the quality of the production…

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Review: The Nutcracker: A Christmas Fairytale at New Vic Theatre

Photo courtesy of Andrew Billington We embarked on an epic adventure to The Kingdom of Sweets as 'The Nutcracker: A Christmas Fairytale' started the festive season in style at The New Vic. Based on ETA Hoffman's original story and featuring the music of Tchaikovsky, the production tells the story of Marie, celebrating Christmas Eve with her mother, brother and her mysterious Uncle. Awake during the magical time as Christmas Even becomes Christmas Day, Marie finds herself transported to a magical land with the enchanted Nutcracker Prince complete with spun-sugar snowflakes, dancing gingerbread and cherry drops to the Kingdom of Sweets…

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