As soon as I sat down in the theatre, I looked up and saw a figure in white walking across a net ceiling high above the stage, and I knew this show was going to be unlike any other. Dickie Beau’s unique approach and interpretation of theatre is like no other and there is something otherworldly about the figure standing in the middle of the stage. At its core, Showmanism is a multi-layered history of acting and human connection. Lip synching doesn’t seem like the right word for what Dickie Beau achieves even though that is what he is doing. It’s not big enough, or powerful enough. What he achieves is an embodiment of character and of self.
Through recordings, Beau channels some of the most iconic figures of stage and screen. Interviews with familiar voices such as an McKellen and Fiona Shaw form the backbone of the narrative, with their recorded voices brought vividly to life through Beau’s meticulous and emotive performance. Every single movement and action in Jan-Willem van den Bosch’s production is done with precision. Other voices include the impressionist Steve Nallon who talks about not being able to imitate David Cameron, the spiritual teacher and author Ram Dass (who I could listen to for hours), and Patsy Rodenburg who questions Beau and challenges him to use his own voice in the show. This becomes a haunting refrain as the boundaries between the actor and the stage are interrogated and broken down. History, philosophy, and anecdotes of lives lived and performed all interweave and overlap in a joyful and humorous dance of body and voice.
Visually, like the rest of the show, the production is mesmeric and pin sharp. Justin Nardella’s set and video design is full of symbolism and theatrical artefact with flickering TVs, a bathtub with an orange tree growing out of it, the skull from Hamlet, and a ladder off which Beau suspends himself. So many small and perfect details. Marty Langthorne’s lighting, as with everything else, is simple and beautiful – a strip of light transforms the stage into an elevator which transports us from voice to voice.
Ultimately, Dickie Beau’s Showmanism is a profound and extremely rare theatrical treat. You really feel like you have experienced something very special. Once again, Beau has delivered a masterclass on what theatre could and should be
‘Extraordinary and completely different’ City Hub (Sydney)
‘You just have to experience it for yourself’ Time Out (Sydney)
‘You will not have seen anything quite like this’ Chicago Tribune (Chicago)
‘So good that he now helps to expose gambling rings’ The Guardian (Australia)
‘One of the best WOW shows I’ve seen’ San Diego Union-Tribune (San Diego)
★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★
Broadway Baby | Senestr | Sydney Arts Guide | Around the Town Chicago
BANNED from casinos around the world,
acclaimed magician Harry Milas is now giving you…
THE UNFAIR ADVANTAGE
Produced by Pemberley Productions, PW Productions, and Parrot Ox
in association with PitStop Productions and Nica Burns
Secrets exposed for the first time ever!
You will be legally bound to silence!
Only 35 people allowed per performance
Only 3,000 tickets available!
Don’t Miss Out!
Harry Milas’ unique, mind-blowing and unstoppable show’s West End premiere
With capacity capped at 35 people, audiences are asked to sign a legal contract of confidentiality before participating in this rare and intimate experience
The Unfair Advantage
Performance times vary
26th August – 11th October
5th Floor @sohoplace, London
Following several sold out Australian seasons and a 4 month sold-out US tour, Harry Milas’ THE UNFAIR ADVANTAGE is set to captivate London audiences with a strictly limited West End season at 5th Floor @sohoplace. Produced by Pemberley Productions, PW Productions and Parrot Ox, in association with PitStop Productions and Nica Burns, this intimate and electrifying show will run from 26th August until 11th October 2025, with capacity limited to just 35 seats per performance.
Banned from casinos worldwide, Harry Milas is a master of deception whose unparalleled skill with a deck of cards has made him both a legend and a thorn in the side of the gambling underworld. Recognised as Australia’s foremost sleight-of-hand specialist, Harry now brings his controversial expertise to the stage in THE UNFAIR ADVANTAGE, a show that blurs the line between performance and confession.
This is no ordinary act. Audiences are granted exclusive access to the secrets of professional card cheating, techniques so refined they’ve earned Harry a lifetime ban from gaming halls across the globe, and, ironically, made him a trusted advisor to casino security teams tasked with catching fraudsters. The experience begins with a legal confidentiality agreement, a binding reminder that what happens in the room stays in the room. Once signed, Harry guides spectators through a shadowy world of misdirection, stacked decks, and psychological manipulation, revealing tricks that have fooled pit bosses, high rollers, and law enforcement.
Nica Burns says, “Truly up-close and personal, The Unfair Advantage is a unique, fascinating experience in a special setting with only 35 tickets available per a performance. Don’t lose out book now!”
From basic scams to high-stakes cons, the show escalates into a breathtaking display of artistry and audacity, leaving audiences questioning every card deal they’ve ever seen. Don’t miss this rare chance to step inside the inner circle.
THE UNFAIR ADVANTAGE plays at 5th Floor @sohoplace from 26 August to 11 October 2025 (75 minutes).
The brand-new musical adaptation of THE BADDIES, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s smash-hit 2022 story, that has been wowing audiences on its UK tour, will head to London’s Cadogan Hall for a summer residency from Friday 1 August – Sunday 24 August, with a press performance Monday 4 August 1pm. Producers Freckle Productions are pleased to announce that they are partnering with The Rubens at the Palace to offer guests a unique experience for all the family to enjoy this summer.
The five-star Rubens at the Palace, situated opposite the Royal Mews and just 15 minutes from Cadogan Hall, is welcoming guests for pre- or post-show afternoon tea served daily. Children can enjoy the hotel’s renowned ‘Little Prince & Princess Afternoon Tea’ – featuring imaginative twists on British favourites like Nutella, jam, peanut butter, or cheese and ham sandwiches, along with scones, pastries, and a milkshake or hot chocolate. As a special treat for Baddies attendees, little ones receive a branded macaron and themed entertainment goodies, while adults unwind with the Royal Afternoon Tea.
Theatre-goers also enjoy 15% off when dining on the same day as the performance.
Jennifer Sutherland from Freckle Productions said, ”We are elated to partner with the Red Carnation team again this year after our collaboration last year with our show Zog and the Flying Doctors when it was at Cadogan Hall. The Baddies is a fun interactive show already and we hope the offer of themed afternoon tea adds that extra layer to the beloved story. It gives the opportunity for The Baddies to be linked with Goodies!”
“We’re thrilled to be part of the excitement surrounding The Baddies this summer and to be offering a bespoke afternoon tea for families to enjoy together,” comments Vince Castronovo, General Manager at The Rubens at the Palace. “From themed treats to thoughtful extras, we pride ourselves on personal touches that create magical memories for our younger guests. With our unbeatable central London location, The Rubens is the perfect base for enjoying the best of the city’s summer events.”
Meet the very worst Baddies in the world! Don’t you dare to come too close to a witch, a troll and an ancient ghost! The Baddies love being bad. They roar, spook and cast spells to try and scare a girl out of her wits…who will succeed? Or perhaps the girl is braver than they think…
Julia Donaldson herself saw the show at its Horsham stop of the tour and said “The Baddies is terrific fun and bursting with energy”.
Directed and choreographed by Katie Beard, and with songs by Joe Stilgoe (Zog and The Flying Doctors), The Baddies is a wickedly hilarious adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s smash-hit story, and a laugh-out-loud riot for all the family. Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’sbook has been adapted for the stage by David Greig and Jackie Crichton.
The tour cast continuing to Cadogan Hall are James Stirling (Zog and The Flying Doctors, UK Tour and Cadogan Hall, Timpson: the Musical, UK tour) as ‘Ghost’, Nic James (Mr Bloom’s Nursery, UK Tour) as ‘Troll’ and Rosie Meek (The Play That Goes Wrong, Duchess Theatre) as ‘Witch’ with Lottie Mae O’Kill (Zog, UK Tour, 13 The Musical, Ambassadors) as ‘Mama Mouse’. Alongside them are Ben Simon (As You Like it, The Duke’s Theatre Co, Little Red Riding Hood, Birmingham Rep) and GeorgieMcSherry (Schwartz at 75, Lyric Theatre) as a swing and dance captain.
New for Cadogan Hall is the addition of Laila Zaidi (Frankie Goes to Bollywood, UK Tour; West Side Story, Kilworth House Theatre) as ‘Girl’.
The Baddies has set and costume design by Jasmine Swan, lighting design by Simon Hayes, fight direction by Carlotta De Gregori from RC Annie and puppetry from Edie Edmundsen. Alongside sound design from Richard Brooks, is musical direction from Paul Herbert, Heather Scott Martin as associate choreographer, and Cleo McCabe as costume supervisor and Craig Fleming as production manager. The stage management team consists of technical SM [lighting] Anna Eagle and CSM Jack Sheffield.
Freckle Productions are pioneers in imaginative storytelling for children and the team behind smash-hit stage hits including Stick Man, Tabby McTat, Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales, Zog and Zog and the Flying Doctors.
Jennifer Sutherland from Freckle Productions said, “We are thrilled at the response to The Baddies that we’ve had since its premiere last year and are delighted to be rounding off the tour in the beautiful Cadogan Hall. It’s wonderful to be working with the team there again this year and we can’t wait to see what the audiences think!”
Julia Donaldson said, “I am delighted that The Baddies has been brought so wickedly to life on stage! It is wonderful to be working once again with Freckle Productions, who’ve done such fun and inventive things with Zog and Stick Man and my other characters over the years, and I’m particularly happy that Joe Stilgoe, with his gift for catchy tunes and clever lyrics, has written the songs for the show. This is a great night at the theatre for kids of all ages.”
Cameron Mackintosh and Disney Theatrical Group are delighted to announce that international recording artist and actress Lyn Paul will join the UK and Ireland tour of the multi award-winning musical MARY POPPINS, as Bird Woman from Tuesday 18 November 2025. www.marypoppins.co.uk
Lyn joins the company in Milton Keynes Theatre, before playing the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff (3 December 2025 – 10 January 2026) and Liverpool Empire (14 – 31 January 2026).
Patti Boulaye continues her celebrated run as Bird Woman, playing the Birmingham Hippodrome, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, Sunderland Empire and Milton Keynes Theatre until Sunday 16 November 2025.
Continuing to lead the company are Australian stars,Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers who reprise their roles as Mary Poppins and Bert, having previously starred in the Australian production. The pair opened this UK and Ireland tour in Bristol last year, to critical and audience acclaim.
Lyn Paul is an international recording artist and star of stage and screen. She was a member of The New Seekers in the 70s, whose iconic recording of the Grammy nominated song “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony)” sold over 28 million copies and remains one of the 100 bestselling singles in the UK. Further hits include “Beg, Steal or Borrow,” and “You Won’t Find Another Fool Like Me”. After leaving the group, Lyn enjoyed a successful career as a solo artist before she transitioned into musical theatre. Lyn made her debut in the West End taking the lead role of Mrs Johnston in Willy Russell’s hit musical Blood Brothers. She has been voted the definitive Mrs Johnston and reprised the role regularly over 23 years both on tour and in the West End where she was a member of the final cast. Her other stage credits include Calendar Girls, Cabaret, and Taboo. On screen Lyn has appeared in ITV’s Emmerdale and BBC’s Holby City.
Patti Boulaye is a West End and recording star who rose to fame after winning the ITV talent show, New Faces. Her theatre credits include Hair at the Shaftesbury Theatre, Two Gentlemen of Verona at the Phoenix Theatre, Yum Yum in The Black Mikado at the Cambridge Theatre, Carmen in Carmen Jones at the Old Vic and on a world tour. As a vocalist and cabaret artist, Patti continues to tour her one-woman shows across the UK. Her film credits include Bisi, Daughter of the River, The Music Machine and Hussy, starring alongside Helen Mirren.
Stefanie Jones established herself in the firmament of Australian Leading Ladies when she starred in the Australian National Tour of Cameron Mackintosh and Disney Theatrical Group’s production of Mary Poppins. For her portrayal she received a Sydney Theatre Award for Best Performance in a Leading Role in a Musical. Further theatre credits include Rhonda Epinstall in the Australian National Tour of Muriel’s Wedding The Musical for which she won the Sydney Theatre Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical, Liesl von Trapp in The Sound of Music, Giulietta in Aspects of Love, Jean MacLaren in Brigadoon, Dream Ballet Laurie in Oklahoma!, Once The Musical and South Pacific. She was also a 2016 finalist in the ANZ Trustees prestigious Rob Guest Endowment Competition. Stefanie’s screen credits include Molly, The Divorce and the role of Blaze Saganté in Neighbours.
Jack Chambers is an Australian “triple threat” with a renowned reputation. Training since the age of three at the Julie-Ann Lucas School of Dance, Brisbane he has performed throughout Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia. He became well known to Australian audiences by winning the first season of So You Think You Can Dance Australia in 2008. His musical theatre credits include Kurt Von Trapp in The Sound of Music, Link Larkin in Hairspray, Cosmo Brown in Singin’ in the Rain – Helpmann Award nomination for Best Supporting Role, winning a Green Room Award and Australian Dance Award 2017. Jack’s dance credits include Project X – touring USA/Singapore/Netherlands/South Korea, Spring Gala (The Kennedy Center, Washington DC) – hosted by Liza Minnelli, Burn the Floor in the West End and Japan, Untapped! (Off Broadway/Adelaide Fringe) and the Baz Luhrmann film Elvis. Jack has worked internationally as a choreographer and teacher, including at the Joffrey Ballet School and Peridance Capezio Centre in Manhattan NYC. He has worked with industry greats such as Kelley Abbey, David Atkins, Jason Gilkison and has performed alongside Olivia Newton John, Tina Arena, Neil Young, Keala Settle, Robbie Williams and toured the globe with Hugh Jackman in The Man, The Music, The Show, performing in the biggest venues in the world. For his portrayal of Bert in the Australian tour of Mary Poppins, he received a Sydney Theatre Award nomination for Best Performance in a Leading Role in a Musical.
The cast is also led by Michael D. Xavier (Olivier nominee for Into the Woods and Love Story, Sunset Boulevard on Broadway) as George Banks, Lucie-Mae Sumner (West End production of Mary Poppins and Barnum at Menier Chocolate Factory) as Winifred Banks, Rosemary Ashe (original casts of the West End productions of The Phantom of the Opera, Mary Poppins and Olivier nominee for The Witches of Eastwick) as Mrs Brill, Wendy Ferguson (Mary Poppins UK Tour, Les Misérables, West End, The Phantom of the Opera 25th Anniversary at the Royal Albert Hall) as Miss Andrew, Sharon Wattis (The Pyjama Game and Book of Mormon, West End) as Mrs Corry, Ruairidh McDonald (Matilda, West End) as Roberston Ay and David Burrows (West End productions of Half a Sixpence, My Fair Lady and Oliver!) as Admiral Boom and Bank Chairman.
Olive Harrison, Connie Jones, Yvie Moore, Katie Ryden and Sienna Sibley currently alternate the role of Jane Banks with Oliver Benson, Charlie Donald, Oli Manning, Joshua Miles and Oliver Noble alternating the role of Michael Banks.
The company is completed by Jay Luca Allan, Marianne Bardgett, Rhys Batten, Lydia Boulton, Ben Culleton, Jasmine Davis, Matthew Dawkins, Lily De-La-Haye, Nathan Elwick, Darcy Finden, Lyndsey Gardiner, Ryan Gover, Emma Harrold, Cameron Thomas Jones, Billy Mahoney, Sarah-Marie Maxwell, Roan Pronk, Henry Rhodes, Jacob Ritzema, Scarlet Roche, Callum Rose, Tyler Timmins, Charlie Waddell, Rachael Ward, Jemima-Jane Willcox, James Wolstenholme and Ellie Young.
Since its premiere at the Bristol Hippodrome in 2004, the stage adaptation of Mary Poppins has gone on to record-breaking productions around the world, gaining over 50 major international awards, including two Olivier Awards and one Tony Award. Over 15 millionpeople have witnessed the magic worldwide with the production having been translated into 13 languages.
Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, the story of the World’s favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane is more magical than ever before featuring dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs. The timeless score includes the classic Sherman Brothers songs; Jolly Holiday, Step in Time, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Feed the Birds with new songs and additional music and lyrics by the Olivier award-winning British team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.
MARY POPPINS has original music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman with new songs and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. The book is by Julian Fellowes and this production is co-created by Cameron Mackintosh. It has orchestrations by William David Brohn and dance and vocal arrangements by George Stiles. It has sound design by Paul Gatehouse, lighting design by Hugh Vanstone, projections by Luke Hall andillusions by Paul Kieve & Jim Steinmeyer. The set and costume designs are by Bob Crowley. Co-Choreography is by Stephen Mear. Co-direction and choreography is by Matthew Bourne and direction is by Richard Eyre. The UK & Ireland Tour is directed by James Powell with choreography recreated by Richard Jones and musical supervision by Stephen Brooker.
MARY POPPINS UK AND IRELAND TOUR – 2024/2025 TOUR LISTINGS
Mel Brooks’ Monster Musical Comedy Young Frankenstein Comes to the Liverpool Playhouse
This Christmas, we’re heading back to Transylvania for another monstrously good time as Young Frankenstein makes its way to the Liverpool Playhouse this festive season for a strictly limited five-week run, from 3 December 2025 to 3 January 2026.
From the creators of the record-breaking Broadway hit The Producers, Young Frankenstein is a laugh-out-loud musical packed with outrageous humour and theatrical magic. Direct from its regional premiere at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre, Mel Brooks’ legendary comedy comes to life on stage in this hilarious Christmas treat.
Adapted by Mel Brooks from his legendary 1974 film starring Gene Wilder, Young Frankenstein tells the story of the grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced “Fronk-en-steen”) who inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (pronounced “Eye-gore”), and a leggy lab assistant, Inga (pronounced normally), Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. “It’s alive!” he exclaims as he brings to life a creature to rival his grandfather’s. Eventually, of course, the monster escapes and hilarity continuously abounds.
Nathan Powell, Creative Director of Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres said:
“After recent festive hits like Rocky Horror Show, SIX and The Woman in Black, we’re continuing our tradition of offering something a little different to panto – and this one’s got tap-dancing monsters, outrageous jokes, and more eyebrow-raising than you can shake a lab coat at. Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein is a big, bonkers, laugh-out-loud musical, that we know Liverpool audiences will love and we’re thrilled to bring it to the Liverpool Playhouse for Christmas. It’s a joy to be working with our friends at Hope Mill Theatre, who have such a fantastic reputation for creating brilliant musicals, in this their 10th anniversary year. Watch this space, as we’ve exciting plans for the future too.”
William Whelton, CEO of Hope Mill Theatre added:
“We are thrilled to be taking Young Frankenstein the Musical to Liverpool Playhouse this Christmas. This production marks the Regional Premiere of this hit musical and what better way to share it regionally than with audiences in Manchester and Liverpool. This transfer also marks another Hope Mill production running out of our home venue over Christmas and what we hope will be the beginnings of a wonderful collaboration with the team at the Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres.”
Directed and choreographed by international award-winning director and choreographer Nick Winston, known for Bonnie & Clyde (Garrick Theatre, WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Musical), MAME and Burlesque, Young Frankenstein brings all the style and sparkle of the original film to the stage, with extra theatrical flair for new audiences and long-time fans alike. With showstopping numbers like “The Transylvania Mania”, “He Vas My Boyfriend”, and “Puttin’ on the Ritz” by Irving Berlin, this is scientifically proven, unmissable comic entertainment at its best.
Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein has a book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, with music and lyrics by Mel Brooks, orchestrations by Doug Besterman and Mark Cumberland and original direction and choreography by Susan Stroman. This production will have musical direction and co-musical supervision by Francesca Warren, set design by Sophia Pardon, orchestration and co-musical supervision by Charlie Ingles, sound design by Ben Harrison, lighting design by Aaron J Dootson, video and projection design by Matt Powell, costume design by Lorraine Parry, wigs and make-up design by Nicola Thorp, associate choreography by Lauren Kate Hampton and casting by Jim Arnold CDG.
The production is coming to the Liverpool Playhouse for the Christmas run from 3 December to 3 January, with ticket prices ranging from £ 22 to £ 51. Accessible performances and full casting will be announced soon. Tickets are available at https://everymanplayhouse.com/event/young-frankenstein
Toby Parsons Productions in association with Park Theatre presents
(God Save My) Northern Soul written and performed by Natasha Cottriall
at Park Theatre from 9 to 20 September 2025
Toby Parsons Productions, in association with Park Theatre, presents the premiere of (God Save My) Northern Soul, Natasha Cottriall’s dark comedy about love, loss and Northern soul music, at Park Theatre from Tuesday 9 to Saturday 20 September 2025.
19-year-old Nicole – a mixed-race only child from Wigan – has spent the last few years floating through college, postponed university and now works the 12 to 5 fitting room shift at River Island. Suddenly, she finds out she has inherited a house, a BMW and a sandwich shop. The story follows Nicole as she tries to come to terms with her new ‘adult’ life with the help of her strait-laced catholic Gran, chain smoking best mate Sally and flamboyant Father Smithe – all whilst clinging on to the end of her teenage years and desperately trying to lose her virginity! The play features an underscore of Northern Soul Music.
(God Save My) Northern Soul is written and performed by Natasha Cottriall and directed by Hannah Tyrrell-Pinder, with design by Alex Marker and sound design by Chris James.
Natasha Cottriall has worked across screen and theatre. Notable productions include The Welkin (National Theatre); Henry VIII/I Joan (The Globe); Beautiful (West End); Shetland (BBC); Vera (ITV); Moving On (BBC).
Hannah Tyrrell-Pinder is the joint Artistic Director of Box of Tricks Theatre company. Recent directing credits include Last Quiz Night on Earth (Urban/Rural Tour); SparkPlug (National Tour, shortlisted for Alfred Fagon Award 2018); Narvik (National Tour, nominated Best New Play MTAs, winner Best New Play UK Theatre Awards 2017).
(God Save My) Northern Soul is a one-hour play, presented in Park90 as part of the venue’s Make Mine a Double format that champions bold new writing and shines a spotlight on emerging creative talent. It is presented on a double-bill with Vermin (bookable separately).
Producer Toby Parsons said: “I am thrilled to be producing the World Premiere of Natasha Cottriall’s debut solo play (God Save My) Northern Soul in the wonderfully intimate Park90. Natasha is that rare breed – a supremely talented actress and a brilliant storyteller. This production has been a long time in the making and I can’t wait for audiences to experience this unique and touching tale of love, loss and Northern Soul.”
To book for (God Save My) Northern Soul at the Park Theatre, visit:
It was an absolute pleasure to be invited along to review the latest UK Tour of “Kinky Boots: The Musical” at Sheffield Lyceum. Starring Johannes Radebe as “Lola” and Dan Partridge as “Charlie Price”, Kinky Boots follows the story of a struggling shoe factory having to reinvent itself for a niche market to keep its doors open and its community paid and fed. Kinky Boots is well known to many from its acclaimed West End production and subsequent tour and, while this very much has the same essence and feel, there is enough to make it feel like different too!
Dan Partridge was fabulous as Charlie Price, with a real relatability to the scenario he finds himself dropped into and a vocal smooth as caramel. Soul of a man sent chills down my spine, an exceptional vocal performance! Courtney Bowman was brilliant as Lauren, with my favourite performance of “History of Wrong Guys” that I have seen. She had a beautiful feeling of a bit more naturalism than what I am used to seeing in Lauren and that was lovely… and she actually sang Charlie too, not Charlay… always been a bugbear of mine in Kinky Boots! Gold star! Kara Lily Hayworth was strong as Nicola, as was Joe Caffrey as Don, with Hayworth having a brilliant oblivious energy to all the trouble going on around her and Caffrey really shining in the scenes when Don has come good. Scott Paige was hilarious as George, bringing a whole heap of energy and a strong bass vocal that really caught me off guard! The wider company were all very strong too, with not a weak link amongst them. Well done to all! However, the absolute star of the show was Johannes Radebe as Lola. Radebe’s Lola was by far the strongest in terms of dance that I have seen, as to be expected, but his vocal and acting chops really caught me off guard actually. This man is a true triple threat and he has definitely stolen the title of my favourite Lola!
In terms of production this show was first class. The set was very impressive, with a real industrial feel that leant itself to the setting of the show. I particularly liked the used of levels with the office etc. The costuming was brilliant, with the Angels particularly standing out in this regard. Lighting and sound design were both spot on.
Overall I would absolutely recommend you come along and watch Kinky Boots: The Musical while it is in town, this is a brilliant production and is not to be missed.
Paranormal Sceptic Professor Goodman (Daniel Testell) starts the show, giving us a view of what could and couldn’t be ghostly apparitions, before embarking upon telling three stories he heard over his career that were simply unexplainable. A night watchman, a young man driving alone in the woods and a father to be eagerly getting ready for his new arrival. But what happens, is for you to find out!
An exquisite set adorns the stage, easily transforming from story to story without so much as a flicker, but expertly crafted for the unknown to appear. The audience were hesitant as they took their seats, but then the one act play started and so did the screams! The stories were acted perfectly, giving the right balance of false scares luring you further into your trepidation, before the frights began.
As the show progressed, it did become easier to spot the points of scare, but did not detract from what happened. The cast were superb, really drawing the audience in with every breath until that breath was replaced with terror! The three albeit separate stories were perfectly tied together to create a scary but humorous at times production. The ending of the piece was also very cleverly crafted, but that’s a secret you need to find out for yourself!
If you have a nervous disposition, are of a young age or don’t like the fright-this show is certainly not right for you. However, for the thrill seekers, the paranormal enthusiasts – this show will leave you wondering where your ghost story will begin!
‘An unmissable night of cheeky, chaotic, and utterly enjoyable theatre’
I was thrilled to watch The Rocky Horror Show for the first time at the wonderful Hall for Cornwall. The atmosphere was electric, with the audience really getting into the spirit, dressed to impress with an array of fabulous costumes. The show was written by Richard O’Brien and directed by Christopher Luscombe and it is the biggest party which features timeless classics, including Sweet Transvestite, Dammit Janet, and of course, the pelvic thrusting showstopping Time Warp.
The musical follows Brad (Connor Carson) and Janet (Lauren Chia), a young, innocent couple and unsuspecting lovers who end up stranded at the mysterious castle of Dr Frank N Furter (Adam Strong), who is currently in the middle of his latest mad experiment. Along with the audience, they soon learn that just one encounter with him is a life changing and unforgettable one.
One of the standout performances comes from Nathan Caton as The Narrator. Caton brings a perfect blend of wit and charisma, skilfully navigating the shows more chaotic moments. Carson and Chia had fantastic vocals, gorgeous harmonies and delivered a charming and comedic performance with great emotional depth. Also, Job Greuter as Riff Raff, his excellent voice and talent as a dancer is immediately clear, but his ability to make the character simultaneously loveable and ominous is what drew me in. He plays the role of the loyal, if somewhat fed up, servant of Dr Frank N Furter with seamless contradictions.
The set and lighting elevate the experience to another level. Nick Richings’ vibrant, psychedelic lighting creates a visual extravaganza, adding to the surreal world that the show brings to life. Hugh Durrant’s set design expertly combines retro with futuristic elements, contributing to the fun that defines Rocky Horror. The choreography by Nathan M. Wright, despite the number of performers on stage, each character is always given room to shine and connect with the audience. Credit must also go to David Freeman for the wonderful production shots!
The show itself is pure fun. It’s silly and weird and doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is exactly what make it such a joy to watch. Get your tickets now for an unmissable night of cheeky, chaotic, and utterly enjoyable theatre!
Chester venue will present a bold new adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth
By the pricking of my thumbs, something wickedly thrilling this way comes!
Storyhouse is set to produce a visceral new version of Shakespeare’s Scottish Play.
Macbeth comes to the Hunter Street stage from Friday, 6 March to Saturday, 21 March 2026. Tickets are on sale now priced from £20.
Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy is presented in a bold new production bringing the original text to life with power, pace and atmosphere.
This is the Macbeth you know and love; the witches, the prophecy, the blood-soaked ambition – all in a haunting, high-stakes world where fate and power collide.
Macbeth is adapted and directed by Jamie Sophia Fletcher and with Set & Lighting Design by Andrew Exeter. It will feature a 12-strong cast.
The production marks a return of Shakespeare to Storyhouse and will also be the first of a number of adaptations of classics planned under the Storyhouse Originals banner for 2026.
This will also see a return to the venue’s thrust staging, heightening a sense of dramatic tension and claustrophobia and bringing the action thrillingly close for the audience. The production will also feature extensive use of video, soundscapes and dramatic lighting to awaken all the senses.
Meanwhile a third schools-only date has already been added after two scheduled schools’ performances sold out within days of being announced. Following feedback from teachers, there will also be two teatime public performances to enable as many young people to attend as possible.
In addition, there will be a programme of educational workshops around the production which will take place on stage and involve actors and creatives.
Storyhouse Originals is the Chester venue’s strand of vibrant and imaginative homegrown productions. Previous shows include Miss Julie, Bluestockings, Sophocles’ Antigone, Faustus: That Damned Woman, The Parent Agency and Kinky Boots, as well as Storyhouse’s popular annual Christmas productions and shows at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre.
Storyhouse creative director Suzie Henderson said today:“I’m really delighted to announce we’re bringing Shakespeare back to the stage at Storyhouse and I can’t wait to see our audiences’ response to this exciting new version.
“Jamie has taken Shakespeare’s original text and created a fast-paced, contemporary-feeling adaptation with an emphasis on clarity of storytelling. Presenting it in the intimate surroundings of our thrust stage space will also mean viewers are drawn into the action in a direct and thrilling way.”
Storyhouse executive producer Helen Redcliffe added:“We love Shakespeare at Storyhouse and produced it in Grosvenor Park for many years. But we’re really excited to be bringing it back inside to explore the timeless human themes and emotions alongside all the state-of-the-art technology that’s available in our theatre.”
