Home

HOPE MILL THEATRE, MANCHESTER – UNTIL 17TH DECEMBER 2023

REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN

5*****

Growing up, the movie “To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar” was always a beloved and frequently watched film in my house. So, I was thrilled to hear that this cult classic has been adapted into a musical and its World Premiere was taking place here in Manchester at the independent and beautiful Hope Mill Theatre. It is also directed by the same creative mind behind the original film and multi–Tony Award nominee, Douglas Carter Beane, with songs by his frequent collaborator and husband Lewis Flinn.

The 1995 film is a groundbreaking gem that celebrates the beauty and art of drag culture. It strikes a perfect balance between campy fun and heartfelt moments, while also addressing important issues like domestic abuse and humanizing its LGBTQ+ characters. The film boasts an all-star cast, including Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes and Stockard Channing. Additionally, RuPaul has a small part and Robin Williams makes a cameo appearance.

The musical starts in the lively 1990s New York and follows the story of three drag Queens – chic and classy Vida Boheme (Peter Caulfield), smart and sassy Noxeema Jackson (Gregory Haney) and ‘Little Latin Boy in a dress’, drag novice Chi Chi Rodriguez (Pablo Goméz Jones). Together they set off on a zany road trip, in a stylish convertible 1967 Cadillac DeVille, across America to attend the Drag Queen of the Year Finals in Hollywood. However, chaos ensues, throwing not only the lives of the three protagonists, but also those of the residents of the small town of Snydersville, in the heart of middle America, into disarray, when their car unexpectedly breaks down. This musical spectacular is a joyous and heartfelt celebration of the live changing power of three drag queens. Throughout the show, they leave a lasting impact on the people they encounter, making it an extraordinary experience.

The production is visually stunning, filled with captivating costumes by Gregory Gale and striking colourful make up by Andrew Sotomayor. The musical numbers, choreographed by Jane McMurtrie, are executed with meticulous and sassy movements.

The success of this production undoubtedly lies in the strong performances from the steller cast. The leading cast members brilliantly embody their characters, capturing the essence of their inner divas with panache. Special mention must go to Carolyn Maitland whose vocals were euphonious.

I highly recommend watching this particular musical theatre production this year. It’s absolutely captivating, and I guarantee you’ll be eager to experience it again and again.

Blackpool Winter Gardens – until Sunday 29 October 2023

Reviewed by Debra Skelton

5*****

Peter Pan has soared into Blackpool and can be seen at The Winter Gardens Blackpool until Sunday 29th October 2023.

It is presented by Jon Conway and Steve Sheen, written by Jon and Jordan Conway, and directed by Jon Conway with an ensemble of 50 cast members.

Peter Pan or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up, is a work by J. M. Barrie in the form of a 1904 play and a 1911 novel titled Peter and Wendy.

It tells the story of Peter who visits Bloomsbury and the Darling family house at night where he hears Mrs Mary Darling telling her children bedtime stories through the open window.

Unfortunately, on one of these occasions, he loses his shadow after being spotted and accidently wakens Marys daughter Wendy whilst trying to retrieve it and who very kindly helps Peter by re-attaching his shadow to him using needle and thread.

Peter learns that Wendy knows many bedtime stories so invites her to join him in Neverland to be a mother to his gang, the Lost Boys (children who were lost when they fell out of their prams). Wendy agrees to go along with her younger brother Michael.

Their time in Neverland includes many adventures and meeting new and interesting characters along the way such as mermaids, fairies, Native Americans, pirates, the infamous Captain Hook and not forgetting a crocodile who has a ticking clock inside of him.

The story is a happy ending with Wendy and Michael taking the lost boys home with them and promising Peter that he will never be forgotten.

I have never been a fan of Pantomime so was not sure what to expect with this show so was surprised and thrilled at the same time to say that it is an experience not to be missed.

It is a show for all ages as it includes the traditional elements of pantomime along with a mix of cirque and ariel stunts and a giant battle in which the audience throw cannonball’s at Hooks ship along with wit and humour and Culture Club classic hits being belted out.

As Boy George was a part of the 80’s for me, I was really looking forward to actually getting the chance to see him live even in this unique role and all I can say is what a spectacular Captain Hook he made with his flamboyance, enthusiasm, and evil aspect of the role.

This highly entertaining show would not be complete without Jordan Conway as Peter Pan, Kelly Banlaki as Wendy Darling, Ebony Feare as TinkerBelle, Penni Tovey as Tiger Lily, Dorit Kemsley as the Magical Mermaid, Sam Fogell as Smee and the rest of the superb cast.

The show also needs special thanks to Chris Baldock for the choreography, Ben Rogers for Lighting, Regina Coulson for Wardrobe, Olly Ashmore for Music and all of the production team and crew.

Paul Hamlyn Hall, Royal Opera House – 27th October 2023

Reviewed by Fiona Leyman

5*****

With its ‘Live at Lunch’ series, the Royal Opera House introduces new audiences to the beauty of what is performed on stage, while providing free performances to people who might not normally go see a performance of this type.

The Black British Ballet Project, Island Movements, is a “working progress” short ballet, telling the tale of a young Caribbean WW2 Airman and his journey to Britain after the war. Based on true events, it follows him and his family throughout their lives and how the injustice of the Windrush Scandal turns their lives upside down. Darren Panton, the first Black British graduate of the Royal Ballet School choreographed this piece alongside Patrick Williams who has danced in Alvin Ailey and Paris Opera producing beauty from such an appalling event in history.

‘Father’, Wesley Branch, ‘Mother’, Taylor Crouch and ‘Son’, Alexander Fadayiro perform as the three dancers for this piece. Each of them, impeccably skilled in their craft, moving with poise and grace, put on an incredibly moving piece to a packed audience in the Paul Hamlyn Hall. If this is the “working progress” that Director Sandie Bourne said it was, then I cannot wait to see what the final result is, because this, in the eyes of someone who is not familiar with ballet, was incredible.

The ballet’s traditional costumes were not one would typically expect, instead staying faithful to their Caribbean origins. Viewers were able to follow the plot and identify which character each dancer was portraying with ease. This gave the piece a contemporary feel, in addition to the music they chose, which blended modern black British music, calypso, and reggae. Wesley Branch has my fullest admiration for being able to dance so beautifully in an RAF Number 1’s jacket. These are notoriously difficult to move in general, so to be able to dance in one is a great achievement.

This brief performance, which was perfectly explained to be “enjoyed through your eyes, not through a lens”, was masterfully choreographed and performed by highly skilled ballet dancers. It touched the hearts of the audience and left us in complete amazement of their immense talent. It’s not easy to tell a story like this through dance, especially given they only had a few weeks to prepare, but Choreographers Darren Panton and Patrick Williams, along with Director Sandie Bourne and their extraordinary gifted ballet dancers succeeded in doing so, earning their performance a well-earned 5* Review.

EXTRA PERFORMANCE ADDED DUE TO PHENOMENAL DEMAND FOR

MY FAVORITE THINGS: THE RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN 80TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

AT LONDON’S THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE

Due to high demand, The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization today announce an additional 2.30pm matinee performance of My Favorite Things: The Rodgers & Hammerstein 80^th Anniversary Concert playing on Tuesday, 12 December at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The previously announced 7.30pm evening performance has limited remaining availability. Tickets are on sale now at RH80Concert.com.

As previously announced, the concert will feature Emmy^®, two-time GRAMMY^® and six-time Tony Award^® winner Audra McDonald; Olivier Award^® nominee Julian Ovenden; Olivier Award nominee Marisha Wallace; and two-time Tony, two-time Golden Globe^® and Emmy Awardnominee Patrick Wilson. Additional headliners will be announced shortly.

Directed and staged by Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Christopher Gattelli, the celebration will feature the 40-piece Rodgers & Hammerstein Concert Orchestra, conducted by Simon Lee, along with a West End chamber choir, dance ensemble and surprise guest appearances. Artist lineup subject to change.

Tickets are available now at RH80Concert.com

Presented by The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization, the concert is produced by Concord Originals, Concord Theatricals, Kilimanjaro Live/JAS Theatricals and Trafalgar Entertainment

The real life Carrie Bradshaw
Candace Bushnell
to bring her one-woman show
‘True Tales of Sex, Success and SEX AND THE CITY’
to the West End and UK tour

“Delightfully sprinkled with dishy details!”
The New York Times

Entertainers proudly announce the West End premiere and first ever UK tour of Candace Bushnell’s acclaimed one-woman show ‘True Tales of Sex, Success and SEX AND THE CITY’.

The international best-selling novelist – author and creator of TV’s iconic TV drama Sex and the City –  takes a whirlwind tour of New York City, sharing her remarkable philosophy through stories of fashion, literature. . . and, of course, sex.  

Following its critically acclaimed New York premiere at the Daryl Roth Theater, ‘True Tales of Sex, Success and SEX AND THE CITY’ will get its West End premiere at the London Palladium on Wednesday 7 February, 2024.

Other UK dates include Southampton, Nottingham, Cardiff, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Oxford, Brighton, Leicester and Southend.

Candace’s column in the New York Observer inspired the legendary TV series, which went on to win multiple Emmy, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards and spawned two box office-busting films. Her books and screen successes redefined modern relationships in the Nineties and Noughties.

This incredible onstage memoir unravels at a quick pace – from Candace’s arrival in New York City with just $20 in her pocket, to features in Time Magazine, the New York Times and Variety Magazine, and interviews with Oprah Winfrey.

Always provocative, the literary phenomenon’s life story is crafted into an inspirational and entertaining stage show.

So, whether you’re a Carrie or a Miranda, a Charlotte or a Samantha, grab yourself a seat, pour yourself a Cosmopolitan and join us in toasting the saucy memoirs of a cultural icon. True Tales of Sex, Success and ‘SEX AND THE CITY’.

“Yes, Candace Bushnell really did live the Sex and the City life
and created a cultural phenomenon”
The Washington Post

Entertainers (Producers)

2024 marks 30 years of Entertainers producing popular entertainment across the world. Their brand-new Canvey Island HQ, built since lockdown, houses all aspects of production from set building and maintenance to a recording studio and full-size rehearsal space and fleet of over 50 vehicles.

Promoting over 2,000 performances each year and selling over one million seats for more than 30 lavish productions that include: ‘Lost in Music’, ‘Fastlove’, ‘The Magic of Motown’, ‘Cirque: The Greatest Show’, ‘The Makings of a Murderer’, ‘Thank You for the Music’, ‘The Rocket Man’, ‘An Evening of Burlesque’, ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’, ‘80s Live!’, ‘The Marvin Gaye Songbook’ are more.

Candace BushnellCandace Bushnell is the critically acclaimed, international best-selling author of ten books, including Is There Still Sex in the City, Sex and the City, Summer and the City, The Carrie Diaries, One Fifth Avenue, Lipstick Jungle, Trading Up, Killing Monica and Four Blondes. With each book, she has deepened her range, but with a light touch that makes her complex literary accomplishments look easy.

Several of Candace Bushnell’s novels, such as Lipstick Jungle and The Carrie Diaries have graced the prestigious New York Times Bestseller list.

Candace Bushnell’s column in the New York Observer inspired the legendary TV series Sex and the City, which became a cultural phenomenon, redefining modern relationships. In August of 2021, Sex and the City, published in 1996, celebrated its 25th anniversary. The book was the basis for the HBO hit series and two subsequent blockbuster movies.

Lipstick Jungle became a popular television series as did The Carrie Diaries. Candace made cameo appearances in the Sex and the City TV series and the first Sex and the City movie, adding a touch of her real-life persona to the story!

In 2018, Candace Bushnell received the Legacy Award at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards. This award honours her enduring impact on the literary and entertainment world, particularly for her iconic portrayal of female friendships and relationships in Sex and the City.

Bushnell is the winner of the 2006 Matrix Award for books (other winners include Joan Didion and Amy Tan), and a recipient of the Albert Einstein Spirit of Achievement Award.

Bushnell’s work has famously appeared in Vogue, Esquire, The New York Observer and many other publications.LISTINGS INFO
Candace Bushnell
True Tales of Sex, Success and
SEX AND THE CITY

Wednesday 7 February, 2024
LONDON
London Palladium
8 Argyll Street,
London
W1F 7TFUK Tour dates

Friday 2 February
Southampton
Mayflower

Saturday 3 February
Nottingham
Royal Concert Hall
Sunday 4 February
Cardiff
Wales Millennium Centre

Tuesday 6 February
Manchester
Opera House

Friday 9 February
Glasgow
King’s Theatre

Saturday 10 February
Edinburgh
Festival Theatre

Sunday 11 February
Birmingham
Symphony Hall

Monday 12 February
Oxford
New Theatre

Wednesday 14 February
Brighton
Dome

Thursday 15 February
Leicester
De Montfort Hall

Sunday 18 February
Southend
Cliffs Pavilion

Tickets for all shows go on sale at 10am on Friday 3 November.
Sign up for an exclusive 48-hour  presale at  entertainers.co.uk/Candace

Hackney Town Hall – until 17th December 2023

Reviewed by Fiona Leyman

3***

BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU!

No truer a word said in the society we live in today, don’t you think? Imagine living in a world where your every thought, every action is controlled and scrutinised by those in power. Would you bow down or fight for your freedom of thought?

George Orwell’s critically acclaimed novel, 1984, has been adapted for the stage in this “Unique Immersive Experience” housed in the magnificent Art Deco Hackney Town Hall building. 1984 Immersive Experience Creator, Adam Taub says “In the era of Google, Amazon and Meta, when our every move is monitored and recorded, there is no more relevant story than 1984”.

Hackney Town Hall is now the Ministry of Truth where we, the audience, are being assessed as to whether we are worthy enough to join the Ministry. The Ministry of Truth monitors its people for “Thought Crimes” and places them under constant surveillance. Do you want to join this dystopian society, where if we defy or speak out, we are cruelly punished for our crimes?

Upon entering the Ministry, we are presented with our Identification Card, then off to Victory Square for a spot of music and a Royal Gin before the assessment begins. Ministry workers in blue overalls walk amongst you, watching you, scrutinising your every move. Every look, every word spoken intimidates you, making your hair stand up on end, like something isn’t quite right here. The National Anthem of Oceana begins, signalling the start of our assessment and off to the council chambers we go. What goes on behind these chamber doors is chilling, but you will have to see for yourself what transpires.

O’Brien, played by Jude Akuwudike, was outstanding. He drew you into his performance with his convincing portrayal of this character. He held the room in his hands and captivated you with all that he did. Hackney Town Hall’s opulent exterior and extensive history make it the ideal setting for an event of this kind. The council chamber’s panel walls exude the authority that the Ministry is attempting to project. In addition, the Ministry employees remain true to their personas and don’t falter when interacting with the audience. Since this is no small accomplishment, I applaud them.

Regretfully, this immersive experience did not have the impact I think it had intended. Being divided into three groups created the impression that we would go through this at separate times, but in reality, we all stayed in one group. This ruined the show’s immersive atmosphere by making this feel overcrowded and less personal. Even while Declan Rodgers’ Winston and Kit Reeve’s Julia were portrayed by extremely gifted performers, their performances did not quite grab you as Jude Akuwudike’s O’Brien did.

As someone who is familiar with George Orwell’s 1984 story, but has not read the book, this experience, unfortunately, did not have me rushing to buy it. This may be my own “Thought Crime”, but I cannot see “Five” as O’Brien wishes me to see, I can only see Three (stars).

ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES THE MUSICAL IS ON TOUR IN 2024 & 2025 – AND COMING TO A TOWN NEAR YOU

Written by Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan, fully endorsed by the Sullivan estate Based on the programme ‘Only Fools and Horses’ written by John Sullivan

Original music – Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan Additional music – John Sullivan & Chas Hodges Director – Caroline Jay Ranger

Musical Supervisor & Arranger – Stuart Morley

TICKETS ON SALE ON FRIDAY 27 OCTOBER AT 10.00AM FROM ONLYFOOLSONSTAGE.COM

Stick a pony in your pocket – The Trotters are back and coming to a town near you! The smash hit show Only Fools and Horses The Musical – direct from a record-breaking sold-out four-year run in London’s West End – featuring Del Boy, Rodney, Grandad, Cassandra, Raquel, Boycie, Marlene, Trigger, Denzil, Mickey Pearce, Mike the Barman, the Driscoll Brothers and all the gang, is hitting the road in 2024 and 2025 for a major tour of the UK and Dublin.

Based on John Sullivan’s legendary record-breaking television show, this critically acclaimed home-grown musical spectacular – which played over 1,000 performances at London’s Theatre Royal Haymarket – features cherished material from Britain’s best loved TV series. With a script and original score written by John’s son, Jim Sullivan and comedy giant Paul Whitehouse, prepare to get reacquainted with Britain’s most lovable rogues and experience the classic comedy brought to life on stage through an ingenious script and 20 hilarious songs.

Directed by the originating West End director Caroline Jay Ranger, the tour kicks off in Bromley in September 2024 and then travels to over 30 towns and cities up and down the country, before culminating in Dublin at the end of June 2025. Tickets go on sale at 10.00am on Friday 27 October from OnlyFoolsOnStage.com.

Paul Whitehouse said: “Following four amazing years in the West End, I’m thrilled we are announcing today that Only Fools and Horses The Musical is going on tour. I’ve long been asked by many fans when this might happen, so I’m delighted to confirm that the show will be coming to a theatre near you from September next year. All of the characters we know and love from the Only Fools television series will be live on stage, as we take Peckham on the road! Bonnet de douche!”

Fans and critics alike praised Only Fools and Horses The Musical in their droves during its triumphant West End run: The Sun awarded five stars, hailing it “One Del of a show!”; the Daily Mirror said it was “a treat for Trotter fans” in their five-star review. The Sunday Times bestowed four stars and remarked that “Only Fools is a blast from our wide-boy past. A hearty stage adaptation of the 1980s BBC television comedy”. Evening Standard also awarded four stars, complimenting the “unashamedly British night out. A jubilant lovely jubbly!”. While the Daily Mail urged its readers to “raise a glass of ‘Tittinger’ to Del Boy and Rodney as Only Fools and Horses storms the West End!”

Join us as we take a trip back in time, where it’s all kicking off in Peckham. While the yuppie invasion of London is in full swing, love is in the air as Del Boy sets out on the rocky road to find his soul mate, Rodney and Cassandra prepare to say ‘I do’, and even Trigger is gearing up for a date (with a person!). Meanwhile, Boycie and Marlene give parenthood one final shot and Grandad takes stock of his life and decides the time has finally arrived to get his piles sorted.

With musical contributions from the iconic Chas & Dave, the beloved theme tune as you’ve never heard it before, and an array of brand-new songs full of character and cockney charm, you’re guaranteed to have a right ol’ knees-up! Only Fools and Horses The Musical is a feel-good family celebration of traditional working-class London life in 1989 and the aspirations we all share. So don’t delay, get on the blower, and get a ticket for a truly cushty night out – only a 42 carat PLONKER would miss it!

Casting will be announced in early 2024.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“One Del of a Show!”

The Sun

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Viva, Hooky Street. C’est Magnifique! A treat for Trotter fans”

Daily Mirror

★ ★ ★ ★

“Call it comfort food for our troubled times, this show serves up some lovely jubbly”

Metro

★ ★ ★ ★

“Only Fools is a blast from our wide-boy past.

A hearty stage adaptation of the 1980’s BBC Television comedy”

Sunday Times

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Website: OnlyFoolsOnStage.com

X / Twitter: @OFAHMusical

Instagram: @OFAHMusical

Facebook: /OFAHMusical

ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES THE MUSICAL – UK & DUBLIN TOUR 2024/2025

23rd – 28th September Bromley Churchill Theatre 27th October

30th September – 5th October Southend Cliffs Pavilion 27th October

07th– 12th October Bradford Alhambra Theatre 8th November

14th – 19th October York Grand Opera House 27th October

21st – 26th October Wolverhampton Grand Theatre 27th October

28th October – 2nd November Glasgow Theatre Royal 27th October

4th – 9th November Edinburgh Playhouse 27th October

11th – 16th November Manchester Opera House 27th October

18th – 23rd November Manchester Opera House 27th October

25th – 30th November Sunderland Empire Theatre 27th October

2nd – 7th December Stoke Regent Theatre 27th October

11th – 14th December Brighton Dome 3rd November

17th – 23rd December Hammersmith Eventin Apollo 27th October

27th – 29th December Hammersmith Eventin Apollo 27th October

30th December – 5th January Hammersmith Eventin Apollo 27th October

7th – 11th January Ipswich Regent Theatre 27th October

13th – 18th January Norwich Theatre Royal 27th October

20th – 25th January Llandudno Venue Cymru 27th October

27th January – 1st February Bristol Hippodrome 27th October

3rd – 8th February Bristol Hippodrome 27th October

10th – 15th February Newcastle Theatre Royal 1st November

17th – 22nd February Newcastle Theatre Royal 1st November

24th February – 1st March Northampton Derngate Theatre On Sale Soon

3rd – 8th March Southampton Mayflower Theatre On Sale Soon

10th – 15th March Oxford New Theatre 27th October

17th – 22nd March Milton Keynes Theatre 27th October

24th – 29th March Milton Keynes Theatre 27th October

31st March – 5th April Birmingham Hippodrome On Sale Soon

7th – 12th April Birmingham Hippodrome On Sale Soon

14th – 19th April Canterbury Marlowe Theatre On Sale Soon

21st – 26th April Nottingham Concert Hall On Sale Soon

28th April – 3rd May Blackpool Grand Opera House On Sale Soon

5th – 10th May Truro Hall for Cornwall On Sale Soon

12th – 17th May Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre On Sale Soon

19th – 24th May Plymouth Theatre Royal On Sale Soon

26th – 31st May Sheffield City Hall 27th October

2nd – 7th June Leeds Grand Theatre On Sale Soon

9th – 14th June Liverpool Empire 27th October

16th – 21st June Liverpool Empire 27th October

23rd – 28th June Belfast Opera House On Sale Soon

30th June – 5th July Dublin Bord Gais Energy Theatre On Sale Soon

LAMBERT JACKSON AND POSITIVE SUM PRESENTS

SIDE SHOW IN CONCERT

ONE NIGHT ONLY

AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM ON SUNDAY 3 MARCH 2024

STARRING LOUISE DEARMAN AND RACHEL TUCKER

WITH BRADLEY JADEN AND TOSH WANOGHO-MAUD

SIDE SHOW comes to the London Palladium in a special, one-night-only concert spectacular on Sunday 3 March 2024. Directed by Emma Butler with Adam Hoskins as Musical Director, the concert is presented by Lambert Jackson and Positive Sum.

West End legends Louise Dearman and Rachel Tucker lead a phenomenal cast as the legendary Hilton twins, ‘Daisy’ and ‘Violet’ and are joined by Bradley Jaden as ‘Terry’ and Tosh Wanogho-Maud as ‘Buddy’. Further casting will be announced at a later date.

Based on the true story of conjoined twins who rose to fame during the Depression, SIDE SHOW is a moving portrait of two women joined at the hip whose extraordinary bond brings them stardom but denies them love. The Tony nominated musical follows the sisters’ heart-warming search for affection and acceptance amidst the spectacle of fame.

With Book and Lyrics by Bill Russell, Music by Henry Krieger and additional book material by Bill Condon, Side Show boasts a stunning score including ‘Who Will Love Me As I Am’, ‘The Devil You Know’ and ‘I Will Never Leave You’.

The London Palladium

Sunday 3 March 2024

8pm

Booking link: https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/side-show-in-concert/

Instagram and Facebook: @lambertjacksonproductions

Twitter: @ljprods

York Theatre Royal – until Saturday 28th October 2023

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

4****

York Theatre Royal’s current show is Frankenstein. Presented to the stage by Tilted Wig, written and directed by Sean Aydon. It is a new thriller, inspired by the classic novel by Mary Shelley.

Set in Germany during World War II, the stage is set with a hut, which appears to be in the middle of nowhere. A lone women enters in from the cold, until she is interrupted by a relentless banging on her door. With gun at the ready she opens the door to find a younger woman, cold and hungry, begging for food and a place to rest. The mistrust is thick in the air, but she lets her enter and shares what meagre rations she has. The young woman is troubled, and the reason for her predicament unfolds. Her name is Dr Victoria Frankenstein (Eleanor McLoughlin), and she has created a monster and must find him before he can inflict more damage.

The set unfolds to reveal Frankenstein’s laboratory. With racks of shelving soaring high into air, full of large glass specimen jars, a bed set in the middle of the room. What we soon learn is how Frankenstein ended up in that remote cabin in the middle of nowhere.

Frankenstein is a brilliant biologist who wants to create the perfect specimen, stronger and more resilient. To achieve this, she collects mis-matched body parts from the recently deceased, or soon to be deceased, to create this perfect being. With the help of her loyal assistant Francine (Annette Hannah) and the natural power of electricity from a thunderstorm, they manage to bring the creature (Cameron Robertson) to life, if only for a brief moment. Elated they both leave the room but on return he has gone. The true horror of their genetic experiments is then revealed.

What comes out of this adaptation can be quite uncomfortable at times. The interaction between Frankenstein and Dr Richter (Basienka Blake, who also plays the woman in the hut), is truly chilling, wanting to create the perfect race, and unfortunately, we know this ideology existed and still exists to this day. The disdain shown by Richter for Francine and Frankenstein’s partner, Henry (Dale Mathurin), is abhorrent, because they are different to her ideal.

McLoughlin is superb as the frantic Frankenstein, relentless in her goal to succeed and then desperate in her need to fix her mistake. With his distorted body and great physicality, Robertson is The Creature. Even though his deeds are detestable, you can’t help but have sympathy for him, everyone is petrified of him, and he is so lonely. Completing the cast of six is Lula Marsh as Frankenstein’s adopted sister.

This adaptation of Frankenstein has shaken things up, a diverse cast, with a female taking the title role, a person of colour and another with dwarfism. With the thought of genetics and how they could be engineered is quite shocking. It raises the question, just because you can, should you really be messing around with nature?

This show is not afraid to shock. For much of the performance you couldn’t hear a pin drop. It’s very raw and stripped back. Very thought provoking. Perfect for the Halloween season.

Darlington Hippodrome – until 4th November 2023

Review by Stee Leahy

5*****

What a blast, I couldn’t sit still.

‘Footloose’ at the Darlington Hippodrome was nothing short of a toe-tapping treat. 

Set in Chicago, the musical follows the ever evolving story of the new kid in town, ‘Ren McCormack’ – played respectively by the talented Ben Connor and his struggle to legalise dancing. Ben’s Ren was a charming and relatable young man with fun comical interludes woven throughout his performance. You really couldn’t take your eyes off of him, the perfect choice to lead this show. 

Playing opposite Ben was Rachel Geddes as the preachers daughter – ‘Ariel Moore’. Rachel’s vocals were outstanding, her rendition of ‘Holding out for a Hero’ had everyone singing and tapping their feet along. If we were allowed to dance, I’m sure we would have! 

Connor and Geddes complimented one another well and their chemistry on stage was electric. 

‘Willard Hewitt’, Ren’s best friend was played by Joe Connor. Joe really shone in his musical number ‘Mama Says’, though not an instantly recognisable tune to those unfamiliar with the musical, it had everyone captivated and his vocals were a real treat. It was a lot of fun! Willard’s love interest and Ariel’s best friend, ‘Rusty’ was played by Abbie Hand. Abbie perfectly captured the adorable charm of Rusty and made it all her own. Her vocals matched the rest of her performance and her rendition of ‘Let’s hear it for the Boy’ was so much fun, it was excellent!

The rest of the girl gang was rounded off with Lucy Adams, Lucy Ivison and Grace Mansfield as their respective characters – ‘Wendy-Jo, Urleen and Bonnie’ adding comic timing, charm and incredible supporting vocals. With the addition of Julian Cound as ‘Rev. Shaw Moore’ the show gained a real powerhouse. Cound is such a captivating performer and someone who only ever enhances any show he is a part of. Samantha Morrison took the role of the Reverend’s wife – ‘Vi’ and she complimented him incredibly well. Her sweet nature was really apparent and you could hear a pin drop during the pairs more intense scenes. 

The ensemble company of the ‘D.O.S’ team are a real sensation, as close to a professional working company as you can get. A true asset to the Hippodrome theatre. 

I applaud the creative team behind this production. From the dynamic choreography to tender and explosive direction by Joanne Hand. It was all top-notch entertainment. All in all I was blown away by all involved. I would encourage anyone to support and experience this company’s rendition of this musical classic. 

Simply superb!