Home

Curve Theatre Leicester – until 3rd June 2023

Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh

5****

It’s the era of the Great Depression and infamous musical theatre director Julian Marsh is putting on a new show. Every dancer worth a dime wants to be a part of it and none is more determined than the former Miss Allentown, Peggy Sawyer, but can she make it? Mishaps and mayhem, mischief and misunderstandings all cumulate to scupper her dreams of making it big. Is there anything that can get Peggy to where she was born to be, In front of the bright lights of a Broadway stage? Peggy’s pluck, determination and incredible talent earns her the respect, recognition and role of a lifetime but can she pull it off at the 11th hour?

42nd Street is a musical extravaganza steeped in nostalgia. It takes you through the journey of Sawyers serendipitous rise to stardom and this new Made at Curve co-production is a spectacular rendition. Directed by Jonathan Church it is jam packed with iconic song-and-dance showstoppers. Choreographed and designed by Olivier Award winners Bill Deamer and Rob Jones the songs include ‘42nd Street’, ‘We’re in The Money’ and ‘Lullaby of Broadway’ it’s simply not to be missed.

The production is enthralling and the wise-cracking book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble is full of snappy one-liners. It is, however, a little uncomfortable when faced with the misogyny of yesteryear musicals being revived but not updated. It’s quite jarring to hear the chorus sing, ‘Keep Young and Beautiful, if you want to be loved”, and “What’s cute about a little cutie is her beauty, not brains.”, and other such things, but…

42nd Street is a good old-fashioned spectacle, and it is beautiful. The tap dance routines are incredible and leave you open jawed at their intricacies. There is melodrama, backstage intrigue, classic romance and a dazzling show within a show…and it must go on!

Josefina Gabrielle as Maggie Jones and Les Dennis as Bert Barry brought some great comedic moments. Ruthie Henshaw as Dorothy Brock was every bit the divine diva. Her execution of ‘I Only Have Eyes for You’ gave me tingles. Fully embracing the development of her character, she was a joy to watch. Adam Garcia played Julian Marsh with an understated coolness, which worked really well in this production. Sam Lips as Billy Lawlor was a phenomenal talent, both his singing and dancing left me speechless, but the star in every sense was Nicole-Lily Baisden who played Peggy Sawyer. She was the personification of dynamite, what she did with her feet was nothing less than enchantment. Tapping, twirling and all the while flashing a megawatt smile and barely breaking a sweat. She was both youngster and a star. The rest of the ensemble were incredible. It was astounding to behold the huge tap-dancing chorus fill the stage, coming together to create a magical performance. Traditional tapdancing was also enhanced with the addition of some tango and flamenco flavours, which really spiced things up.

The costumes, dazzlingly lavish and bright, added extra layers to the dance routines. The sets, stunning, steeped in art deco, quite simple, but very effective. Many set pieces doubling up, seamlessly moved into place as the action continues before your eyes.

With a running time at 2 hours and 35 minutes, including a 20-minute interval, 42nd Street is a larger-than-life, celebration of hope, grit and the irrepressible spirit of Broadway that’s guaranteed to lift anyone’s spirits. It’s a charmingly choreographed extravaganza that both musical veterans and novices can equally enjoy, making it the perfect show for one and all.

OVER £70,000 RAISED AT THE ACTING FOR OTHERS WEST END FLEA MARKET

Theatrical charity Acting for Others today announces that more than £70,000 was raised at their most successful West End Flea Market to date, held on Saturday 20 May at St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden, with thousands of people enjoying the fun!

Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen, Co-chair of Acting for Others said today “There was a fantastic atmosphere with dozens of cast members from West End shows, stars signing autographs and thousands of fans buying the memorabilia on offer – all of it providing support for everyone from the theatre professions, through our network of 14 member charities”

Taking the prize of Best Dressed Stall this year was Mamma Mia! judged by national star Christopher Biggins and award-winning choreographer Dame Arlene Phillips. Their stall contained an array of delights including show memorabilia, signed posters and cast pictures, as well as a treasure trove of Donna and the Dynamos accessories to take selfies with and join the cast performing in a TikTok.

Many other West End shows had stalls including Back to the Future, Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Hamilton, Moulin Rouge, The Mousetrap, SIX, Jersey Boys, Rocky Horror Show, The Book of Mormon, The Play That Goes Wrong  and other attractions included; Menier Chocolate Factory, Go Live Theatre Projects, Concord Theatricals, Disney on Stage, Theatrical Memorabilia, Tombola, face painting, Mariachi Loco, The Pearly Kings and Queens and Flea market favourite Psychic Su Pollard told fortunes aplenty!

There were stars in the autograph tent taking selfies and signing posters and goodies for fans including Christopher Biggins, Arlene Phillips, Bonnie Langford, John Partridge, Harriet Thorpe, Derek Jacobi, Samantha Bond, Frances Mayli McCann, Jordan Luke Gage, George Maguire, Cassidy Janson, Christina Bianco, Mazz Murray, John Owen-Jones, Jon Robyns, Aimie Atkinson, Oliver Tompsett and Giles Terera.

Sara Kestelman took to the mic, as the eventsemcee, announcing the days proceedings.

Biggins’ Bargains, the auction event hosted by Christopher Biggins, returned, with items including, a Shirley Valentine script signed by Sheridan Smith and Willy Russell, artwork signed by the cast of A Little Life and VIP Package to Back to the Future which was followed by a Panto Dame singalong with West End Sensation Emma Lindars.

www.actingforothers.co.uk       

Facebook: /Acting4Others

Instagram: @actingforothers

Twitter: @ActingForOthers

#WestEndFleaMarket

‘Love Never Dies In Concert’

at Theatre Royal Drury Lane this summer

21st and 22nd August

The world’s most famous opera ghost returns to the West End for 2 nights only with much-loved stars reprising the roles of Phantom and Christine in star-studded concert

Sign up for exclusive pre-sale released today (Wednesday 24th May);

pre-sale starts Friday 26th May

https://lwtheatres.co.uk/loveneverdies

Broadway legend Norm Lewis (Les Misérables 25^th Anniversary Concert, Jesus Christ Superstar)stars as The Phantom after a hugely successful run as the first African-American Phantom in the Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera. Celinde Schoenmaker (Guys & Dolls, Rocketman) stars alongside him as Christine, following her appearance in London’s West End for the 30th anniversary of The Phantom of the Opera. Shaun Kerrison (My Fair Lady, A Christmas Carol) directs. Further casting and creatives to be announced.

Love Never Dies In Concert, which features the sensational ‘Til I Hear You Sing and the heart-breaking Love Never Dies, is accompanied by the 27-piece London Musical Theatre Orchestra (LMTO), and will run at Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 21st (7.30pm) and 22nd August (2.30pm).

A closed pre-sale (via sign-up) starts on Friday 26th May, with a general on-sale to follow in due course. Sign up for pre-sale, released today, via: https://lwtheatres.co.uk/loveneverdies. 

This concert comes as The Phantom of the Operain London’s West End continues to break records at the box office, 36 years after opening at the recently-renamed His Majesty’s Theatre on Haymarket.

Norm Lewis comments: My love for Andrew’s ‘Love Never Dies’ meant this was the quickest yes, the moment I was asked! I am honored to don the iconic Phantom mask yet again, and continue the story of a character that forever changed my life.  And to perform it at the famous Theatre Royal Drury Lane?  There’s nothing greater. I cannot wait to be reconnected with the London audiences!”

Described by The Daily Telegraph as “one of the greatest of all Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musicals”, Love Never Dies returns to the story of The Phantom of the Opera 10 years after the Phantom’s disappearance from the Paris Opera House. Escaped to a new life in New York, he has finally found a place for his music to soar. All that is missing is his love – Christine Daaé. In a final bid to win her back, the Phantom lures Christine, her husband, and their young son Gustave to America to perform one final time. As old wounds are reopened and forgotten memories unlocked, The Phantom sets out to prove that, indeed, Love Never Dies.

‘Love Never Dies In Concert’ is produced by Fourth Wall Live and the London Musical Theatre Orchestra, and arranged with the permission of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group, with a score by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and a book by Lloyd Webber, Slater, Ben Elton and Frederick Forsyth.

Theatre Royal Drury Lane is owned and operated by LW Theatres. The venue reopened in June 2021 following a total, £60m, 2-year restoration.

Website: www.labambaonstage.co.uk

Socials: @LaBambaOnStage #LaBambaOnStage

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

THE WANTED’S SIVA KANESWARAN JOINS THE STAR CAST OF LA BAMBA!

• FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR ORIGINAL NEW MUSICAL LA BAMBA!
• SIVA KANESWARAN MAKES HIS THEATRICAL DEBUT AND WILL BE PERFORMING IN VENUES ACROSS THE UK.

Paul Morrissey Ltd is pleased to announce the casting for the world premiere of the explosive new musical, La Bamba!

La Bamba! is a pulsating dance musical that will open at Curve inLeicester on Tuesday, 1st August 2023 before heading to London’s Peacock Theatre, Sadler’s Wells West End theatre, for a limited seasonon Tuesday 22 August 2023 until Saturday 2^nd September 2023. La Bamba! will continue a UK tour until December 2023.

Joining previously announced Strictly Come Dancing champion Pasha Kovalev, will beboyband star Siva Kaneswaran playing the role of Mateo. Singer and songwriter and best known for being one firth of pop band The Wanted, Siva has recently appeared in ITV’s Dancing On Ice. He will be joined by rising star Inês Fernandez in the lead role of Sofia.

La Bamba! tells the story of how the power of music can transform a generation and celebrate a community.    

Sofia, a 17-year-old from Los Angeles, has music in her blood. From the moment her father handed her a guitar, her dream was to become a superstar. Inspired by her musical heroes and with the help of her family, Sofia discovers that even the longest journey begins with a single step. As she mixes the music from her roots with the music in her heart, Sofia dreams of bringing together a community that has never felt more divided. 

La Bamba! is a jaw-dropping new musical that combines Latin, R&B, and timeless rock and pop to tell the ultimate feel-good story of a young girl with a big voice, big dreams, and an even bigger heart.

The full company includes Bethan Mitchell, Stefani Ariza, Julia Ruiz Fernandez, Nicolle Matheu, Gabriella Rose-Marchant, Alex Sturman, Tristan Ghostkeeper and Luke Jarvis

La Bamba! is directed by multi-award-winning American director Ray Roderick, and features choreography by Graziano Di Prima, Erica Da Silva and associate choreography by Giada Lini. This brand-new musical will feature music from across the Latin genre from traditional folk songs to recent chart-topping hits all arranged by award-winning musical maestro, Alfonso Casado-Trigo. 

La Bamba! features an electric soundtrack of Latin pop anthems. Tickets on sale now for the fiesta of a lifetime!

Theatre Royal, Nottingham – until Saturday 27th May 2023

Reviewed by Jill Heslop

5*****

A varied and diverse crowd were in force at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham to enjoy a powerful and diversity-aware RSC production of Julius Caesar, directed by Atri Banerjee, part of the RSC’s Power Shifts season.

From the striking opening of a stark black square on stage with musicians entering to stand on top, the sinister mood was established. This was added to by the solemn entrance of the Community Chorus dressed in black, a group of local female community leaders. These women include the current Sheriff of Nottingham – the first Asian woman to hold this civic role, a theatre producer, a primary teacher, a sustainability and building health facilitator, and a trustee for Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature. The RSC will engage local people to join their cast in each venue of their tour, in order to encourage community engagement in the arts and promote awareness of diversity, inclusion, equality and sustainability. Voices were used to great effect here, sounds of thunder and whispers as the cast entered in military lines, and began choreographed dancing, breathing and sometimes shrieking to the throbbing, pulsating music. The minimalist stage set of the cube became a background screen with black and white film of birds flying and flowers trying to push their way through the earth, linking to the themes of freedom and rebellion we were about to watch.

A blustering Caesar, played with suitable confidence by Nigel Barrett, is warned to “Beware the ides of March” to no avail by the Soothsayer ( Niamh Finlay) shouting from amongst the audience. This is a highly effective method used again later as she plays all the voices of the mob during the speeches at Caesar’s funeral, dressed in red track suit bottoms, offering us some of light relief amidst the tragedy. Here Mark Anthony’s famous rhetoric is delivered with energy and emotion by William Robinson. The roles of Brutus, played by Thalissa Teixeira, and Cassius, by Annabel Baldwin, the two leading conspirators, are movingly shown to struggle with their desires for justice and freedom as their noble cause starts to unravel. Stand out scenes are: the slow motion death of Caesar with black paint representing blood; the celebratory dancing scene, watched by the ghost of Portia (Nadi Kemp-Sayfi), between Brutus and the ghost of Caesar with the poignantly repeated refrain “I’m alive” from the song Nine Out of Ten by the exiled Brazilian, Caetano Velosa; and the movingly portrayed relationship between Brutus and their servant, Lucius (Jamal Ajala) using British Sign Language to communicate.

This is an excellent night at the theatre with not a sword or a toga in sight! A refreshing, inclusive and contemporary interpretation of Shakespeare, making his language relevant and pertinent for us all in our society at this time.

Sadlers Well Theatre – until 24th May 2023

Reviewed by Heather Chalkley

4****

Chaillot Théâtre national de la dansa bring you a unique piece that explores the boundaries of flight and freedom. The grace and fluidity of movement is almost hypnotic, except the strong dose of jeopardy that keeps you fully attentive.

The merge between art and extreme sports is reflected beautiful in the strength and skill of the performers. The dialogue, although small it is mighty in its impact. Rachid Ouramdane’s choreography creates a sense of flight and yearning to be at one with the sky, to be free. Fear is ever present, hovering in the very air. In its simplest form, the challenges faced in life that evoc such strong emotion are played out here by facing intense fear on the rock face or high wire and overcoming it.  Throw in self doubt, fear of failure, need to achieve and you have an explosive cocktail expressed through spectacular movement and dance, using a climbing wall and high wire as the stage! 

The set and staging is cleverly done so the projection of the cliff faces on the climbing wall feel quite real. The only mar for me is the quality of music. It is too loud and slightly distorted.

If you want an hour of exhilarating escapism that takes you into another worldly place,  Corps Extrêmes will not disappoint.

Blackpool Grand Theatre – until 27 May 2023

Reviewed by Debra Skelton

5*****

“Oliver Twist with a twist – you have to see it to believe it”

Unexpected Twist is based on the children’s story book written by one of the most renowned children’s authors, Michael Rosen. It cleverly combines two stories in one, Rosen’s story and the Dicken’s classic with a clear recreation of each character based on the iconic characters in Oliver Twist.

The story is set in a contemporary urban setting around Shona a teenage girl whose mother has passed away and father who has lost his job. This means that they move from place to place resulting in a struggle to support themselves and end up living predominantly on chips.

When Shona starts at a new school which is okay as far as schools go, she is still going through significant issues at home as now her maternal grandmother has become ill, and money is still tight so settling in is not easy. When reading through the book being taught in Miss Cavani’s English class which is Oliver Twist, Shona realises that there are quite a lot of similarities between Oliver’s life and her own and she starts to compare people in her life to characters from the novel.

Unfortunately, Shona becomes involved with the wrong crowd after being offered a free phone which sparks the start of discovering easy ways of making money even if it is illegal. This causes great concern for her father and especially her grandmother who does not want her to take after her dodgy business lifestyle.

By using the story of Oliver Twist, Miss Cavani, helps not only Shona but the rest of the class to understand areas such as illness, family, social care, poverty, and antisemitism. For Shona, Miss Cavani’s sympathy and concern helps her to understand the situation that she is in and how to get out of it.

This production starred Drew Hylton as Shona, Rosie Hilal as Miss Cavani, Thomas Vernal as Dad, and Polly Lister as Nan with an incredible cast that created such a presence on stage. Their voices were truly amazing and with the use of Beatboxing this created a unique way in which to tell a tale.

The production also needs special thanks to Conrad Murray for musical direction, Frankie Bradshaw for creating a set to adapt to all scenes, Leigh Davies for sound, Rory Beaton for the dazzling lighting and Arielle Smith for the streamlined choreography.

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 27 May 2023

Reviewed by Gemma Gibson

4****

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a love letter to growing old and growing old well. And with the backdrop of India, what’s not to love?

A group of seven eclectic British retirees travel across the world for a new start and adventure, where their lives quickly intertwine in the setting of a run-down hotel.

Despite the lack of promised luxury, The Marigold quickly finds a place in the hearts of its guests, with some twists, turns and interesting Indian cooking along the way.

This wholesome, feel-good comedy by Deborah Moggach will leave you with a new appreciation for growing old and living life to the full.

It was lovely watching each character transform with the charm of India, opening their eyes to the wonder of new opportunities and change, no matter their age or background. 

The casting of this show is exquisite. You can’t help but admire each character for their quirky one-liners, exciting secrets and warm hearts. It really is the best mix up of people played by some brilliant actors. 

Madge, played hilariously by Belinda Lang, got the biggest laughs on opening night, while Evelyn (Tessa Peake-Jones) won the audience over with the biggest character growth. Muriel (Marlene Sidaway) was my favourite, an absolute sweetheart oozing charisma and warmth. 

Hotel owners Sonny and his mother Mrs Kapoor (Nishad More and Rekha John-Cheriyan) are at the core of the show; not only frantically keeping a falling apart building on its feet, but celebrating Indian culture and customs and the importance of union, family and love.

This cast is energetic and effortlessly funny, a complete joy to watch.

While the set is quite static the hotel is a marvel to look at (especially transformed onstage for Christmas!), and the use of music and colour captures the history, nature and vibrancy of India beautifully.

My favourite scenes include the ending (fulfilling my love of dance and parties), the group coming together to create an advert for the hotel, and a touching revelation by Dorothy, played eloquently by Paola Dionisotti. 

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a great night out, reminding you that you’re never too old to take a chance and try something new. I’m ready to retire to India. 

Announcing the European premiere of the
multi award-winning manga stage musical

DEATH NOTE THE MUSICAL
Music by Frank Wildhorn, Lyrics by Jack Murphy, book by Ivan Menchell

©️Tsugumi Ohba, Takeshi Obata/SHUEISHA, HoriPro

A star-studded concert
directed by Nick WinstonLondon Palladium

Monday 21 & Tuesday 22 August

Tickets will go on sale 2 June, 2023

Following acclaimed productions in Japan and Korea Death Note: The Musical will get its English language premiere with two star-studded concerts at the London Palladium.

Based on the best-selling Japanese manga series  of the same name by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, this ground breaking musical (Winner Best Musical, Korea Musical Awards) has a score by Frank Wildhorn (‘Jekyll & Hyde’, 4 years on Broadway, ‘Dracula’, ‘Bonnie & Clyde’) with lyrics by Jack Murphy and book by Ivan Menchell.

It will be directed by Nick Winston and is produced by Carter Dixon McGill Production (‘Chess in Concert’, ‘Kinky Boots in Concert’, ‘Treason the Musical in Concert’) and Indie Theatrical.

Light Yagami, a bright but dissatisfied high school student in Tokyo comes across a discarded notebook owned by Ryuk, a mythological god of death. Discovering he can kill anyone by just writing their names in the supernatural notebook, Light takes justice into his own hands by filling the notebook with names of the nation’s most wanted criminals. But a detective only known as “L” is soon tracking him down…

Death Note: The Musical premiered in 2015 in Tokyo, Japan. A 2022 Korean production won four awards at the Korea Musical Awards after being nominated in 10 categories (“Death Note offers a glimpse at the future of musicals”, The Korea Herald).

In 2017, Netflix released a TV adaptation of ‘Death Note’ starring Willem Defoe.

Frank Wildhorn said: “Death Note: The Musical has been the most unique, strange, edgy, and wonderful musical journey for me. It’s been a dream of mine to bring this show from Asia to the West End of London, and here we are!”

The producers said: “We are beyond excited to be presenting the first English language production of Death Note: The Musical for two nights only this summer! Fans and those we look forward to welcoming into the world of Death Note are in for a musical treat.”

Cast to be announced.

Creative team:
Director and Choreographer Nick Winston
Associate Director and Choreographer Alex Sarmiento,
Costume Designer Kimie Nakano
Musical Supervisor  Katy Richardson
Musical Director Chris Ma
Orchestrator Jason Howland
Designer Justin Williams
Lighting Designer Ben Cracknell
Sound Designer Ben Harrison
Casting Harry Blumenau
Artwork by Rebecca Pitt Creative
Producers Carter Dixon McGill Productions and Indie Theatrical

Frank Wildhorn

In 1999, Frank became the first American composer in 22 years to have three shows running simultaneously on Broadway with Jekyll & Hyde, The Scarlet Pimpernel and The Civil War. Also for Broadway: Bonnie & Clyde, Dracula, Victor/Victoria, Wonderland, and the revival of Jekyll & Hyde. West End: Bonnie & Clyde. International: Carmen, Camille Claudel, Casanova, Cyrano, Death Note, Fist of the North Star, Mata Hari, Mitsuko, Never Say Goodbye, No Longer Human, Rudolf, Tears of Heaven, The Count of Monte Cristo, The Man Who Laughs, Your Lie in April and Xcalibur. Upcoming: Song of Bernadette and Reunion. He Produced Harlem Song at the famed Apollo Theatre. The Korea Times recently proclaimed Wildhorn as “Korea’s most popular musical composer”.

Carter Dixon McGill Productions

Carter Dixon McGill Productions are an Olivier nominated production and general management company with offices in London and Glasgow. Co-founded by John-Webb Carter, Jamie Chapman Dixon & Stephen McGill, they have over 30 years of experience within the entertainment industry.   Recent productions include: ‘Blippi the Musical ‘(Apollo Theatre & Lyric Theatre); ‘Chess the Musical in Concert’ (Drury Lane Theatre); ‘Kinky Boots the Musical in Concert’ (Drury Lane Theatre); ‘Treason the Musical in Concert’ (Drury Lane Theatre). Previous productions include: ‘Wonderville: Magic & Illusion’ (Palace Theatre, London); ‘Death Drop’ (Criterion Theatre, Garrick Theatre & UK Tour).

Indie Theatrical

Indie Theatrical was established in 2014 by Broadway veteran, Louis Hobson, and theatrical producer, Jake Groshong. In addition to serving as Frank Wildhorn’s US producer, Indie has created global partnerships and established collaborations with industry leaders, top regional theatres, festivals, film and theatre producers, both domestically & internationally, to produce a wide variety of programming.  Credits include ‘Grey House’ on Broadway, executive producer of the 2023 Grammy nominated album, ‘Some Lovers’, by Burt Bacharach and Steven Sater; Shaun Cassidy’s ‘Magic of the Midnight Sky’; and Frank Wildhorn’s, ‘The Song of Bernadette’, which is will premiere in 2024 by special arrangement with Buena Vista Theatrical.  Indie is also currently developing Frank Wildhorn’s new musicals ‘Reunion’, and ‘Your Lie In April’, which will both premiere in 2024.

Carter Dixon McGill Productions
and Indie Theatrical
present

Death Note The Musical
in Concert
Music by Frank Wildhorn,
Lyrics by Jack Murphy, book by Ivan Menchell
©️Tsugumi Ohba, Takeshi Obata/SHUEISHA, HoriPro

London Palladium
8 Argyll Street,
London
W1F 7TF

Monday 21 & Tuesday 22 August
at 7.30pm

running time:
tbc

age recommendation
tbc

Tickets: tbc

Tickets will go on sale 2 June, 2023

Booking link:
www.lwtheatres.co.uk

SOCIAL MEDIA

Twitter
@ CDMProds
@frankwildhorn

Facebook
@frankwildhorn

Instagram
@frank.wildhorn

JW3 – until 23 May 2023

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

3***

Julia Pascal’s warm and witty play tells the story of three Jewish sisters and their mother, based on Pascal’s own family. The play spans the years from 1910 to 2013, although the narrative is not linear, with jumps through time and space. The cast announce each scene, making it easier to keep track of the main story, and the history of each character is easy to follow.

Esther (Rosie Yadid) reluctantly marries Emmanuel (Eoin O’Dubhghaill) in Bucharest in 1910. Fleeing persecution, they come to Manchester and their three daughters grow up there. The eldest, Isabel (Lesley Lightfoot) dreams of being a doctor’s wife, while Edith (Giselle Wolf) becomes a soldier and the youngest, Pearl (Amanda Maud) marries a GI. The dreams and voice they had growing up are silenced with marriage, but Edith continues her career throughout her unhappy relationships. The prejudice faced as Jewish women born to foreign nationals (their parents couldn’t afford to naturalise) are stark, and Edith’s conversion to marry her Christian soldier is particularly unsettling.

The play’s narrative becomes purposefully more muddled, with switches through time getting briefer as an ailing, elderly Isabel bemoans her lot and confused memories of perceived slights and unfairness pile up in her mind. Once this change of rhythm settles, it works well, portraying the jumbling of thoughts as mind and body fade. There are many hard-hitting topics affecting these women’s lives – religious prejudice, racism, misogyny – but Pascal also highlights the moments of joy in their life, with a wonderful sense of mischief and humour throughout to add some lightness. There are some lovely musical numbers, with the cast’s voices working wonderfully together. The ensemble work is crisp and engaging. Eoin O’Dubhghaill is lots of fun as the initially promising, but always disappointing, men in the women’s life, and Rosie Yadid is very impressive as the matriarch and various other characters. Both shine using a wide range of accents.

A Manchester Girlhood is a noble and satisfying play. Its structure may not appeal to everyone, but Pascal has given these women a voice that deserves to be heard