Reviews
Review: Here & Now ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham 19-11-24 by Clive Payne Here & Now, the musical built around the iconic hits of Steps, is a joyous and uplifting celebration of pop music and nostalgia. Running in Birmingham until 30 November 2024, after a date extension due to phenomenal demand, this production captures the […]
Review: Lizzie Hope Mill Theatre 20-10-24 by Tiffany Chevis It’s August in 1892 in Fall River, Massachusetts, and the Borden household is shaken to its core by the brutal murders of Andrew and Abby Borden, the domineering father and stepmother of Emma and Lizzie. The prime suspect is the youngest sister, accused of killing the […]
Review: Why Am I So Single? ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Garrick Theatre 13-09-24 by Jamie Griffiths Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, the creative minds behind the smash hit (and Matinee Radio favourite) Six, bring their signature blend of sharp wit and emotional depth to Why Am I So Single?, a “big fancy” musical that’s as dazzling as […]
Review: & Juliet Manchester Opera House: 11th July 2024 by Mark Gabler ⭐⭐⭐⭐ & Juliet is an pretty spectacular night out at the theatre transporting you into a multi-layered world where William Shakespeare (2010 X Factor winner Matt Cardle) and his wife Anne Hathaway are ‘reimagining the ending ‘ of his Romeo & Juliet play […]
Review: I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 03-07-24 Hope Mill Theatre by Jamie Griffiths “I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical” has just begun it’s first full scale UK tour at Hope Mill Theatre, an absolute gem in Manchester’s theatre scene. Originally a hit at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and played on […]
Review: Closer To Heaven ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Turbine Theatre: June 2023 by Jamie Griffiths I’ve been eagerly awaiting the chance to see Closer to Heaven since its original production at the Arts Theatre in 2001. The Pet Shop Boys and Jonathan Harvey have created a masterpiece that evokes 90s club culture in a way that perhaps […]
Review: Burlesque the Musical ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 25-06-24 World Premiere Gala Performance – Manchester Opera House by Jamie Griffiths Whenever a film is turned into a musical, I have major reservations. They can be pale facsimiles of the original material, but i am delighted to say that Steven Antin’s Burlesque: The Musical has avoided all such traps […]
Review – Little Shop of Horrors 19-05-24 Westside Theatre, NYC by Jamie Griffiths In the heart of Broadway’s bustling theatre district, a revival of Little Shop of Horrors emerges as a spectacular showcase of talent, innovation, and pure theatrical magic. Led by a stellar cast, including a career defining turn by Jinkx Monsoon, Corbin Bleu […]
Review: Jesus Christ Superstar 21/05/2024 – The Lowry by Tiffany Chevis Jesus Christ Superstar has been a theatrical megahit for over 50 years, helping elevate Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice as the kings of musical theatre. The sung-through rock musical depicts Jesus’ last week from the perspective of Judas, unravelling questions of betrayal, faith, […]
Review: Kinky Boots 08-05/24 Storyhouse, Chester – by Jamie Griffiths Here on Matinee we’ve been charting the progression of this new production of Kinky Boots, staged at the Storyhouse in Chester, with eager anticipation. It’s another significant production that is sure to put Storyhouse on the map – and I’m pleased to say it delivers […]
