Reviews
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 […]
Review: Bonnie and Clyde 07/05/24: Manchester Palace Theatre by Jamie Griffiths Bonnie and Clyde has come on tour direct from the West End where it swiftly earned a devoted fanbase. Withing a matter of minutes it’s clear to see what’s appealed to audiences – this is a thrilling ride through the tumultuous lives of America’s […]
Review: 42 Balloons ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 02-05-24 World Premiere Gala Performance – The Lowry, Salford Quays by Jamie Griffiths The decision to write a musical about Larry Walter’s flight in a lawn chair over LA in 1982 is, at first glance, rather leftfield, but Jack Godfrey saw something in Larry that is worth sharing. For many months […]
Review: The Gap Jamie Griffiths: Hope Mill Theatre 14-02-24 Given the calibre of the writing talent, I went to see The Gap with high expectations, especially given Jim Cartwright’s previous success with heart-warming northern dramas and duologues. In this production, directed by Anthony Banks, our two protagonists are unlikely friends Corral and Walter (Denise Welch […]
