Gentleman Jack – So Good We Reviewed it Twice!
Northern Ballet‘s contemporary ballet drawn from the life of Halifax’s Anne Lister, better known as Gentleman Jack, offers a refreshing approach to dance. The production doesn’t rely on the audience’s familiarity with an established storyline in the way canonical works such as Romeo and Juliet, The Nutcracker or Swan Lake often do. Instead, the choreography […]
The Marriage of Figaro: at Leeds Grand Theatre Until 20 February
Opera North’s new Marriage of Figaro is a clear and confident revival, introducing a recognisable modern setting. As a result, the developing story feels easy to follow and relevant. Director Louisa Muller and designer Madeleine Boyd set the opera in a struggling English country house, now dependent on tourism. Visitors wander through, taking photos, while […]
Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker: at Leeds Grand Theatre Until 4 January
The Nutcracker, currently playing at Opera North in the Leeds Grand Theatre, is a lively and playful take on the traditional Christmas ballet. Rather than trying to reinvent the story completely, the production focuses on fun and imagination, which makes it feel welcoming and easy to engage with. One of the strongest impressions across the […]
Sing and Swing: Our American Songbook at the Howard Assembly Room on 12 November.
Last night, I attended Sing and Swing: Our American Songbook at the Howard Assembly Room. The ensemble from New York’s Lincoln Centre recreated the energy and style of early twentieth-century American jazz with clarity and precision. The performance showed that jazz remains a living, dynamic form. Two singers led the programme, each with a distinct […]
To Kill a Mockingbird — at Leeds Playhouse Until 4 October. Reviewed by Maria Forryan and Anne Guy
To Kill A Mockingbird – A Masterclass in Excellence. Maria Forryan Last night I saw To Kill a Mockingbird — Harper Lee’s classic reimagined in Aaron Sorkin’s new play, directed with brilliance by Bartlett Sher. Performed at our very own Leeds Playhouse, this has to be one of the most powerful and accomplished productions I’ve […]
