Fawlty Towers: at Leeds Grand Theatre Until 10 January
Fawlty Towers is one of those rare sitcoms that memorably achieved national treasure status after just twelve episodes. Twelve! That’s it. And yet Basil, Sybil and Manuel are as ingrained in British culture as afternoon tea and waiting in lines. So the big question is: can this much-loved TV classic successfully transition to the stage, or will […]
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 […]
Opera North: David Fennessy: Pass The Spoon at Howard Assembly Room Until 21 December
Opera North’s own programme notes are carefully aimed at leaving its audience anticipating something altogether weird and wonderful, but it turns out to be a promise on which, sadly, Nicholas Bone’s production only half-delivers. Though not for want of trying … Bet Palmer‘s stage set whisks us over to a daytime television cookery programme, with […]
Elliott Hudson College’s Alice in Wonderland – A Wondrous Example of Children’s Theatre
Throughout my reviewing and my own personal experience on stage, I’ve found it’s very rare that children’s theatre gets its due. As loud, colourful and magical as the productions are, they go unnoticed. They’re hidden in a small corner of the theatre world, perceived as something unimportant by some, as they’re for children. However, I […]
Stick Man at Leeds Playhouse: A Stick-Sized Story With Tree-Mendous Heart
Stick Man at Leeds Playhouse is the perfect festive treat for little theatre-goers aged around 2–10 years old (and for the parents who’d quite like an hour of wholesome fun that won’t require emergency snacks or bribes). This year’s production is as clever, crafty and charming as it was when I first saw it at […]
