Writer/Director: Kevin Finnan Nobody, the new dance/circus production from Motionhouse Dance, has a sinister opening. Although the cast are depicting a murder of crows, their synchronised movements are almost robotic and artificial rather than natural. There is, however, no mistaking the atmosphere of menace as they crane their necks scanning the horizon as if searching for prey. Sophie Donaldson’s costumes, resembling shreds of bondage gear, bring a shabby sense of desperation. The crows, we’re told, represent the inner voices of the characters as they try to make sense of their lives. It is hard, however, after the stress of the…
Author: The Reviews Hub - North West
The Reviews Hub - North West
The North West team is under the editorship of John McRoberts. The Reviews Hub was set up in 2007. Our mission is to provide the most in-depth, nationwide arts coverage online.
Writer: William Shakespeare Director: Laurie Sansom Northern Broadsides has been producing plays for the past 30 years and are celebrating their long reign of making classics with Northern voices. Working alongside the New Vic theatre they present As You Like it written by William Shakespeare and directed by Laurie Sansom. While the essence of the story stays true to the original it is a play that has been brushed down and whipped into shape to bring it unapologetically into 2022. Staged within the New Vic’s theatre in the round, the set is simple but thought-provoking. Washing lines of various styles…
Writer: Vinay Patel Director: Kash Arshad Inspired by the life story of his grandparents, Vinay Patel’s An Adventure is a continent-crossing drama, steeped in social and cultural tension, yet rich in romance and pathos. After its premiere at the Bush Theatre in 2018, it now falls into the hands of director Kash Arshad who has triumphantly staged this story, spanning several decades and locations, so that it interweaves seamlessly through time and place. A portrait of marriage across a lifetime, the piece opens with a sparky scene played out between it’s leading players – two wide-eyed youngsters, eager to…
Writer: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Adaptor: Steven Canny & John Nicholson Director: Tim Jackson & Lotte Wakeham Such is the public affection for Sherlock Holmes and his deductive genius that now it seems even the stage adaptations are beginning to acquire classic status. This comic retelling of perhaps the best-loved of the super sleuth’s adventures – adapted by Steven Canny and John Nicholson for Peepolykus way back in 2007 – has now racked up an incredible 150 productions. Holmes and his loyal companion Dr. Watson are once again enlisted to unravel the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville, the apparent…
Writers: Hamish McColl, Eddie Brabben, Sean Foley Director: Sean Foley Over eighty years since Morecambe and Wise’s first appearance as a double act and just over twenty years since this piece debuted at the Liverpool Everyman, this wonderful production by Hamish McColl, Eddie Brabben and Sean Foley, is revived, under the exquisite direction of the afore-mentioned Foley. With a trio of electrically charged comedic actors at the helm, it’s no wonder this Olivier award winning production has the Lowry theatre in stitches from start to finish. If you’re looking for the perfect way to escape the bleak mid-winter, or even…