Central Reviews

Original Music: Stu Barker Writer: Mike Akers from the books by Astrid Lindgren Directors: Jesse Jones and Helena Middleton Reviewer: James Garrington In the town of Little Town, deep in the middle of nowhere special, everything is ordinary. The people thrive on being absolutely average, it all works like clockwork and everyone is content – except perhaps young Tommy and ...

Director: Corey Campbell Reviewer: Nicole Craft The more traditional Belgrade Theatre ‘anti-panto’ offerings have been somewhat hit and miss over the last few years. Alcohol seemed a must to find the continuous streams of puns even remotely funny and it was never clear whether acting or direction was truly at fault for the failings of what remained. With, new to ...

Book and Lyrics: Oscar Hammerstein II Music: Richard Rodgers Director: Bartlett Sher Reviewer: Selwyn Knight Originally produced in 1951 about a small Asian country struggling to retain its independence and identity in the nineteenth century, one might ask what can The King and I offer now, nearly 160 years after the events it portrays and nearly 70 years after its ...

Writer: Alan McHugh with additional material by Joe Pasquale Director: Jonny Bowles and Joe Pasquale Reviewer: Maggie Constable t’s that time of year again. Hop on board the magic flying carpet at Milton Keynes Theatre for the ride of a lifetime that is the Aladdin pantomime. It stars none other than Lee Mead as Aladdin with Joe Pasquale as Wishee ...

Writer and Director: Ian Adams Reviewer: Clare White There is much to celebrate at Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre, as this year’s spectacular seasonal offering Dick Whittington coincides with the venue’s 125th anniversary. In search of fame and fortune, ambitious Dick arrives in London believing the streets are paved with gold. However, his quest for success is blighted by the villainous Queen Rat, ...

Writers: Georgia Christou and Liam Steel adapted from the play and book by J. M. Barrie Director: Liam Steel Reviewer: Selwyn Knight In the programme notes to Peter Pan, director Liam Steel says he wanted to, ‘create a new adaptation … that reflected the audience of today.’ He also wanted it to be very much Wendy’s story.  Wendy Darling and ...

Writer: Alan McHugh Director: Guy Unsworth Reviewer: James Garrington It’s panto time in Nottingham. This year’s offering at the Theatre Royal is Cinderella – and it’s everything that we’ve come to expect from a Theatre Royal panto. A star-studded cast, beautiful costumes and stunning special effects are the order of the day, and this panto has them all. Headlining this ...

Musical Arrangments and Original Music: Jon Lorenz Writer: Lance Arthur Smith, adapted from the 1947 Lux Radio Theater presentation Directors: Karl Steele and Adam Lacey Reviewer: Selwyn Knight The 1947 film Miracle on 34th Street is a staple at Christmastime, which is no surprise as it has everything, including three Oscars, for Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Story and Best Screenplay. ...