Central Reviews

Music and Lyrics: Howard Blake Director: Bill Alexander Reviewer: Maggie Constable There is not a better time to see The Snowman at Milton Keynes theatre than at this foggy, frosty time of year just after Christmas. It brings back the magic that so often seems lost at the start of the January Based on Raymond Briggs’ much-adored book and Diane Jackson’s film of the ...

Writer: Rob Winlow Director: Timothy Trimingham Lee Reviewer: John Kennedy It is a truth universally acknowledged that many a review of Jane Austen adaptations has the misfortune of being in want of a less contrived introduction. Axiomatic as that may be, tonight’s songs celebrate a singular panache for delivering melodies more memorable for their immediate context and sincerity rather than any lasting recollection. The ...

Writers: Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields Director: Mark Bell Reviewer: Maggie Constable The Derngate houses this week, at the start of its U.K tour,  The Play That Goes Wrong, a wonderful piece of comic theatre which leaves its audience questioning the title; it should, surely have been ‘drastically wrong’! This is the play’s third year, with accolades aplenty, ...

Conductor: Richard Balcombe Reviewer: Selwyn Knight This year’s Raymond Gubbay Christmas Festival at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall is now drawing to a close, but there are still some goodies to come. Tonight, the spotlight is turned on the leading ladies of musical theatre as Richard Balcombe conducts the London Concert Orchestra, and musical theatre stars Louise Dearman, Kerry Ellis, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt ...

Conductor: John Rigby Reviewer: James Garrington Christmas in Birmingham – and what better way to get into the festive spirit than walking through the German Market to Symphony Hall for one of their annual seasonal concerts. The London Concert Orchestra opens proceedings, presenting Leroy Anderson’s overture A Christmas Festival, an arrangement of carols and Christmas music which sets the mood ...

Book: Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice Director: Des McAnuff Music: Bob Gaudio Reviewer: Clare White Oh, what a night, late December back in, well, 2017 – award-winning musical Jersey Boys premières its second national tour at the New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham. Since opening on Broadway in 2002, the acclaimed musical has been seen and loved by over 25 million ...

Devised by Tall Stories  Director: Toby Mitchell Reviewer: RL Bartholomew It's New Year's Eve night and the wolves are about. These rough and tumble guys are out to teach a life lesson to young Billy -  a  spoilt, indulged and mollycoddled little goat - and it's one lesson he would bleat loudly about, and probably won't ever forget. Skittish and ...

Writers: Michael Harrison and Alan McHugh  Director: Michael Harrison Reviewer: James Garrington Each year the Birmingham Hippodrome panto seems to be more spectacular than the year before – and 2017 is no exception. This time it’s Cinderella, and you know you’re going to be in for something special when you find a famous soul diva belting out the opening number ...