theatre royal

Having never been to a modern dance performance before, I confess that I did not know what to expect in regards to Rambert. However, it is a mark of the talent of the group of dancers, and the musicians who accompanied the three pieces staged, that I still thoroughly...

‘There’s shoes upon the table an’ a joker in the pack…’ Blood bonds, fragmented families and a sinister secret; Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers takes the concept of twins separated at birth and creates an intense fable that warns of the dangers of hidden pacts and explores the nature vs...

‘It’s a girl’ – the words that both open and end director Sally Cookson’s stage vision of Jane Eyre. In my opinion, there couldn’t be a more apt way of rounding up Charlotte Brontë’s well known tale. Jane’s journey from powerless child to strong, spirited, independent woman in this...

Based on a children’s novel by Jacqueline Wilson, Hetty Feather is a show for all ages. With humour, heartache, and at times a horrendous temper, Phoebe Thomas’ Hetty is the glue that holds together a strong team of six actors, as they present this incredible story. Thomas not only brings Hetty...

You will not be disappointed by this timeless classic of a panto…oh no you won’t! Christopher Biggins’ ebullient performance as Widow Twankey carries the production, with the aid of her increasingly inexplicable and outrageous outfits. All the ‘pantomime-musts’ were ticked, and it went beyond anything I remember from childhood,...

Upon entering the theatre, the indistinguishable set is visible, acting as a balcony for the orchestra. Never before have I seen a show where the conductor is always visible; an interesting but valuable choice that only added to the musical aspect of this production. After an amazing overture featuring...

Another opening, another show! This is how Opera North open their production of Cole Porter’s backstage musical Kiss Me Kate, with an appropriately meta-theatrical number about opening a show for the first time. Flawless, full of energy and an all-round feel-good performance; this opening number sets the tone for...