Great Expectations - Royal Exchange Theatre

Great Expectations at the Royal Exchange - photo by Ellie Kurttz

I WAS somewhat perplexed by the RET’s decision to open its new season with the stage version of a story which many of us, including myself, know backwards.

But Tanika Gupta’s adaptation of the classic Dickens tale, set in India as rumours of the country’s partition stir up civil unrest, was a theatrical experience I will never forget.

I was so wrong, spectacularly so.

Gupta has retained the themes of one of the greatest novels of all time, while inviting the audience to look at this epic and moving and ultimately uplifting tale through fresh eyes.

All the familiar characters are here from the disarmingly decent Pip, re-named Pipli here, to the unashamedly amoral lawyer Jaggers to Pipli’s hard working guardian Jagu Ganguly, or Joe in the original.

If Esh Alladi doesn’t win an award for his Pipli, a young man who grows up before our eyes there really is no justice out there. As his tormentor in chief Miss Havisham, Catherine Russell plays the role with just the right amount of vitriol and we feel for poor Pipli as the woman scorned gently taunts him with the seemingly unreachable in the shape of the enigmatic Estella, a study in aloofness.

Pooja Ghai, the production’s director, should also make space on his mantlepiece when they’re giving out the theatre gongs as this is one of those occasions when you forget you’re watching actors and totally immersing yourself in the action takes no effort at all.

I would like to say this Great Expectations is brilliant. In reality, it’s far better than that.

Until October 7. Tickets are available from 0161 833 9833 or www.royalexchange.co.uk.

Star rating - 5/5.

Everybody's Talking About Jamie - The Lowry

CHASING your dreams takes a lot of courage and determination, especially when social and peer pressures seem to be conspiring against you.

And so it is with Jamie, growing up gay in a macho, northern city. Despite the bullying and being dumped by his dad, the hero/heroine of this heartfelt and hilarious piece has a burning ambition.

He dreams of being a drag queen.

The musical was inspired by the true story of one Jamie Campbell and the story has been transplanted to Sheffield. While the location has switched from Campbell’s native north east, this is a tale with universal themes of love, tolerance and acceptance.

Ivano Turco’s sultry and soulful voice makes him an ideal Jamie and there’s a touching, very real chemistry between him and Talia Palamathanan, who plays his best friend Pritti quite superbly.

But it’s Jamie’s relationship with his loving, devoted if at times perplexed mum Margaret that provides the most memorable and moving moments, with Turco and Margaret McKinnis creating an unmistakable, believable bond.

I also really enjoyed John Partridge as Hugo, Jamie’s unofficial mentor in sequins.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie issure to figure strongly in topics of conversation for a long time to come.

I, for one, won’t forget this in a hurry. Unmissable.

Until September 17. Star rating - 5

Tickets are available from 0343 208 6000 or www.thelowry.com.

Rory's hoping to make a good impression as quiz host Tarrant

RORY Bremner will star as Chris Tarrant in Quiz - The Coughing Major Millionaire Scandal at The Lowry from October 24-28.

The top impressionist will be joined on stage by Shakespeare and Hathaway star Mark Benton, one of my favourite actors, among others.

The play, inspired by true events surrounding an episode of the hugely popular TV quiz show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? and is a work of pure fiction.

Anyone interested in booking tickets should call 0343 208 6000 or you can book online at www.thelowry.com.

Treat for comedy fans at The Lowry as big names head to Salford

FANS of comedy may be forgiven for thinking all their birthdays have come at once when The Crown Jewels comes to The Lowry.

Al Murray, Neil Morrissey, Mel Giedroyc and Joe Thomas are set to appear in the play by BAFTA nominee and Men Behaving Badly creator Simon Nye..

The comedy drama, which comes to Salford from the West End, was inspired by the true story of one of our most infamous heists.

But despite the events taking place 350 years ago, many of the issues in the piece are still relevant today, according to Nye, whose writing cv also includes The Durrells.

He said: “The cast is an amazing array of comedy talent and the subject matter absurdly topical today - satire, love, violence, an examination of monarchy and Anglo Ieish relations.”

The Crown Jewels will be staged at The Lowry from September 19-23 and tickets are available from 0343 208 6000 or www.thelowry.com

Brand new take on much loved Dickens classic

THE Royal Exchange Theatre has teamed up with Tamashna to bring aa classic tale to the streets of Bengal.

Great Expectations is to be set amid the turmoil of Indian partition with Holby City’s Catherine Russell, pictured, taking on the role of the bitter and twisted Miss Havisham.

I am not going to give anything away for those of you coming to this wonderful story for the first time.

However, Miss Havisham is for me one of the most fascinating and quietly formidable characters to emerge from the imagination of this literary giant’s remarkable imagination.

The Royal Exchange presents Great Expectations from September 8 to October 7.

For tickets and further details call 0161 833 9833 or bookings can be made online at www.royalexchange.co.uk.

Something for everyone down by the Waterside

AS Greater Manchester enjoys its scorching summer - says I with a huge dollop of irony - the Waterside Arts Centre has just revealed its autumn/winter season.

And there’s plenty to put a smile on the faces of theatregoers on those dark and chilly nights.

For me, one of the highlights is Henry Normal Collected Poems and Other Landfill on October 5.

This unique performer is sure to shatter any preconceptions people have about poetry and I fondly remember him tickling my funny bone at the iconic Buzz comedy club in Chorlton.

Other highlights include The Unknown Soldier on September 8 and Enid Blyton - Noddy, Big Ears and Lashings of Controversy on October 6.

Controversy - now there’s a word I thought I’d never see associated with the much loved children’s author.

For tickets and further information on the new WAC season, call 0161 912 5616 or visit watersidearts.org.

Spend a night behind bars - prison classic launches new Garrick season

ALTRINCHAM Garrick’s new season launches with The Shawshank Redemption from September 14-23.

This is the compelling tale of Andy Dufresne, sent to prison for the murder of his wife and her lover while claiming his innocence.

One of my favourite films, this production is classed as suitable for those theatregoers who are over the age of 14.

Performances are at 7.30pm and the run also includes matinees.

For tickets call 0161 928 1677 or you can book online at www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk.

Romeo and Juliet - The Lowry

THE words ‘traditional’ and ‘convention’ are simply not a part of Matthew Bourne’s DNA and the trend continues with this memorable and captivating interpretation of Shakespeare’s classic love story.

As far as settings go, it’s the most inappropriate of locations for a romance to thrive, a stark and austere looking backdrop which feels, looks and sounds like some sort of institution.

In the programme notes, the always brilliant and forever ground breaking Bourne says it’s up to the audience to decide where we are.

For me, we’re in some sort of psychiatric hospital presided over by a despotic regime which tries to drug its exclusively young inmates into submission.

After all, it tends to be the young who tend to be at the forefront of social change and the fictional Verona Institute exists to silence them.

We critics have our tried and tested stock of superlatives when it comes to conveying just how good an evening of theatre actually is.

But when it comes to the choreography of Matthew Bourne and his aptly christened company New Adventures you simply have to experience it.

This ballet visionary has also made it his mission to bring a new audience to the genre and judging by the considerable number of young people at The Lowry he’s succedding.

When you add Prokofiev’s iconic score you have a truly magical theatrical mix and I guarantee you’ll fall in love with this touching and tender tale all over again.

Until July 15.

The box office is on 0343 208 6000 or you can book online at www.thelowry.com.

Star rating - *****

Untitled F**** M*ss S**gon Play - Royal Exchange Theatre

KIMBER Lee’s prize winning piece, currently receiving its world premiere at Manchester’s Royal Exchange, is one of the most breathtakingly original plaays I’ve seen for a very long time.

For the first 20 minutes or so I felt it was nothing more than a light-hearted send up of musicals like Miss Saigon and shows of their ilk.

But Lee intelligently uses these shows as the starting point to rail against Asian stereotypes, both on stage and in real life via a rather wonderful actress called Mei Mac.

Mac plays the heroine of the piece, Kim, and expends so much energy you’d be forgiven for thinking spontaneous combustion is a distinct possibility.

Her sense of timing is exemplary, as is that of the rest of the cast. But there’s nothing preachy or entitled about the remarkable writing of Kimber Lee and I guarantee at no point in the evening will members of the audience feel excluded even if they can’t instantly identify with Kim.

All you need to enjoy this is a sense of fairness and justice. But the writer handles her themes in a hugely entertaining way.

I also really enjoyed Tom Weston-Jones as Clark, the archetypal romantic hero when we first meet him.

This play is sure to live long in the memory and not just for the first and rather naughty word in its title.

I hope director Roy Alexander Weise have a huge hit on their hands especially in an age where too many theatres are too content to play it safe in terms of their programming.

Until July 22.

Highly recommended.

For tickets call 0161 933 9833 or visit royalexchange.co,uk.

Star rating - ****

Photo - Richard Davenport from The Other Richard

Into The Woods - Altrincham Garrick

THERE’S a misconception in some circles, that the musicals of Stephen Sondheim are difficult to “get into.”

While his scores pose certain vocal challenges for the actors not found in other shows, they are there to be enjoyed by everybody, rather like the plays of a certain William Shakespeare.

Lesser composers spoon feed audiences emotion but this American great is far more subtle with lyrics often characterised by a sublime turn of phrase.

You might have got the impression that I’m a fan.

The Garrick’s decision to appoint Joe Meighan as its artistic director was a stroke of genius and he’s consistently proving there’s no such thing as forbidden theatrical territory for the company based on Barrington Road.

Together with musical director Steven Mercer-Murray he’s created a memorable musical journey that’s sure to live long in the memory of all who see it.

Who better to make it with than a colourful and vibrant menagerie of fairytale characters from a dutiful and downtrodden Cinderella, complete with her hideous, bullying sisters to Rapunzel, pining away in her tower.

Now comes the hardest part - the part where I’ve supposed to single out the best performances. I’m not going to do that, for the simple reason that entire cast is equally adept when it comes to the afore mentioned vocal challenges and display a flawless comic timing during the lighter parts of the show. Of which there are many.

Absolutely outstanding - a major musical triumph for all concerned.

Until June 24. Star rating - *****

For tickets, call 0161 928 1677 or visit www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk.

Photo - Martin Ogden.

Love is in the air at Manchester's Royal Exchange

AS the country swelters, Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre has just announced its autumn/winter season.

All the plays have a romantic theme, starting with an adaptation of the Dickens classic Great Expectations from September 8 to October 7.

This will be followed by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet from October 20 November 18.

For tickets call 0161 833 9833 or visit www.royalexchange.co.uk.

Classic love story given the Bourne treatment

MATTHEW Bourne’s New Adventures and Sadlers Wells have joined forces to bring world class dance to The Lowry with its production of Romeo and Juliet.

Any project Bourne’s involved in is always exciting and innovative and this promises to be no exception.

Romeo and Juliet will be sending audiences swooning in Salford from July 11-15 and for tickets call 0343 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com.

Performance details are also available from the box office.

Photo by Johan Persson.

Last Summer at Blue Fish Cove - Lauriston Studio at Altrincham Garrick

Outstanding - Last Summer at Bluefish Cove

ALTRINCNHAM Garrick has saved the best until last to bring down the curtain on its LGBTQ+ season at its studio theatre.

As far as plays are concerned, its remarkable to think this masterpiece from Jane Chambers is 40 years old, for it feels so fresh, so invigorating.

While progress has undoubtedly been made as regards gay rights, many of the themes Chambers raises are sadly still relevant today, such as the fear of being ostracised by family and friends when members of this community take the decision to “come out.”

The piece is set in a holiday retreat popular lesbians and contains characters that are bright, fun, funny and free from the shackles of the stereotype. The two hours I spent in their company positively flew by.

The acting is so good, so flawless I actually forgot I was watching actors which was doubtlessly a tribute to director Helen Horridge and a cast who deliver performances of a professional standard.

They certainly behave and sound like real friends and have a camaraderie that’s as effortless as it is engaging. They also have a story to tell, most notably Lil, played so powerfully by Philippa Shellard.

A beautifully observed piece, it also lifts the lid on the lives of the other characters in a way that’s sure to keep you rapt and entertained.

But it feels unjust to single out individuals for adulation because Melanie Beswick, Meg Brassington, Ros Greenwood, Madeleine Healey, Brigid Hemmingway, Patti Linnett and Laura Patterson all play their part in a production richly deserving of its standing ovation on opening night.

Go and make sure this landmark play sells out. This is, most definitely, a must see.

Until June 11. Tickets are available from 0161 928 1677 or www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk.

Star rating - *****

Photo - Martin Ogden.

Witness for the Prosecution - Altrincham Garrick

MOST of us can’t resist a good courtroom drama, the chance to play detective, safe in the knowledge that any decision we make won’t impact at all in real life.

It’s remarkable just how fresh Witness for the Prosecution sounds, when you take into consideration this Agatha Christie masterpiece premiered in London some 70 years ago. Even if some of the social attitudes on display here deserve no place in a modern and supposedly civilised society.

Mike Shaw’s production is so utterly engrossing the audience’s attention is held in a vice like grip throughout and the first act, which is 90 minutes long, positively flies by.

The man in the dock is Leonard Vole, a genteel character who comes across like an old school clergyman rather than a killer. But he stands accused of murdering a wealthy woman and seems to have all the motivation he needed to carry out the dirty deed.

Tom Broughton’s performance as Vole is of a professional standard and you can’t help feel sorry for him as his horrendous wife Romaine destroys his alibi much to his disgust and disbelief as he faces the possibility of the death penalty if he’s found guilty.

Antonia Whitehead is perfect as the spouse from hell.

Defending Vole is Sir Wilfred Robarts, an old school, charismatic QC brought to life so engagingly by the ever watchable Jonathan Black.

Shaw and Barry Purves have pooled their creative talents to create an authentic courtroom set and Garrick stalwart Geoff Holman provides some much needed light relief as the Judge, with some humorous interruptions to some very serious proceedings.

And then there’s the twist at the end, a twist you’re certain not to see coming unless you’ve seen the film or the play itself.

Highly recommended.

Until May 27. Star rating - ****

Tickets are available from 0161 928 1677 or www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk.

Photo by Martin Ogden.

The Way Old Friends Do - The Lowry

AS a teenager I dismissed Abba as a safe, uninspiring pop group your parents listened to. Even though my own musical tastes at the time were hardly punk rock.

The Swedish supergroup are, I know admit, minus my adolescent blinkers, responsible for a string of classics that sound just as good 40 years on from their original release.

Abba and their music feature strongly in this heartfelt and hilarious comedy from Ian Hallard. But The Way Old Friends Do, about an Abba tribute band with a mighty difference, isn’t really about them at all.

It’s a play about friendship and having the courage of your convictions in the face of homophobia. Just like a real band, the one founded by two previously estranged gay friends, have their own personal struggles to overcome, challenges that threaten the future of a group initially formed on a sort of whim.

Hallard himself and James Bradshaw are perfect together as Peter and Edward, the long lost pals on a musical mission to pay tribute to the group Peter in particular adores and, like the rest of the cast, display a sense of comic timing that’s second to one. Edward’s camp and caustic put downs are well worth the ticket fee on their own.

I really enjoyed Sara Crowe as the wonderful Mrs C.

While this superb comedy touches on more serious stuff it does so in a very entertaining and engaging manner and together with the laughs, that come thick and fast, combine to create an evening of theatre you simply won’t want to end.

I would expect nothing less from Mark Gatiss, for me one of our most gifted directors. Everything he touches just turns to gold.

The Way Old Friends Do simply must not be missed. Rib achingly funny, it also has a big heart.

Until May 27. The box office is on 0343 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com.

Star rating - ****

No Pay No Way - Royal Exchange Theatre

FARCES had never appealed to me in the past, with their formulaic humour and shrill silliness, people getting caught in compromising positions, usually minus important items of clothing.

But No Pay No Way, the latest production from the Royal Exchange, is different. This is a farce with social bite. The characters inhabit a world of high inflation, where people are choosing between eating or heating.

Does that sound in any way familiar?

Life is still a perennial struggle for the so-called ordinary Joe in Marieke Hardy’s oh so apt new version of Fo and Rame’s comedy classic. But in this production us audience members never felt like we were being preached at.

It simply reminds us that it is possible to laugh and think at the same time thanks to Hardy’s engaging and laugh out loud funny script and a cast who treat us to a masterclass in comedy timing.

Anwar Russell, who plays a number of ridiculous and cartoonish policemen is a classic case in point and there’s also a kooky chemistry between Samantha Power and Katherine Pearce as best pals Antonia and Margheritta, two good friends who find themselves thrust into a situation that becomes increasingly bizarre as the on stage chaos unfolds.

Equally impressive is Roger Morlidge as Antonia’s hubby Giovanni and Gurjeet Singh as Margaheritta’s other half Luigi, doing a very convincing impression of a rabbit caught in headlights when Giovanni confronts him with what he thinks is a life changing revelation.

A well scripted, superbly acted farce that was richly deserving of the standing ovation that greeted its end.

Strongly recommended. A hoot with a heart.

Star rating - ****

Until June 10. Tickets are available from 0161 833 9833 or www.royalexchange.co.uk.

Photo - Johan Persson.

Our Town - Altrincham Garrick

ALTRINCHAM Garrick presents Our Town by Thornton Wilder until May 13 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available from 0161 928 1677 or www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk.

Photo by Martin Ogden.

Events to truly take Pride in

THE Waterside Arts Centre launches Pride in Trafford, a celebration of LGBTQ+ life on May 17.

The programme begins with The Chosen Haram at the WAC’s Robert Bolt Theatre at 7pm followed by the world premiere of Bi-Topia in the adjoining venue, The Chambers. at 8.05pm.

Audience members should note space is limited in The Chambers and the advice is book early to avoid dissapointment.

Tickets and further details are available from 0161 912 5616 or www.watersidearts.org.

Further information is also available from prideintrafford.org.

A very different take on charismatic former PM

I HAVE been reviewing live theatre, amateur and professional, for more than 30 years and, rather foolishly, thought I’d seen it all.

But I was wrong.

TONY! - Tony Blair The Rock Opera is coming to The Lowry from October 2-7 and its being billed by its creators, as a show for “lovers and haters” of the charismatic former PM.

For ticket details and further information call 0343 208 6000 and you can also book online at www.thelowry.com.

Pronoun - Lauriston Studio at Altrincham Garrick

WHILE I’ve always hated prejudice in all its forms, Pronoun was a real education for me. This wonderful piece of writing, full of insight, honesty and humour, lays bare the challenges members of the trans community still face today.

However, at no point in the evening will you the audience feel like you’re being preached at, with writer Evan Placey telling the story in a way that is insightful, inspirational and completely free from cliches.

Director Peter Brassington must have thought all his birthdays had come at once when this cast turned up for the first rehearsal and he certain makes use of the talent at his disposal. This production is so good I simply didn’t it want to end.

Portia Dodds is outstanding as a female character desperate to right what she sees as a natural wrong and finally and irreversibly become Dean by having the surgery and complete her biologicaltransition from female to male.

James Dean was the coolest dude ever to grace a cinema screen and he appears in this gem of a play as a sort of agony uncle for Dean and while the late Hollywood heart throb will never be replaced, Sam Evans certainly gives a flavour of the Hollywood great.

It seems wrong singling out individual performances, as Charlotte Cosh, Liam Dodd, Teej Jackson, Rachel Jacquest and Bronte James also play a major part in creating a piece of theatre richly deserving of its standing ovation on opening night.

Pronoun is an amateur production only in name and I urge you not to miss this important and challenging play.

Suitable for over 14s only.

Until April 30. Star rating - *****

Tickets are available from 0161 928 1677 or www.altrinchamgarrick.co,uk.