Your Go-To Theatre Blog For Reviews, News, And Insights On West End Shows,
Regional Theatre, Exhibitions, And Family Days Out.

Our Waitress the Musical review takes us back to Joe's Diner as the 10th anniversary UK tour arrives at The Lowry, Salford. With stunning vocals from Lucie Jones, brilliant comedy from Bernadette Bangura and Sara Bareilles' unforgettable music, this much-loved musical is still a five-star favourite.

The Littlest Yak brings Gertie's snowy adventure to life with wonderful puppetry, catchy songs and fantastic performances. Read our five-star review of this delightful family theatre production at HOME Manchester.

In our Not Now, Bernard review, we share our experience of Roustabout Theatre's colourful adaptation of David McKee's much-loved children's book. With live music, hilarious physical comedy, audience participation and an enormous purple monster, there was plenty for the whole family to enjoy!

The Sylvia UK Tour brings the extraordinary story of Sylvia Pankhurst to life in a spectacular musical starring Beverley Knight and Naomi Katiyo. With phenomenal choreography, outstanding performances and an incredible soundtrack, Sylvia: A Musical Revolution is a powerful and unforgettable five-star production!

The Choir of Man at The Lowry delivers an unforgettable evening of outstanding harmonies, inventive choreography and heartfelt storytelling. With a fully functioning onstage pub, plenty of audience participation and a spectacular performance involving 243 local choir members, this five-star production is a wonderful celebration of music, friendship and community.

King Lear at the Royal Exchange Theatre stars David Threlfall in a bold, contemporary production of Shakespeare's tragedy. With outstanding performances, striking staging and some genuinely shocking moments, this four-star production makes a lasting impression.

Little Shop of Horrors at Hope Mill Theatre is a blooming brilliant five-star production! With an outstanding cast led by Jed Berry and Maisie Smith, imaginative staging, impressive Audrey II puppetry and a sensational performance of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's unforgettable score, this is a musical theatre treat not to be missed.

The Silence of the Lambs at The Lowry transforms the iconic psychological thriller into a dark, atmospheric and utterly gripping theatrical experience. Read our five-star review.

High Society at The Lowry brings Cole Porter's classic musical to Salford in a glamorous production starring Helen George, Julian Ovenden and Freddie Fox.

The Blossom Bird at Manchester Central Library is a gentle and interactive children's show combining puppetry, flower folklore, music, movement and audience participation in a story about belonging and self-belief.

Our five-star High School Musical review from The Lowry. Fantastic choreography, clever staging and an excellent cast bring East High and the Wildcats to life in this spectacular new production.

Our 5-star review of The Magic Bookmark at HOME Manchester, a colourful family adventure filled with books, original songs, puppetry, audience participation and plenty of pantomime fun.

Tales From The Lighthouse at HOME Manchester takes families on a magical voyage filled with live folk music, storytelling, folklore and fantastic puppetry.

Dear Zoo at Lowry brings Rod Campbell's much-loved children's book to life in a colourful stage production filled with puppets, familiar animals, music and plenty of opportunities for young audiences to join in.

Le Navet Bete bring Greek mythology to life with Oh Zeus! at The Lowry, a fast-paced comedy filled with slapstick humour, inventive staging and outstanding performances from a cast of just three actors. Read our 4-star review.

Our review of The Spy Who Came in from the Cold at The Lowry, starring Ralf Little in the first stage adaptation of John le Carré's classic Cold War spy novel. Discover whether this complex spy drama is worth seeing.

Fun Home at the Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester is a deeply moving and beautifully crafted musical that combines outstanding performances, emotional storytelling and an intelligent score to create one of the most powerful productions currently playing in Manchester.

Thespians at HOME Manchester marks Mischief Theatre's first venture into musical theatre, combining Ancient Greece, catchy songs and plenty of trademark Mischief chaos in an entertaining and ambitious new comedy musical.

Our The Gruffalo review explores Tall Stories' magical stage adaptation at The Lowry, celebrating 25 years of this beloved family favourite with music, audience participation and imaginative storytelling.

Big, bold, brilliantly bonkers and gloriously funny, Something Rotten at Manchester Opera House delivers unforgettable songs, spectacular choreography and some of the biggest laughs I've experienced in a theatre for years.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow delivers some of the most astonishing stagecraft I've ever witnessed. While the storytelling didn't always match the extraordinary production surrounding it, the breathtaking visual effects, remarkable performances and sheer technical ambition make this a West End experience that's unlike anything else currently on stage.

Operation Mincemeat at the Fortune Theatre is one of the West End's most original musicals, blending razor-sharp humour, unforgettable songs and genuine emotion. Find out why this extraordinary production earned our five-star review.

Our 3.5 star review of The Ballad of Johnny & June at The Lowry, featuring iconic Johnny Cash songs, strong performances and an emotional look at the lives of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash.

Read our Balloonatic review from Z-arts Manchester. Magic Gareth delivers colourful family fun packed with giant balloons, magic tricks, comedy and audience participation.

4 star Malory Towers at HOME Manchester review. Emma Rice’s adaptation of the Enid Blyton classic brings friendship, live music and boarding school adventures to the stage in a heartwarming and uplifting family theatre production.

Carrie Hope Fletcher leads a heartfelt and emotional production of Waitress at the Palace Theatre Manchester, balancing humour, heartbreak and unforgettable music.

Bluey’s Big Play returns to The Lowry with colourful sets, fantastic puppetry, hilarious moments and a hugely fun keepy uppy finale. Read our family theatre review.

Read our 4-star review of The Karate Kid The Musical at Manchester Palace Theatre, featuring impressive choreography, strong performances and plenty of nostalgic feel-good moments.

Our review of The Choir of Man at Manchester Opera House — a joyful and uplifting musical celebrating friendship, community and connection through live music, pub singalongs and incredible performances.

The Detective Dog at Z-arts – A Fun, Inclusive Family Theatre Adventure Full of Books, Music & Mystery We are huge fans of Julia Donaldson books in our house, so The Detective Dog has always been a favourite with Alice and Leo. We first saw this production last year at Waterside Arts and remembered how much the children enjoyed it, so we were really looking forward to seeing Nell’s mystery adventure again during its visit to Z-arts Manchester. Adapted and produced by Tiny & T

Our 5-star review of Bank of Dave: The Musical at The Lowry. A funny, heartfelt and proudly northern new musical packed with humour, community spirit and brilliant performances.

Legally Blonde The Musical at Liverpool Empire is a dazzling, high-energy production packed with powerhouse performances, unforgettable choreography, and all the pink-filled fun fans could hope for. This fabulous UK tour proves Elle Woods remains one of musical theatre’s most inspiring heroines.

Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! delights Liverpool families with spectacular puppetry, vibrant staging, favourite songs and magical interactive fun in this five-star family spectacular.

Mika and the Polar Bear review at Z-arts – a magical 5-star family show blending dance, puppetry and storytelling, perfect for children aged 4–11.

Our 4-star review of The Boy at the Back of the Class at The Lowry. A powerful, family-friendly production that blends humour and heart while exploring important themes.

Zog at The Lowry is a fun-filled family theatre show packed with catchy songs, puppetry and heartwarming storytelling—perfect for young audiences.

A joyful, high-energy family show about sisterhood, skateboarding and staying connected through life’s biggest changes, Sisters 360 is both uplifting and full of heart.

Our 4-star review of A Squash and a Squeeze at Sale Waterside. A colourful, imaginative stage adaptation of the Julia Donaldson classic, packed with puppetry, music and fun for young audiences.

Our review of Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts at The Lowry explores this first stage adaptation of the iconic detective, starring Tom Chambers in a compelling but uneven mystery.

Top Hat the Musical at The Lowry is a dazzling, feel-good production packed with iconic songs, elegant choreography and stunning Art Deco design—pure theatrical escapism.

Eric & Ern at The Lowry is a nostalgic and heartwarming tribute to Morecambe and Wise, featuring classic sketches, music and strong performances in a charming family-friendly show.

Our Brave Bettie Z-arts Manchester review explores this imaginative children’s theatre production for ages 3–8, blending storytelling, music and Zimbabwean mythology in a magical woodland adventure.

Disney On Ice Presents Into The Magic at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena is a breathtaking family spectacle packed with iconic Disney stories, world-class skating and unforgettable magical moments.

Mean Girls The Musical arrives at Manchester Opera House with iconic quotes, powerhouse vocals and unapologetic pink chaos. Read our five-star review of this hit UK tour production.

Our five-star Operation Mincemeat The Lowry review explores the Olivier Award-winning musical’s inventive staging, brilliant cast and unforgettable true story in this must-see theatre experience.

The Enormous Turnip Waterside Arts is a heartwarming, interactive family theatre production filled with puppetry, live music and audience participation. Discover why this delightful show earns a glowing five-star review.

Meet the Hatter at Z-arts Manchester is a visually stunning five-star family dance adventure from Joss Arnott Dance, combining projection, original music and expressive movement to spark imagination and delight young audiences.

Our review of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical at HOME Manchester explores this energetic, pop-rock adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestselling story, brought to life with imaginative staging and a dynamic cast

Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show hops into The Lowry with bubbles, songs and the adorable baby Evie Pig. A joyful, interactive theatre treat for young Peppa fans and their families.

In this The Memory of Water Octagon Theatre Bolton review, I share my thoughts on Shelagh Stephenson’s Olivier Award-winning play — a funny, reflective exploration of grief, memory and sibling relationships.