Category Review

REVIEW: Soundhouse Winter Festival: Victoria Hume

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe Soundhouse Winter Festival featured an inspiring performance by pianist Victoria Hume and collaborator Chris Letcher, showcasing her album "Radical Abundance." Their ethereal yet grounded songs, inspired by degrowth principles, captivated a small audience. Hume’s warm anecdotes fostered intimacy, making the experience feel personal and inviting. "Radical Abundance" is highly recommended.

REVIEW: Lies Where It Falls

Reading Time: 2 minutesRuairi Conaghan's one-man show explores the enduring effects of trauma rooted in his childhood during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The narrative highlights the violent loss of his uncle and its impact on family dynamics. Through humor and physical performance, Ruairi confronts mental health challenges and the generational scars of conflict.

REVIEW: Soundhouse: The Rugged Island – A Shetland Lyric

Reading Time: 3 minutesThe Soundhouse Winter Festival in Edinburgh featured a captivating opening night. Pianist Amy Laurenson played songs from her debut album, complemented by guitarist Miguel Girão. Following intermission, the 1933 film "The Rugged Island" was screened with a live score by fiddle player Catriona Macdonald and Inge Thomson, creating an immersive experience celebrated for its Scottish creativity.

REVIEW: The Little Mermaid

Photo Credit: Paul Coltas

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe pantomime, inspired by 'The Little Mermaid', features Danny Crabstix and his comedic struggles with love. The show captivates with vibrant underwater sets, impressive costumes, and high-energy performances, particularly from Danny Adams and Joe McElderry. With clever humor and stunning effects, it provides a delightful Christmas experience for families.

REVIEW: Jack and the Beanstalk – What a Whopper!

He's Behind You!

Reading Time: 2 minutesJack and the Beanstalk: What a Whopper is an adult pantomime that humorously blends traditional elements with outrageous comedy. While the show features entertaining performances, particularly by Matthew Baldwin as the pantomime dame, it struggles in its second half as the novelty of its shock humor fades. Ultimately, slight edits could enhance its impact.

REVIEW: Spend Spend Spend

SPEND SPEND SPEND A Musical by: Steve Brown and Justin Greene ; Inspired by the life of: Viv Nicholson ; Cast: Rachel Leskovac, Rose Galbraith, Rebecca Thornhill , Alex James-Hatton,  Joe Alessi, Lejaun Sheppard ; Ensemble: Jamil Abbasi, Abigail Brodie, George Crawford, Ayesha Maynard, Rachel Moran, Alfie Parker, and Karen Wilkinson ; Directed by Josh Seymour ; Designer: Grace Smart ; Lighting Designer: Jack Knowles ; Sound Design: Richard Brooker & Nick Lodge ; Choreographer & Intimacy Director: Lucy Hind ; Music Supervisor, Arrangements and Co-Orchestrator: Ben Ferguson ; Co-Orchestrator & Orchestral Manager: Matthew Malone ; Musical Director: Livi van Warmelo ; Voice & Dialect Coach : Natalie Grady ; Music Preparation: Matt Smith ; Casting Director: Jim Arnold CDG ; Associate Director: Nickie Miles-Wildin Birkbeck ; Assistant Director: Elizabeth Laurence ; Assistant to Choreographer: Simone Amps ; BSL Interpreted by: Lizzie Wharton ; Reed I: Diane Hammond ; Reed II: Jessica Tomlinson ; Trumpet: Mia Plummer ; Keys & Musical Director: Livi Van Warmelo ; Guitars: Sam Quinn ; Bass: AJ Brinkman ; Drummer: Oliver Pooley ; Royal Exchange Theatre ; Manchester, UK ; 22 November 2024 ; Credit & copyright: Helen Murray ; www.helenmurrayphotos.com

Reading Time: 3 minutesSpend, Spend, Spend is a vibrant musical at the Royal Exchange Theatre, chronicling the life of Viv Nicholson, a football pools winner. With humor and depth, it showcases her rise and fall through wealth, loves lost, and personal struggles. Strong performances, especially by Julie Armstrong and James Lyne, enhance its engaging storytelling.

REVIEW: Nobodaddy

Reading Time: 2 minutesMichael Keegan-Dolan's "Nobodaddy" is an avant-garde interpretation of William Blake's poem, blending dance and folk-rock music into a mesmerizing performance. The choreography is distinctive, highlighting each dancer's individuality amidst a playful atmosphere. With effective staging and haunting vocals, the show delivers an uncanny experience filled with delightful oddities and emotional depth.