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REVIEW: Paddington in Concert

Reading Time: 2 minutesPaddington in Concert, presented by STUDIOCANAL and Raymond Gubbay Limited, is an enchanting experience that beautifully encapsulates the timeless charm of this beloved tale. As someone who has surprisingly not been enchanted by Paddington's adventures since childhood (as this was my first viewing of the tale), I found this concert to be a delightful celebration of everything that makes the story so enduringly special – even for a 26 years old child!

REVIEW: Cluedo 2

Reading Time: 2 minutes“Cluedo 2 – The Next Chapter” unfolds against the elaborate backdrop of the iconic Cluedo board, bringing to life the classic game in an inventive way I didn’t expect. As the characters move around the board, I was really captivated by the ingenuity of the set design and how seamlessly it translated the game to the theatre. The show is very good at staying true to the board game giving it a nostalgic feel I just loved. Each set was unique and had purpose, there were a lot of moving parts from room to room and the cast made each change seamless. 

REVIEW: The Long Shadow of Alois Brunner

Reading Time: 3 minutesThe Collective Ma’louba’s latest production, “The Long Shadow of Alois Brunner,” invites audiences on a captivating journey through the tangled webs of history, memory, and human experience. The collective always performs in Arabic, with English subtitles projected onto a screen. It was easier than I expected to watch the actors whilst following the subtitles - but I would suggest coming in early and getting a seat as close to the front as you can if you are not an Arabic speaker. 

REVIEW: Opera North: Cavalleria Rusticana/Aleko

Reading Time: 2 minutesOpera North's double bill of Cavalleria Rusticana by Pietro Mascagni and Aleko by Sergei Rachmaninoff is a captivating exploration of intertwined desires, dramatic contrasts, and thematic reflections. The juxtaposition of these two operas creates a rich tapestry of emotion and narrative, each enhancing the other's impact.

REVIEW: Dark Noon

Reading Time: 2 minutesDark Noon, hosted at Aviva Studio, Factory International is a theatrical tour de force that deftly blends humour, shock, and social commentary to offer a radical perspective on the Wild West and modern America. From the outset, it's clear that this production is not going to shy away from discomfort, and it certainly doesn't disappoint in challenging its audience.

REVIEW: The Sleeping Beauty: Birmingham Royal Ballet

Reading Time: 2 minutesBirmingham Royal Ballet's rendition of the timeless classic, The Sleeping Beauty, enchants audiences with its captivating portrayal of Princess Aurora's journey. Directed by Carlos Acosta, the production boasts a level of artistry and finesse that is truly commendable. With coaching support from former Principal, Dame Darcey Bussell, BRB dancers excel, embodying the essence of the story with remarkable skill and grace.

REVIEW: Twelve Angry Men

Reading Time: < 1 minuteTwelve Angry Men, based on the 1957 film,  follows the experience of 12 men on a jury deciding the fate of a 16 year old boy who allegedly killed his own father with the guaranteed penalty of death; guilty or not guilty? That is the question.

The retelling of the court case through the discussions within the jury room allows the audience to understand the details of the case and be shocked by the revelations that the men make. The men, who are burdened with deciding the young boy's fate, unravelled their individual opinions, prejudice and anguish.