Author: Neysa Killeen

ROMEO & JULIET – REVIEW – ROYAL EXCHANGE THEATRE

26th October 2023

A near-perfect production that is electrifying, fun, and modern. Romeo & Juliet is director Nicholai La Barrie’s Royal Exchange debut, and it is a daunting venture. With Shakespeare, the difficulty is freshening the text and its themes; any Shakespearean production must justify its revival. While many people cite universal themes, exemplary dramatic narratives, and heritage … More ROMEO & JULIET – REVIEW – ROYAL EXCHANGE THEATRE

14% – REVIEW – CONTACT MANCHESTER

20th October 2023

A seemingly simple audio-visual experience which proffers a stunningly complex meditation on ideas of heritage and identity. Created by Keisha Thompson and directed by Nathan Powell, 14% is an immersive new play which explores football culture, identity, heritage, and modern England. For Thompson, football culture is a launchpad for discussions of identity and belonging. Thompson … More 14% – REVIEW – CONTACT MANCHESTER

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR – REVIEW – THE PALACE THEATRE

14th September 2023

This is a visually spectacular show which is defeated by a weak first act and the cast’s poor diction. Jesus Christ Superstar is a global commercial success and an important reference point in musical theatre history. This re-imaging of the Easter story as a sung-through rock opera premiered in 1970 and has been revived semi-regularly … More JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR – REVIEW – THE PALACE THEATRE

RACHEL FAIRBURN: SHOWGIRL – REVIEW – THE OPERA HOUSE, MANCHESTER

11th September 2023

Rachel Fairburn: Showgirl is a fun piece of theatre which ticks all the stand-up comedy boxes, but the show’s impact is limited by cohesion and commitment issues.  Showgirl is written and performed by Rachel Fairburn, with Tom Lawrinson as the supporting act. Fairburn has six critically acclaimed solo shows and is a regular on the UK stand-up circuit. … More RACHEL FAIRBURN: SHOWGIRL – REVIEW – THE OPERA HOUSE, MANCHESTER

AHOY! THE BALLAD OF THE TIME KRAKEN – REVIEW – GREATER MANCHESTER FRINGE

29th July 2023

Ahoy! The Ballad of the Time Kraken is a Starkid-esque production with some rollicking songs, but its narrative and pacing issues hamper it. Ahoy! is a meta-musical produced by Rocket Whip, a queer, female-led theatre company. The company aims to: “create accessible and fun theatre productions…focusing on small scale original musicals… outside of work hours … More AHOY! THE BALLAD OF THE TIME KRAKEN – REVIEW – GREATER MANCHESTER FRINGE

DEAR ELIZA – REVIEW – GREATER MANCHESTER FRINGE

27th July 2023

A hidden gem of Greater Manchester Fringe that tackles difficult subject matter with playfulness and defiance. Dear Eliza is written and performed by Barbara Diesel and premieres as part of Greater Manchester Fringe. Dear Eliza is a compilation of monologues and letters, exploring a friendship strained by mental illness. As an early career artist debuting … More DEAR ELIZA – REVIEW – GREATER MANCHESTER FRINGE

TIGERS IN WISTERIA – REVIEW – ONLINE GREATER MANCHESTER FRINGE

17th July 2023

This whimsical and beautifully written monologue unfortunately shows little understanding of its own identity.  Tigers in Wisteria is the story of the historical figure Ottoline Morrell. Morrell was an English aristocrat, literary, and political hostess, artist, pacifist, and wife in an open marriage. Written and performed by Lita Doolan, this monologue focuses on a real relationship … More TIGERS IN WISTERIA – REVIEW – ONLINE GREATER MANCHESTER FRINGE

ALL RIGHT. GOOD NIGHT. – REVIEW – MANCHESTER INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

7th July 2023

A haunting meditation on loss that combines forms to probe collective and personal tragedies. Rimini Protokoll is known for daring and immersive theatre. According to the programme, they: “like to transpose rooms or social structures into theatrical formats. Many of their works feature interactivity and a playful use of technology”. In contrast, All Right. Good Night. is … More ALL RIGHT. GOOD NIGHT. – REVIEW – MANCHESTER INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

UNTITLED F*CK M*SS S**GON PLAY – REVIEW – MANCHESTER INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

2nd July 2023

Untitled F*ck M*ss S**gon Play is a brilliantly devised and humorous play that is weakened by its non-committal ending. Untitled F*ck M*ss S**gon Play is under immense pressure to deliver. It won the International Award for the Bruntwood Prize for playwriting in 2019, and the title is a direct challenge to a giant of the … More UNTITLED F*CK M*SS S**GON PLAY – REVIEW – MANCHESTER INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL