A beautiful new version of the CS Lewis classic children’s book ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ transported the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre to Narnia last night, as we travelled throught the wardrobe with Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy, to the land of ever lasting Winter. We experienced a stunning spectacle, with gorgeous performances and a host of new songs that sound like traditional English folk tunes. This may just be perfect half term entertainment for the whole family, but with a slightly dark undertone that prevents it from being cloying. Plot The four children, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy, are transported to Scotland during WW2, stating with a kindly…

In my late teens I had an interview, along with some school friends to appear on the quiz Blockbusters. It was a disaster and, needless to say I never got the chance to ask ‘can I have a p please Bob?’ The memory though, has never left. New musical  Starter For Ten had its press night at The Rep, Birmingham last night and tells the story of Brian, and his quest to appear on the legendary quiz University Challenge, whilst simultaneously winning the girl of his dreams. It is a warm and witty tribute to that most difficult, and beloved of quizzes, and this failed quiz contestant absolutely loved it!…

So I’ll start with a true story. I first saw Priscilla the Musical around 10 years ago in the West End. I sat so high up that I virtually got a nose bleed and couldn’t see the bus (aka Priscilla) but what I could see, and hear, was great, so I was really looking forward to seeing it again at the Wolves Grand last night. I can happily say, that in the hands of the talented Bilston Operatic Company it is just fabulous. Full of great performances, with an incredible set and those iconic disco hits, Priscilla Queen of the Desert may just be the perfect night out. Synopsis Priscilla tells…

Emma Woodhouse is one of literature most infuriating heroines. Lively and charming, she is also meddling and just a little bit snobbish, and definitely believes that she always knows best. Now, in a wonderful new adaptation by Ryan Craig, the life Jane Austen’s memorable Emma is brought to life on the stage in a glorious slice of theatre that had it’s press night at the Birmingham Rep Theatre last night. The Plot Emma Woodhouse is a matchmaker to everyone but herself, but her mismatched meddling causes problems for those around her. She often ignores true love, and can’t see that her own perfect match is right under her nose. Her…

It was a classic crime thriller. Then it became an iconic 1990s movie. Now Patricia Highsmith’s The Talented Mr Ripley has been adapted by Mark Leipacher into an unmissable theatre experience, one with an astounding titular performance from Ed McVey. Tom Ripley is a nearly man, a nobody you would pass without a second glance on the street. His life is going nowhere until he is tracked to a New York bar by Herbert Greenleaf (Christopher Bianci). Herbert wants Tom to help him persuade his son Dickie to return from Italy to America. He mistakenly feels that Tom could help in this, when, in truth, Tom barely knows Dickie. Unable…